Secure your home – Think like a burglar
Thinking like a burglar may not be the most obvious approach to new home security.
Here, home security experts Mul-T-Lock show how in a few easy steps, by getting in the mindset of a potential intruder, vulnerabilities can be easily exposed; and most can be rectified quickly and inexpensively.
Do a walk-around of your house, thinking like a burglar.
Focus on entry points such as doors and windows, and think about ways to make them more secure.
In one third of all house burglaries, thieves manage to get through an open door or window without forcing an entry. And don’t forget that it’s not just the front door that can provide access to a home. The back door or patio doors are equally as important to be kept secure with quality door locks.
Think about how to manage your keys for your new home.
New homeowners are twice as likely to be burgled in the first twelve months of moving.
Is there a possibility old residents still having copies of keys? Are you planning on building works in your new home, and giving out spare keys to workers? Will there be carers who need access, family and friends to look after your home whilst you’re on holiday.
The number of ‘spare’ keys required can easily mount up, and without any patent protection, keys can be easily copied. If the spares fall into the wrong hands, a potential thief can instantly gain access and insurance companies are unlikely to accept cover.
Thieves love working in the dark.
Make sure you have plenty of exterior lights, including motion-activated systems.
Don’t underestimate simple but effective security items.
Padlocks and window bars or grates are not just great for the home, but also outbuildings such as sheds where ladders maybe stored and could provide help for a would be intruder to access a home.
In fact, anything that slows a would-be thief will make him more likely to give up. A closed gate can act as a psychological barrier but if it’s broken or left wide open, it could suggest a casual approach to security.
Invest in a security system.
Ideally choose one that has an off-site monitoring system that will be alerted if a possible security breach occurs at your home.
Be aware of potential hiding places.
Look for areas where a burglar might be able to hide, such as behind large shrubs or trees near the home. Trim landscaping around the house to give thieves less cover.
Hide your valuables.
Finally, when putting the final touches to a new home, consider avoiding displaying collectibles or other valuable items where they are easily visible from the street, as this may make it tough for a thief to resist.
In summary, just these few considerations demonstrate that there are many questions you can ask yourself when securing your new home. Taking a moment to “think like a criminal,” can help you to identify the weak points and make a difference in whether your home is a burglar’s next stop.
