Wherever you call home… Protect it this National Home Security Month

 

Whether you are renting or buying, your home is so much more than just a roof over your head. It contains your most treasured possessions and is a place to make memories.

 

When looking to rent or buy a property, a number of security concerns can come to mind. You consider the type of neighbourhood, what the previous owners were like, who’s previously had keys, and how easy it is to access the property, to name a few. With statistics showing thefts rise by a massive 160% over the Halloween period*, it is important to consider home security when investing in a new property.

National Home Security Month (NHSM) is an annual initiative designed to do just that. Sponsored by Yale, the campaign aims to make Brits consider the way they keep their possessions safe and generate awareness around the importance of home security, providing helpful hints and tips.

Research by Aviva has shown that the week the clocks go back, burglaries increase by 5%*. Therefore, there is no better time to start considering security measures.

Running throughout October, NHSM will highlight a different element of home security each week. The first week introduces NHSM, and provides simple tips and advice on how to protect your home and belongings.

Week two will focus on door and window security, making sure householders are aware of the best way to secure the entry points to their home. For instance, when first moving into a property, check with the landlord or letting agent when the locks were last changed and also if the keys are patented or restricted. This means that they cannot be duplicated without proof of ownership or easily copied due to their unique design. Additionally, make sure that all locking points comply with British Standards.

Moving to a new home can be stressful enough so it is important to protect your belongings once inside your new property. Laptops, jewellery, phones and cash are the most commonly stolen items in domestic burglaries but can easily be secured away. As a result, NHSM’s third week discusses how to protect your property with a home safe or burglar alarm, and focuses on a ‘Keep it Protected’ theme.

Week four takes us to the great outdoors, looking at securing sheds and outbuildings as the evenings get darker. It’s often underestimated just how much the contents of outbuildings can be worth. Don’t leave valuable items lying around in full view and secure these safely away, as well as ladders and tools that can be used to break into the main property.

The final week considers the future of smart security and the evolution of the smart home. We’re all used to opening a car door with a remote keyfob, so why not your front door? The latest gadget and gizmos will be discussed, highlighting how these connected devices are designed to make life that little bit easier.

After the huge success of the previous two years, National Home Security Month is returning bigger and better than ever. For more information visit homesecuritymonth.com or search for National Home Security Month on Facebook and Twitter.

 

*Aviva