Monday, 04 October 2021
Have you ever been the victim of a break-in?
All too often, burglaries are premeditated. Savvy criminals spend days – possibly weeks – planning when to make their move and how to gain access to your home without being spotted.
More than 75% of burglars enter via the front door. Sometimes, these are locked, and they force them open – either picking or bumping door locks or smashing the glass in windows. However, the carelessness of homeowners – leaving doors unlocked and the windows open – can make a thief's job easy.
The good news is, there are several things you can do to deter burglars from targeting your home – other than keeping your windows and doors locked at all times.
In this article, the experts at LockShop Direct share a few top tips to help maximise home security.
#1 CCTV cameras
The mere presence of a security camera, somewhere on the outside of your home, can be enough to scare potential intruders away.
CCTV cameras record what’s happening in their field of view – making you aware of any suspicious activity and helping you to catch the criminals who were lingering on your property.
Burglars are less likely to target a house with CCTV cameras as it increases their chances of being caught. And the best bit? There is a vast range to choose from today, including systems that boast night vision, weather resistance, and motion sensors.
#2 Security lighting
Burglars hate to be in the spotlight and use the cover of darkness to their advantage. Which is why it pays to keep your property well-lit both inside and out.
If there are any blind spots around your house – be it at the bottom of the garden, beside the garage, or near the shed, be sure to shine some light on them.
Whilst you could opt for floodlights to keep areas illuminated, motion sensors are a fabulous investment – sure to warn you if someone is approaching your house.
#3 Secure door locks
When was the last time you replaced your door locks? Though it’s something we’re all guilty of overlooking, vulnerabilities in the lock’s mechanism can increase the chances of someone successfully breaking into your home.
There are various door locks available – ranging from mortice locks to rim locks, night latches, and cylinder locks.
However, you can now purchase smart locks and Bluetooth locks that are intuitive and easy to use. These allow you to monitor access from your smart devices (e.g. a phone, tablet, or laptop).
#4 Video doorbells
“Hello, is anyone home?” Wouldn’t it be great if you could see and speak to the person waiting on your doorstep before you open the door to them? Well, with a video doorbell, that’s exactly what you can do!
These smart security systems notify you when there is someone at the door, whether you’re at home or out.
Not just a godsend for those with mobility issues or hearing impediments who may take slightly longer to answer the door, a push notification will be sent to your smartphone when motion is detected. That means, if someone is on your premises in the middle of the night, the footage will be recorded and can be used as evidence if necessary.
#5 A guard dog
A dog is a man’s best friend, and when you welcome a furry companion into your home, it will go to any length to protect its loving owner(s).
Some of the best security dog breeds, renowned for their protective instincts, include German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and Ridgebacks.
Although dogs are great to have around the house, we don’t suggest relying solely on them to protect you in the event of a break-in. It’s always best to have practical security deterrents in place, too.
These are just some of the things you can do to deter criminals. Many other security solutions will help to protect your property and possessions. So, if you’d like to know more or want to discuss your security requirements with an expert, call LockShop Direct on 0330 174 0851.
Author: Innocent Olwo
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