The dos & don’ts of security deterrents
Your home should feel safe, protected and secure at all times, whether you have left for work for the day, for two weeks on holiday or are spending the evening in front of the television. However, there are certain dos and don’ts when it comes to security deterrents for your home that you should abide by…
DO
Install an alarm system and consider one that can be activated for singular rooms throughout the property. If your home is particularly large an intruder could easily access an open back bedroom window, while you are in the front sitting room, and take items. An alarm system that runs throughout the house and that can be activated via each vulnerable room will ensure you are protected even while at home.
DON’T
Install home security products such as alarm systems that feature the name of the company who creates them in clear view, savvier burglars could buy information about how to disarm the system and gain access to your home while you’re out.
DO
Change the locks when you move into a new home. You don’t know who the previous owners were or if they still have keys to access the property.
DON’T
Leave keys in hidden places outside the property – even if they are kept in a product designed for such a thing such as a hollow rock or a can in the garage. A Telegraph article noted that more than 6,000 burglaries in the UK occurred because burglars were able to access a key, as opposed to breaking and entering.
No matter how sneaky you think you are, if a burglar is scoping out your property and watching your routine movements they might see you taking this key out of its hiding place and use it as an easy way of gaining access to your home. If you really have to keep a key outside, you can pick up a Police approved key safe and hide this near the door.
DO
Hang signs that warn potential intruders that your home is fitted with an alarm system.
It might put them off from even considering your property.
DON’T
Lie about having a system installed or a dog on the property. It isn’t hard for burglars to scope your property from the outside and see that there is no alarm system there and if they knock on the door they can quickly tell whether a dog that would guard the property is inside or not.
DO
Install a peephole on your front door, this will allow you to see who is outside and gives you the choice whether you open up or not.
DON’T
Install a glass door if you are serious about security. A peep hole of course only works on doors without glass so if you are having new exterior doors installed consider having complete panel ones to enhance your security
DO
Install motion sensor lights outside your property. Burglars are less likely to approach properties that put them in the spotlight as they approach.
DON’T
Direct these into your neighbour’s bedroom! Disputes over exterior lights are one of the most common issues between neighbours and the council can get involved if they make a complaint.
*This is a collaborative post.
Great tips! I’d have never thought of the name being on the alarm box and I pride myself on being security conscious!
This is a very good post with good points, very important to think about when owning a house especially x
Well I didn’t know that about neighbour disputes and security lights. A few months ago most houses near us were targeted – Only the houses without cctv escaped without their cars being broken into.
I had a friend whose car was stolen and was away to get away with it because her car was not alarmed or even properly insured. She now has alarmed windows in case it happens again.
Oh wow what a nightmare for them! Good to hear she is now more protected. x
My boyfriend’s family car was recently stolen by a thief who entered the house and took the keys. Now they have alarms installed on all the windows which seems like a good system.
Great post with so much detail! It’s so important to keep your home safe. I want a security system for my apartment!
xoxo, Candice
I’m hoping we can get one as well ASAP as its just a little extra peace of mind isn’t it. x
Perfect tips! Changing the keys is my number 1 easiest way to keep the security in the house I just moved in.
Yes that is a must I think and so important. Although always check with your landlord if you are renting as your terms may say they need a set. x
I always thought that I lived in a relatively safe environment, but recently has been a spate of foreing youth hanging around being annoying a, rude and nasty at tiies, I havetaken into account all the tips you have suggested . Thank you 🙂
You can never be too careful these days, which is a great shame 🙁
Oh no that is such a shame 🙁 we are moving into a place where the previous owner was subject to a distraction burglary she was almost (if not already) 90 – I think it’s just awful!
These are such great tips! Reminds me I need to install a new security system x
Great tips, especially for those who have just moved out of their parents home and need that extra psychological security, I know I would! xoxo
Oh gosh yes – it is so hard when you first move out and need that extra net. x
Great tips! We just moved into a new house and need to install a security system
Good luck with finding the right security system for you. x
There’s some great tips here, some like not having the name of alarm in view I hadn’t thought of before. You can’t be too secure these days.
These safety tips are so handy. We need to sort ours out.
These are great tips. We have a large dogs here which is pretty good for deterrent.
Haha I can imagine people find our Sal a bit intimidating sometimes. x
These are such great tips! Always looking for ways to better secure my home! Especially in todays times – so important!