No matter where you live in the UK, there is always a chance your home might be targeted by an opportunistic burglar looking to gain entry and steal your treasured possession, so it’s vital to take some precautions to help burglar-proof it and limit the risk of a break-in.
Burglary prevention isn’t too difficult either, as even just a few simple measures can significantly increase home security and deter even the most experienced criminals. Check out some of these security tips from an emergency locksmith expert at Lock & Key Leeds to help burglar-proof your home and keep your home and family safe:
Think Like a Burglar
One of the simplest ways to keep your home safe from break-ins is to think like a burglar. Every burglar wants an easy target, as this minimises the risks of them being caught, so they’re likely to target a home with no security cameras, poor lighting, open windows, and lots of blind spots that they can use for easier entry.
While it might sound strange, consider walking around your property as if you’re a burglar. Are there any obvious weak spots they’re likely to target? Do you have lots of valuables on display that might tempt an opportunistic thief? How secure are your entry points, like doors and windows?
Even just a quick survey of your home can quickly identify various weaknesses and security risks that might make it a big target for criminals. Of course, you can also call a professional locksmith to survey your home, too, as they can use their expertise to determine possible risks and recommend suitable solutions if you’re ever unsure what a burglar might target.
Make Sure Doors are Secure
Doors are one of the main entry points that burglars use to force entry into property, so it’s a good idea to focus on securing doors to deter burglars and provide that much-needed peace of mind.
There are lots of ways to improve your door security, such as upgrading locks to include multi-point locking systems, which locksmiths recommend for their excellent protection against forced entry and tampering.
You can further improve door security with deadbolts, strong hinges, and anti-snap cylinders, while reinforcing the door frame with strike plates also offers excellent protection from forced entry too.
Also, consider possible weak spots on your doors, such as glazing, as burglars might use them to gain access, even if stronger locks are in place.
Don’t Forget About Window Security
Burglars regularly use windows to break into properties, whether it’s smashing the glazing, forcing them open, or tampering with locks. You can limit these risks by installing reinforced glazing, upgrading your window locks, and swapping wooden frames with steel frames.
Other additions to window security include adding security bars or grilles, which can be unsightly but are a fantastic deterrent, as most burglars won’t bother trying to tamper with them! Security
If you’re unsure whether your windows are secure or might need some upgrades, call your locksmith to inspect them and see if they’re offering the right protection. They’ll quickly identify possible weaknesses, suggest suitable upgrades, and install them to ensure they keep your home safe!
Light Up Those Dark Areas Around the Property
Unsurprisingly, burglars prefer working in darkness to reduce the risks of being caught in the act. People often overlook how risky those dark areas around their landscape are, such as behind garden fences, narrow pathways, and tight corners.
So, simply installing some outdoor lighting around your outdoor space to increase visibility will deter most burglars. Outdoor lights with motion sensors are a great idea, as they’ll only turn on when the sensor is triggered, saving the cost of always having bright lights on.
Consider installing a Home Security System.
Home security systems are one of the best ways to burglar-proof your property, with plenty of great options available on the market to accommodate all needs and budgets.
Whether it’s a basic security alarm system or a comprehensive installation that integrates cameras, motion sensors, and smart devices, a home security system is an investment worth making to keep your home and family safe.
As previously mentioned, burglars prefer simple, low-risk targets, so the sight of a clearly displayed home security system is usually enough to deter most intruders. Of course, with so many options available, it can be hard to know what security system is best for your home, so give a local locksmith agency, such as Lock & Key, a call for recommendations based on your needs.
Don’t Make it Obvious When Your Home is Empty
Whether you’re going on holiday or nipping down to the shops, make sure you don’t clearly advertise that your home is empty, as it might encourage a burglar to break in while you’re away.
Even something as simple as leaving a few lights or the TV on makes it appear your home is occupied, helping to reduce the risk of a burglary. If you’re gone for a longer period, consider asking a friend or neighbour to grab your mail and move your bins to ensure it’s not obvious that your house is empty.
Also, as tempting as it is, try not to broadcast any holiday plans on social media, as it could alert the wrong people that there is nobody home!
Burglar-Proof Your Home with Smart Technology
Smart technology has come a long way in recent years, being a widely affordable and highly effective way to boost home security. From smart locks to smart doorbells and alarms, there are various smart devices that you can install throughout your home to minimise the risk of burglary.
These are not just great deterrents, but also a highly convenient way to monitor your home from any location. For example, you can use smart cameras and doorbells for a live security feed of your home when you’re at work or out running errands and can also alert your phone to potential security risks, allowing for a quick response should someone break in.
Conduct Regular Security Surveys
Even if you invest in new security systems, upgrade locks, and install lighting, it’s still worth regularly inspecting your property to ensure everything is working. While it’s possible to do this yourself, consider calling a local locksmith who can do a home survey.
They can inspect everything to ensure they continue doing their job protecting your home and suggest upgrades where needed. They can also complete any repairs and maintenance tasks they find when checking your property.
Final Thoughts
There are many great ways to protect your home from a burglary, such as securing your doors and windows, and installing security lights, motion sensors, and smart devices.
To burglar-proof your home from various threats, consider calling a professional locksmithing agency, like Lock & Key, which can identify possible weak spots burglars target, recommend new security systems, and install new locks and other devices to keep your home secure for the long term.
