If you’re a woman who lives by yourself – you’re, well, not exactly alone. Statistics from 2023 revealed that 52% of individuals who live solo in the UK were women. Amongst those aged between 65 and 74 years old who lived solo, nearly 60% were, again, women, with the figure rising to 68% for those aged 75 years and over.
There is no denying that being a woman and living alone can make you more vulnerable to criminal activities such as break-ins and sexual assault. You might be a young adult carving out a life for yourself, a middle-aged divorcee starting over, or a widow enjoying your golden years. Whatever your age or circumstance, living alone doesn’t have to be a life of fear.
We asked an expert locksmith York about the most important preventive measures women living solo need to know. Use this list to check off what you’ve already done and discover what else you still need to work on.
8 Security Essentials for Women Who Live Alone
- Replace the locks.
Whether you’ve just moved in or have been living in your home for some time, it’s essential to change the locks. Previous owners or tenants may still have copies of keys and if they do, there’s always a risk they could gain access to your property . Additionally, whilst it was unoccupied, your new space may have attracted the attention of potential burglars who could be waiting for a new tenant to move in with their belongings.
Replacing the old locks should be at the top of your security checklist. It’s best to consult a professional locksmith on the most suitable locks for your doors and have them handle the installation as well. As someone living alone, your security is at stake – but with help of an experienced locksmith, your new locks can provide the best protection possible.
- Strengthen your front door security.
When breaking-in, burglars typically check the front door first. Some intruders even ring the doorbell to get the occupant to open the door, making it easier to proceed with their criminal plan. All this emphasises how crucial it is to robustly secure your front door.
According to locksmiths, there are several ways to do this. The simplest is by installing a door restrictor. These devices limit how far the door can open, allowing you to screen who is standing outside whilst preventing them from forcing their way in.
However, door restrictors alone don’t provide sufficient protection from unwanted guests. Our expert locksmiths advise installing a peephole on your front door so you can see the person on the other side without opening it. Another good option is a video doorbell, a gadget that allows you not only to see who’s at the door but to speak with them even if you’re actually somewhere else as it works through a smartphone app.
Along with a door restrictor and a peephole or video doorbell, adding a secondary high-quality lock will further reinforce your front door security. For even stronger protection, they recommend installing a security screen door – preferably one made of wrought iron – which serves as a heavy-duty barrier between you and anyone outside your door.
- Install a video surveillance system.
Security cameras are so effective at deterring intruders that, in some cases, simply putting up signs indicating their presence is enough to do the job. However, having both signs and cameras is still the wisest solution. Visible cameras are far more powerful deterrents, especially when professional burglars are involved.
For a video surveillance system to work effectively, the cameras need to be properly installed and strategically positioned to cover the most crucial areas. Additionally, the hardware must be carefully selected as most DIY video surveillance systems lack durability and come with limited warranties. They may also require a certain level of technical skill to install.
With the help of a professional locksmith, you can choose the most suitable one for your needs and ensure it’s installed correctly. Many also offer maintenance and repair services, helping to make sure your video surveillance system provides reliable protection at all times.
- Get a personal alarm.
Preparing for the worst-case scenario isn’t overreacting, especially for women who live alone. Having a personal safety device can be a lifesaver, whether it be a health, safety, or security situation. These gadgets allow you to contact relatives and emergency services instantly at the push of a button. Some models can trigger a loud alarm to alert people nearby and startle intruders whilst others can be discreetly activated to send SOS messages to your emergency contacts.
Personal alarms can be worn on the wrist and around the neck. There are also standalone versions that can be placed somewhere easily accessible in your home.
Additionally, old-school devices such as pepper sprays, whistles, and even a hammer can also come in handy during emergencies.
- Make basic security practices part of your daily routine.
When night falls, make it a habit to close the curtains or blinds. Lock all doors and windows and put any security bars in place. Make sure all the security systems are activated. Use timers to automatically switch on the TV, radio, and lights to create the impression that someone’s at home when you’re away. Additionally, with light timers, you don’t have to fumble in the dark for the switch when you arrive. Lastly, create a security checklist and make sure you’ve completed each item before going to bed.
- Make it appear that you’re not the only occupant.
The goal is for people to assume that more than one person lives in your house. Set up props in highly visible areas, such as by the front door and in the entry way. You can leave an extra pair of shoes outside the door or hang a jacket on the coat rack. You can even add a dog in the setup – a “Beware of Dog” sign can be an effective deterrent. Hanging an intimidating dog chain helps complete the illusion. Another trick is to leave a spare mobile phone around the house which you can use in different ways – for example, making it ring and answering it as if you’re speaking with a housemate, or calling the number when you’re out to make it appear that someone’s at home.
Other simple security tactics include listing a man’s name as the recipient for deliveries and using a P.O. box for mails and parcels.
- Share your whereabouts with someone you trust.
Now that you live alone, it’s crucial that at least one person you trust knows your whereabouts– preferably at all times or at the very least, when you’re out late. Never take your safety for granted, always remember that as a woman living solo, you are more vulnerable to crimes like assault and burglary, so it’s essential that you share your location with one person you really trust. In case you need help –whether it’s a life-threatening emergency or a more minor issue, someone you trust shoul know where you are. For example, if your car breaks down on a quiet road at night, that person will know exactly where to find you.
- Consider a security audit of your home by a professional.
Some burglars succeed in breaking into homes because they were able to spot a weakness in the property and used it as an entry point. To ensure that your home is well-fortified against intruders, consider arranging a professional security assessment. This involves a thorough inspection by a qualified locksmith, who will identify any vulnerabilities that may compromise your security and provide practical recommendations to address them.
Final Thoughts
Women who live alone can be especially vulnerable to being targeted by criminals. That’s why taking steps to protect your home is absolutely essential. By following the tips shared above, you can significantly reduce your risk and create a safer living environment.
For added peace of mind, it’s a good idea to work with professional locksmiths. They offer services such as security assessments, installation of locking devices, implementation of security systems, and ongoing maintenance and repair. Reach out today and learn how they can help make solo living a safer, more secure experience.
