There’s no denying that home break-ins and burglaries are distressing and unpleasant. However, it is clear that many home break-ins can be avoided through enhanced home security. Home security professionals, understand this well and know exactly how a home can be made more resistant, and its occupants better protected, from burglars.
To keep your family safe and to look after the contents of your home as effectively as possible, there is a number of things that you can do.
1. Make your House look Occupied
Nothing is more enticing to a burglar than a home that appears empty. If you are going away, or if your home is unattended for extended periods throughout the day, it’s important to avoid broadcasting this fact.
Automatic light timers used throughout so that your usual patterns are mimicked are a great idea. If these timers have more than one on-off cycle, an illusion of movement between rooms can be created. Timers that work on a similar premise can also be used so that radios and televisions turn on and off.
While away, lawns should be cut and it is wise to ask a neighbour to collect your mail rather than leaving it to build up and eventually overflow from your letterbox. Similarly, it’s wise to ask a neighbour to put your rubbish bins out while you are away.
2. Make a Break-in Difficult
To keep your family safe, ensure that access to your home is as difficult as possible. It is true that homes that are difficult to enter are less likely to be broken into.
To protect your loved ones and your belongings, never leave windows and doors unlocked. You should also never leave a key to your home in an outside location where it can easily be found.
The use of doors that are metal or have a solid core is wise and external doors should be secured with deadbolt locks of excellent quality. It is also wise to use locks that feature an internal anti-saw pin as locks of this type are hard for a thief to cut through using a hacksaw.
3. Invest in a Burglar Alarm
Contrary to popular belief, effective burglar alarms do not have to cost a ridiculous amount and, in many cases, they are well worth the price paid. Essentially, burglar alarms are an effective way of deterring thieves.
Many burglar alarms operate so that selected zones can be activated. This means it is possible to activate the zones of the home in which you do not sleep, while ensuring that other areas of the home are alarmed as you sleep with the reassurance that your family and your home are protected. Best of all, burglar alarms can be used and are appropriate in homes of various sizes.
4. Fit CCTV
An increasing number of people are opting to have CCTV systems fitted to their homes. Contemporary systems are actually quite inexpensive and they are more attractive than many of their earlier counterparts.
Knowledge that a CCTV system operates at your home can be enough to deter a would-be burglar but if your home is targeted, the footage captured will provide police with helpful evidence.
5. Add Another Member to the Family… a Dog
Dogs are not for everyone or every household, but the mere presence of a dog can be a wonderful deterrent for thieves. In particular, a dog that barks and growls loudly is likely to scare off a thief and draw the attention of neighbours.
By following these steps, the chances of your home being broken into are reduced. Home safety and security is always a wise investment and a highly effective way to ensure the protection of your family and possessions.