Locksmiths are essential for securing your home in a culture where safety is a top priority. These often-overlooked professionals handle tasks ranging from lock installation and repair to providing expert advice on home security.
Lock Up for Enhanced Security
Don’t underestimate the straightforwardness of the first rule in home security: always lock up. Deadlocks and window locks, requiring a key for operation, not only increase the difficulty for intruders to enter your home but also impede a quick exit, making it tough for burglars to remove large items from your property. Ensure you don’t make it easy for criminals; avoid storing a spare house key under the front doormat, above the door, in the mailbox, under a fake stone, or in the nearby garden bed.
Lengthen Your Watchfulness to Monitor Sheds, Garages, and Side Gates
Sheds and garages can be attractive to thieves due to their infrequent use and potential lack of proper security. Avoid storing valuable items in your shed whenever possible. If your garage door has a mechanical lock, be sure to lock it before leaving. If there’s no mechanical lock, consider using a padlock from the inside. Disconnecting the power for the garage door when not needed can provide an additional security measure. Keep side gates locked at all times, not just when you’re away.
Increased Visibility Bolsters Security
A well-kept property isn’t just pleasing to the eye; it also boosts security. Landscaping around your home should prioritize both aesthetics and visibility. Trim trees and shrubs to maintain a clear view of your property. Remove bushes that might block doorways, access paths, or hide spots under windows. Motion-activated sensor lights are a cost-effective and efficient deterrent against burglars.
Look at the Potential of a Security Alarm System
Investing in a dependable security alarm system is crucial for home security. It’s advised to consult a professional locksmith for this purpose. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate system and ensure expert installation. Security alarms serve as a deterrent to potential burglars and offer peace of mind, particularly during your holiday absences.
Maintain a Low Profile for Your Plans on Social Media
It’s crucial not to broadcast your absence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Sharing details about your extended vacation or overseas trip may tip off potential thieves to the fact that your home is unoccupied, increasing the risk of a break-in. Keep your travel plans confidential and share them only with trusted friends and family members.
Resist Allure for Break-ins
Ensure valuable items are not easily visible from your windows. If you’ve recently made substantial purchases, like a large-screen television or a home theater system, avoid leaving the packaging where it can be easily seen. This guideline also pertains to items stored in your car, whether it’s parked at home or away.
Generate the Appearance of Habitation
An empty letterbox filled with mail, catalogues, and junk mail is a clear sign that a house is unattended. Whether it’s a vacant property or a family on vacation, it can pique the interest of thieves. Request a family member or neighbor to collect your mail while you’re away. Additionally, ensure that the bins are placed for rubbish collection and later put away. Consider measures like turning on lights, occasional garden watering, or lawn mowing (if applicable) to create the illusion of an occupied home. If you have newspapers or food boxes delivered, don’t forget to suspend these services temporarily.
Inventory and Ensure the Safety of Your Belongings
Identify your belongings both in your residence and workplace. Take photographs of your valuables and maintain a record of important items, noting make, model, and serial numbers. Think about conducting a video tour of your home, documenting items in cupboards and other spaces. Make sure your photos and videos are securely stored or backed up in the cloud. Furthermore, having insurance for your belongings provides an additional layer of protection.
Preserve High-Value Belongings
For those who possess expensive jewelry or other irreplaceable items, consider the option of storing them in a secure safe. Seek advice from a professional locksmith to find the right safe for your needs and ensure its proper installation. While some burglars might attempt to take a safe, its correct installation is crucial to maintain the security of its contents. It’s important to note that the installation process is just as significant as the safe itself. Exercise caution when dealing with inferior products found in certain hardware stores and retail outlets, as they may offer little more than lockable boxes and lack the security of a genuine safe.
Embrace the Control of Community
Numerous neighborhoods have active Neighborhood Watch groups. Comprising local residents, these groups are vigilant for suspicious activities and promptly report them to the police. Check if there’s a Neighborhood Watch in your area and consider enlisting your neighbors to keep an eye on your property while you’re away.
Prioritizing home security is essential and should never be overlooked. Locksmiths, with their expertise in locks and security, play a vital role in keeping your property safe. By adhering to these home security tips and consulting with a professional locksmith, you can strengthen your home against potential threats, ensuring that your peace of mind is always protected. Keep in mind, your safety and security are invaluable and deserving of every effort and investment.