Keytek Home Security Advice

According to Halifax Home Insurance, there is a 10% increase in domestic burglaries and a 40% increase in thefts during the summer. With this in mind, are you doing all that you can to secure your home and prevent it from potential intruders this summer and in the following months? The Metropolitan Police advise that the Top Ten tips for securing your home are as follows:

1. Don't leave your keys or ID documents within easy reach of doors, letterboxes or windows.
2. Close and lock all doors and windows. If you have multi-locking door handles, lift the handle, lock it with the key and remove it - LIFT - LOCK - REMOVE. Put the key out of sight but in a safe place in case of fire.
3. Lock garages and sheds so garden tools and ladders can’t be used to break into your home.
4. Keep side gates locked and wheelie bins stored behind them.
5. Use timer switches linked to lights and a radio so it appears that someone is at home.
6. Invest in a safe for valuables and sentimental items and securely fix it to a solid surface.
7. Install a visible intruder alarm system - burglars don't want to be seen or heard. 
8. Install low level 'dusk till dawn' lighting to increase visibility and deter burglars. 
9. Keep side and rear boundaries high to restrict access and front boundaries low to remove hiding places.
10. Photograph and mark valuables and sentimental items with your postcode and house number/name. Register items with serial numbers at: immobilise.com

Now that you have some great advice to help make your home more secure, are you taking precautions for your own personal security? Whether you’re out and about or surfing the web, personal security should always be carefully considered. Take a look at our personal security page for some great tips to keep you safe! http://www.keytek.co.uk/personal-security.aspx

Don’t forget about your garden security! This can sometimes be overlooked, so make sure you are doing all you can to make it safe from potential intruders. For more information and some handy tips take a look at our Garden Security Blog! https://www.keytekshop.co.uk/home-garden-security

Source: http://content.met.police.uk/Article/Top-Ten-tips-for-securing-your-home/1400031421159/crimepreventionhomesecurity http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/about_us/projects_campaigns/abssummerlockin

How vulnerable is your home

There are many different reasons why a burglar may break in to your home, although some are opportunistic whereby they will take the opportunity when it arises i.e. a door or window is left open, others will scope out your property beforehand. Therefore it is important to evaluate the security of your home to ensure your home isn’t targeted by a burglar whether it is opportunistic or pre-planned.

Ask yourself the following questions when evaluating the security of your home:

·         Are the locks on any doors and windows visible?

By making sure these are visible will help to deter a burglar as they will be able to see it will be harder to break in.

·         Are any doors or windows left open, even if it isn’t easy to access them?

Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home.

·         Ensure all your windows are locked and closed at night

When closing up your windows for the night ensure they are all locked and securely shut. If any small top windows are accidently left open or open to let in cold air overnight a burglar can easily reach through and open a large window internally.

·         Do you have any lights with sensors fitted to the exterior of your property?

Fitting lights with sensors to the outside of your home will ensure your home is well lit if an intruder was to approach your property. These will not only help to alert you and your neighbours but may deter an intruder from breaking into your home as they tend to be confident when working in the dark.

·         Is the front of your home visible from the road?

Having high walls and hedges can give a burglar protection from being seen therefore making sure your home is visible is important.

·         Is accessing your home noisy?

Consider having gravel placed on your driveway as it is impossible to walk on gravel without making a noise. The more difficult you make it for a burglar to access your home without making a noise the less likely you are to be a victim of burglary.

·         When you are on holiday or away from your home is it obvious that your home is unoccupied?

Make sure that when you are going to be away from your home for a long period of time that you do the following:

-          Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home whilst you’re away. Ask them to open and close curtains etc so that it appears that your home is occupied.

-          Cancel any deliveries such as the newspaper or milk.

-          Use the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service to hold any letters or parcels whilst you’re away to avoid any post piling up whilst your home is unoccupied.

·         Are there any ladders or equipment lying around that can be used by a burglar to gain entry to your home?

Make sure that any ladders or equipment that could be used to break in to your home are stored securely in a locked garage or shed.

Make sure you check out www.keytekshop.co.uk’s wide range of burglary deterrents to protect your home from opportunistic burglars!