Moving up, or onto the property ladder is one of life’s proverbial nervy experiences, like divorce, or redundancy. Ensuring your property is safe and secure should be made a priority, writes Dr Steffan George, pictured, development director of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), a trade association for locksmithing.
Your new property may be one of the most expensive assets you will ever own, which makes securing your new home all the more important. Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, ensuring your property is safe and secure can not only add value to your property, but can save money and heart-ache in the long term.
Statistics show that over two thirds of new home owners do not change the locks on their property when moving in – despite the risk that previous residents, their friends and family, or even tradesmen may still have keys to their home. Changing the locks should therefore be a top priority after moving in. We would advise you contact an MLA approved locksmith to install a patented lock system. These systems may be particularly beneficial for landlords, as they prevent keys being copied without proof of ownership, therefore restricting the number of people with access to your property.
While property experts recommend conducting a building survey, you may also want to consider having a locksmith perform a security assessment. This review will ensure you have the correct locks on windows and doors, not only to keep your property safe, but to also meet your specified insurance requirements. Your locksmith may also identify any vulnerable areas that require maintenance. Many members of the MLA will complete a security assessment free of charge.
It probably comes as no surprise to learn that burglars prefer the cover of darkness – so, installing dusk till dawn lights on your property can act as a deterrent to potential thieves. Consider installing an alarm system, as they can act as a deterrent and stop your home becoming a target for thieves. Regularly changing your alarm code, and only giving the details of this to trusted friends and family can also improve security.
If you don’t intend on moving into your property right away – consider using a number of inexpensive, yet effective tools to give the illusion that the property is occupied. Using fake TVs and timed lighting can be an effective deterrent to those who may have identified your home as a target. Reviewing external security is crucial, overgrown hedges, holes or damage to any fences and gates could be seen as opportunities to gain access to your home. Consider installing high fences around your property as a cost effective way of safeguarding your home.
Moving into a new property is an expensive time for all new home buyers however, scrimping on the cost of security can result in further expense in the long term. Always ensure you buy high quality security systems, we would recommend items that have been independently tested approved and by a certification body such as Sold Secure.
To find a locksmith in your area visit the MLA website at www.locksmiths.co.uk. To review a list of independently tested and approved security products visit the Sold Secure website at www.soldsecure.com. Security guidelines for domestic properties can also be downloaded free, from the MLA’s website.
(A survey by the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network found that 86.2pc of 6,000 respondents do not even consider changing their locks when they move house.)
