When choosing fresh accessories and painting over faded walls when spring cleaning about the house, don’t forget the most important improvements you should be making. Dr Steffan George, pictured, Development Director of The Master Locksmiths Association – a trade association for locksmiths – provides guidance on reviewing your home security for the longer days ahead.
External storage buildings where you keep all your highly valuable warm weather essentials such as bikes and garden furniture are prime targets for thieves. Whether it’s a garage or a shed it’s vital to secure your storage building, so invest in Sold Secure tested and correctly specified padlocks and hasp and staples. If you’ve just bought a new outdoor furniture set ready for summer, you’ll want to show it off, but it’s important not to leave it on show overnight. Many do so but this makes for an easy target for a would-be thief, so tidy it away in your secure storage building. Keep ladders, bins, and gardening tools stored out of sight and under lock & key too, as they can be used in opportunist crime to gain access to the home itself.
One third of burglars enter homes through windows so double check that all on the ground floor – and any that are accessible on higher levels – have secure key operated window locks. And when you’re in and out during the hot summer months, make sure you shut and lock the windows! As simple as it sounds, leaving the house with windows wide open is a common occurrence during the warmer months. Other security measures such as door chains, spy holes, top/bottom bolts and even CCTV are worth considering, as these can all boost security, prevent break-ins and give you extra peace of mind.
Although the days are getting longer, there will still be dark nights when your home becomes vulnerable. As well as helping you gain access to your home at night, sensor lights or dusk-to-dawn lighting can work as deterrents. Opportunist thieves often approach houses that look like nobody is at home, so invest in light timers to give the impression that someone is home. A “fake TV” is also a good idea – this device emits light that mimics that of a TV and can give the impression somebody is watching something in an upstairs room.
Finally, be sure to lock up your house and set the alarm every time you leave. It almost goes without saying, but you would be surprised by how many people that don’t do this or simply forget. Don’t leave keys on show, particularly near doors or indeed in the lock on the inside, and never leave valuables such as laptops or jewellery on display as they can tempt potential burglars.
By taking these simple security measures and investing in secure fittings, you can ensure your property isn’t vulnerable to thieves and your possessions are protected from the threat of crime. A third party accredited, licensed locksmith, such as an MLA member, will be able to assist in reviewing a property’s security and install effective security measures, helping to save money in the long term. 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 http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/security-advice/security-guidelines-for-domestic-dwellings/.
Go to www.locksmiths.co.uk to find your local MLA licensed locksmith and www.locksmiths.co.uk/homesecurity for more about lock and security guidelines.
