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 Peace of Mind
A foundational yet often overlooked principle of home security is to consistently lock up. Deadlocks and window locks, requiring a key for operation, not only increase the difficulty for intruders trying to infiltrate your home but also impede a rapid exit, making it challenging for burglars to transport large items. Always remember, don’t make it convenient for criminals; avoid storing a spare house key in predictable places like under the front doormat, above the door, in the mailbox, under a fake stone, or in the nearby garden bed.
Lengthen Your Vigilance to Secure Sheds, Garages, and Side Gates
Because sheds and garages are often used infrequently and may lack proper security, they can be inviting to thieves. It’s advised not to store valuable items in your shed whenever possible. Lock your garage door if it has a mechanical lock, and if not, consider using a padlock from the inside. Disconnecting the power for the garage door when not needed can enhance security. Always keep side gates locked, not only when you’re absent.
Improved Visibility Augments Security
Ensuring a tidy property isn’t only about appearance; it also improves security. Landscaping around your home should consider both aesthetics and visibility. Trim trees and shrubs to ensure a clear view of your property. Eliminate bushes that could obstruct doorways, access paths, and hiding spots under windows. Motion-activated sensor lights are an affordable and effective deterrent for burglars.
Examine the Benefits of a Security Alarm System
One of the most effective investments for home security is the installation of a trustworthy security alarm system. Seeking advice from a professional locksmith is recommended. They can assist you in choosing the appropriate system and ensure expert installation. Security alarms not only discourage potential burglars but also offer peace of mind, especially during holiday absences.
Keep Your Plans Hush-Hush on Social Platforms
Refrain from advertising your absence on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Announcing information about your extended vacation or overseas trip can alert potential thieves to the emptiness of your home, making it vulnerable to break-ins. Keep your travel plans private and share them only with trusted friends and family members.
Counteract Luring Burglars
Keep valuable items out of sight from your windows. If you’ve made significant purchases, such as a big-screen television or a home theater system, refrain from leaving the packaging in plain view. This principle also applies to items stored in your car, whether it’s parked at home or away.
Build the Illusion of Continuous Habitation
An empty mailbox brimming with mail, catalogs, and junk mail is a clear signal that a house is unattended. Whether it’s an empty property or a family away on vacation, it can draw the interest of burglars. Ask a family member or neighbor to pick up your mail while you’re absent. Additionally, ensure that the bins are out for rubbish collection and later put away. Consider tactics like turning on lights, occasional watering of the garden, or lawn mowing (if applicable) to create the illusion of an occupied home. If you have newspapers or food deliveries, don’t forget to pause these services temporarily.
Compile and Safeguard Your Possessions
Ensure you recognize your belongings, both at home and at work. Photograph your valuables and keep a register of significant items, specifying make, model, and serial numbers. Consider creating a video tour of your residence, documenting items in cupboards and various spaces. Ensure the secure storage or backup of your photos and videos in the cloud. Additionally, having insurance for your belongings gives an extra layer of protection.
Safeguard Your Expensive Belongings
If you own valuable jewelry or other irreplaceable items, think about placing them in a secure safe. Consult a skilled locksmith for advice on the suitable safe for your requirements and to guarantee its proper setup. Though burglars may try to carry away a safe, proper installation is vital for preserving the security of its contents. Keep in mind that the installation holds equal significance to the quality of the safe. Exercise caution regarding subpar products available in certain hardware stores and retail outlets, which may provide nothing more than lockable boxes lacking the security of a genuine safe.
Embrace the Sway of Community
Many neighborhoods have Neighborhood Watch groups in operation. These community-based groups involve residents who actively monitor for suspicious activities and report them to law enforcement. Check if there’s a Neighborhood Watch program in your area, and consider enlisting your neighbors to keep an eye on your property during your absence.
Never underestimate the importance of home security. Locksmiths, experts in locks and security, play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety of your property. By implementing these home security strategies and seeking guidance from a professional locksmith, you can enhance the protection of your home against potential threats, ensuring that your peace of mind remains intact. Remember, your safety and security warrant every effort and investment.