Often as nights become darker there is a rise in opportunistic burglaries, therefore we have created a checklist containing some simple steps you can take to improve your home security.
Check you locks
Make sure all exterior doors and windows are locking correctly. If you have any problems call a locksmith to either service or replace your locks.
So, how can you check your locks to see if they are working correctly?
Testing it – if you don’t use a lock in your house often, your back garden door for instance, it is best to check every now and then that they still work and are in good condition. Also make sure to regularly check your most used locks and call a locksmith if anything seems out of the ordinary. Not only will this help prevent a burglary, it could help you spot a fault before it breaks completely potentially leaving you locked out or in!
Cleaning your lock– carefully cleaning your lock to remove any dirt can be vital as it can prevent the inner mechanism sticking.
Upgrade worn or damaged locks –locks will occasionally get damaged due to weather conditions, burglary attempts or wear and tear. In all of these cases it is always best to have them replaced.
Install additional locks – in addition to your basic lock, why not add some extra security to your door like a chain or a sash jammer? If you have a wooden door, having both a Yale type lock and a mortice will help increase security.
Call BAYSIDE Locksmith – while there are some steps you can take to check your locks, if you are concerned at all about them, or if they are not working correctly, it is always best to call a professional locksmith.
Check your outdoor lights
Outdoor lights ensure there are no dark areas for unwanted visitors to hide, and having fully functioning outdoor lights will help deter a burglar during the darker nights.
There are many different types of outdoor lights. Smart lighting (often called motion sensors lighting), is one of them and is quite often recommended. Besides convenience, smart lighting has many other benefits for security:
Saving energy – instead of having to turn lights on all night when not needed, a smart light only comes on when someone passes by, conserving energy.
Deter burglars– it can help prevent a burglary as it draws attention to your home, and they can no longer hide under the cover of darkness.
Long life span – these lights often come with a long life span meaning they are a good investment.
It is a well-known statistic that most burglaries in the United States happen during the day. What most people don’t know is that statistic relates to a break in and does not take into account the exterior of your property. When it comes to outdoor burglary, this usually happens from 6 pm to 6 am, so we advise investing in some kind of security lighting to help prevent this. Although most burglaries do happen during the day, some do still occur at night so security lighting will also protect you from this.
Arm your security system
It is important to have your home protected at all times, therefore invest in a top quality home security system, or ensure your own system is functioning correctly.
There are many reasons to invest in a home security system for your house, including protecting your valuables, deterring crime, allowing house remote access, lowering your home insurance and giving an overall peace of mind when it comes to the safety and security of your household.
Evaluate your exterior
Trimming shrubs and bushes will eliminate places for burglars to hide. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn and keeping the front of your house tidy in general, will indicate that someone is home even if you are absent.
Secure your shed
Once summer ends it is likely your garden equipment will go into hibernation all winter, therefore it is essential to make sure they are stored properly and securely as these could be used by burglars to break into your house. There are many ways that you can help secure your shed.
Windows – we suggest avoiding having windows in your shed as it could let whoever is looking see if it’s worth breaking in to. If you already have windows, it could be worth applying a film or spray on them to avoid seeing through them.
Position – don’t place your shed somewhere that you can’t see properly; a burglar will definitely find it a better opportunity to break in if it is in a secluded spot in your garden.
Lights – smart lighting is also suggested for a shed to act as a burglar deterrent.
Alarm – another suggestion is to add an alarm to your shed, this will again help deter a burglar but also alert you if someone is attempting to break-in to your shed. Even a dummy alarm can help in these circumstances, as most burglars will not attempt just in case it is a real alarm.
Thanks
Todd Theroux
