Better home security is something we could all benefit from and is just about making some small tweaks here or there. Here are some tips on how to improve yours from Irish security company rapidresponsesecurity.ie
Keep Your Doors And Windows Secure
A surprising number of people end up putting their property at risk by failing to use the basic security measures they already have. Every time you leave your home, make a habit of checking all of your doors and windows are closed and locked. Do this no matter how briefly you’ll be away; you don’t want your property to become a “target of opportunity” for a passing thief. Do not leave your windows open at night during the summer months. According to crime statistics, more than half (59 percent) of all burglaries take place when somebody is in the home.
Keep Garages And Sheds Secure, Too
The risk here is not so much that a burglar would make off with your tools and equipment, but that those tools could be turned against you. Ladders, crowbars, spanners, and many other handy items in your shed could make it easier for a determined thief to gain access to your home itself. Ladders boost burglars to the first story where they have less chance of being observed from the street. Even a tool as simple as a screwdriver can enable a practiced burglar to snap open a lock. Experienced thieves can do this in as little as 15 seconds – so ensure you do the most to be safe and also that your home is covered when you’re not there.
Don’t Leave Keys In Plain Sight
As noted above, thieves can be attracted to your property over other alternatives if they see something that tempts them. Keys and easily-purloined valuables act as very tempting targets. Burglars will use inventive tools – or simply their arms – to retrieve tempting valuables left visible and within reach through your letterbox. A pair of car keys left in this vulnerable situation would allow a thief to grab them and steal your vehicle without leaving behind any signs of disturbance. You may want to think about installing a letterbox with brushes. Besides obscuring the line of sight of potential burglars, it also helps with draughts.
Skip The Spare Key
Accidentally locking yourself out of your home is irritating. A lot of people deposit spare keys somewhere on their property to help out in situations like this – and burglars know it. Determined thieves will check all of the likely spots, such as under door mats and plant pots. They’ll also have a sharp eye out for fake rocks and other commercial key-hiding gadgets. Instead of making your property vulnerable by leaving keys out, leave a spare with someone you can trust, like a relative, close friend, or neighbour.
Light Up The Exterior Of Your Home
Outdoor lighting can be an effective deterrent to thieves. Lights equipped with motions detectors are an excellent choice. The sudden illumination will draw exactly the sort of attention that burglars don’t want and can be enough to send thieves packing all on its own. Review the specifications of the motion sensors carefully when you buy security lights. You want to make sure that the sensors reach important points of entry, i.e. doors and windows. You may need to move your lights around or purchase additional ones to cover your property fully. Dim lights which stay burning throughout the night can also help make your property less attractive to criminals.
Alarm Systems
Any thief who peeks in your window and sees a burglar alarm is very likely to move on to less challenging targets. Real alarms and dummy alarms both serve this deterrent purpose. If you invest in a full alarm, make it a habit of changing the security code regularly. Dummy alarm panels are a cheaper alternative and provide the deterrent effect, though they obviously lack the ability to raise a genuine alarm if confronted with a determined thief.
October 13, 2016