It’s vital to prioritise home security to ensure that your family and belongings are always safe. While in a perfect world your home will never be a victim of crime, the risk of break-ins, theft, and other threats is always there.
So, it’s worth spending the time, effort, and resources reviewing home security and making appropriate changes to guarantee the highest levels of safety for your family. Here are some of the best ways to improve home security as recommended by Lock & Key locksmith in York:
Keep Your Home Well Lit
Ensuring that your home has plenty of good lighting is a simple way to reduce the risks of break-ins, as most criminals prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. The better illuminated your home is, the less appealing it is for burglars, so consider installing motion sensor security lights throughout the property to deter criminals.
Focus on dark spots outside your home, especially near doors and windows, as burglars tend to target these areas. You can install security lights both inside and outside of the property, and it’s a good idea to contact a local locksmith, as they can recommend the best placement areas after a quick survey and ensure they’re installed properly.
Consider a Home CCTV System
CCTV systems are one of the best ways to keep your home safe from crime, working as both a deterrent and a way to gather evidence should you be a victim of a break-in or vandalism. A modern CCTV system that is clearly displayed around your property will make most criminals think twice about attempting a break-in, as most prefer to target vulnerable homes lacking security cameras.
A quality home CCTV system operates 24/7, providing around-the-clock surveillance no matter where you are, making it an investment that pays for itself. Plus, most CCTV systems are affordable, and there are various options available to suit all security and budget requirements. Consider contacting a local locksmith who can recommend the best CCTV for your unique needs!
Upgrade All Locks
While your locks may seem in fine condition, there is a good chance that they’re already outdated, especially if they’ve been in use for many years. If you want to greatly boost security around your home entrance, then think about upgrading to multi-point locks, which use several locking points throughout a door frame to greatly increase resistance.
Other lock upgrades worth consideration include anti-snap cylinders, which prevent lock snapping, one of the more common break-in methods that burglars use to gain entry. These robust cylinders are made from durable materials and feature secure pins, improving resistance to drilling, picking, and similar break-in techniques.
Deadbolts can also be a good way to increase door security, especially if paired with multi-point locks, helping to increase resistance against forced entry attempts.
These are just a few of the various lock upgrades that can increase home security while also potentially lowering insurance premiums, making them an outstanding investment. Call an experienced locksmith, such as from the team here at Lock & Key, for recommendationson locking systems for your home and to ensure the best installation possible!
Use Secure Doors and Windows
Next time you’re upgrading doors and windows, be mindful of their security rating instead of simply focusing on their appearance. Yes, you want doors and windows with a pleasant aesthetic, but it’s also crucial that they’re strong and secure enough to protect your home from unwanted entry.
For example, uPVC doors use multi-point locking systems, making them one of the most secure options on the market, especially if paired with reinforced strike plates and deadbolts. Door and window frames are also important, as they must be strong enough to withstand forced entry.
So, make sure you ask about security features, materials, and frame quality whenever you’re replacing doors and windows around your home to ensure the highest levels of security. Again, a reputable locksmith can suggest the right doors and windows to keep your home secure!
Invest in an Alarm System
Home alarm systems are another great deterrent, as most criminals prefer to avoid properties with security alarms in place. Modern alarm systems are surprisingly affordable and come with great features, such as integration with smart devices, while most will immediately alert security service providers and/or the police when triggered.
Furthermore, it’s possible to integrate alarm systems with other security features like motion sensors and CCTV for top-tier home security. With so many options available, it’s worth contacting a local locksmith, as they can suggest a suitable home alarm system and install it for you. Not only will an alarm system provide excellent home security, but it can also help lower insurance premiums!
Keep Valuables in a Home Safe
A home safe is a great way to protect valuables and important documents from theft and damage. If you own valuable jewellery or have large amounts of cash at home, then having a secure safe to store these, along with passports and important documents, is always a good idea.
There are various types of home safes available, with popular options including wall safes, floor safes, and freestanding safes, so finding one that fits your budget and security requirements should be easy enough.
Depending on the type of safe, you may need a reliable locksmith to securely install it in your home, such as those that are bolted to the wall or floor.
Be Mindful of Where You Store Keys
Too many homeowner make the common mistake of leaving their keys in or near their door. While it’s understandable to have keys nearby for convenience, doing so poses a massive security risk, as most experienced burglars can steal them using the letterbox.
So, always consider storing keys away from doors, such as on a key holder, drawer, or lockbox, while also ensuring they’re not in visible spots that might tempt an opportunistic burglar.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to maintaining home security, you can never be too cautious. Locksmiths throughout the UK recommend investing in quality security solutions like CCTV, security lights, motion sensors, and alarms to keep your home and family safe.
It’s also worth upgrading locks on doors and windows, combining them with robust security features like deadbolts, anti-snap cylinders, and reinforced plates. If you need to install or maintain any of these security systems to keep your home safe, it’s best to call an experienced locksmith agency, such as Lock & Key!
