Locksmiths are vital to the security of your home in a culture that prioritizes safety. These unsung heroes manage tasks ranging from lock installation and repair to offering expert advice on home security.
Bolster Safety with Locked Entrances
Don’t underestimate the straightforwardness of the first rule in home security: always lock up. Deadlocks and window locks, requiring a key for operation, not only increase the difficulty for intruders to enter your home but also impede a quick exit, making it tough for burglars to remove large items from your property. Ensure you don’t make it easy for criminals; avoid storing a spare house key under the front doormat, above the door, in the mailbox, under a fake stone, or in the nearby garden bed.
Lengthen Your Surveillance to Monitor Sheds, Garages, and Side Gates
Sheds and garages may attract thieves due to their infrequent use and potential lack of security. It’s a good idea to avoid storing valuable items in your shed whenever possible. Always lock your garage door with a mechanical lock, or attach a padlock from the inside if there’s no mechanical lock. Adding an extra layer of security by disconnecting the power for the garage door when it’s not needed is a sensible precaution. Keep side gates locked at all times, not just when you’re away.
Optimal Visibility Fortifies Security
A well-organized property isn’t just visually pleasing; it also contributes to security. Landscaping around your home should address both aesthetics and visibility. Trim trees and shrubs to maintain a clear view of your property. Remove bushes that might block doorways, access paths, or hiding spots under windows. Motion-activated sensor lights provide a cost-effective and efficient deterrent for burglars.
Delve into the Purchase of a Security Alarm System
Installing a reliable security alarm system is a valuable investment in home security. It’s advisable to consult with a professional locksmith for this purpose. They can guide you in choosing the right system and offer expert installation. Security alarms act as a deterrent to potential burglars and provide peace of mind, particularly when you’re away on holidays.
Maintain Discretion Regarding Your Plans on Social Platforms
It’s crucial not to broadcast your absence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Sharing details about your extended vacation or overseas trip may tip off potential thieves to the fact that your home is unoccupied, increasing the risk of a break-in. Keep your travel plans confidential and share them only with trusted friends and family members.
Diminish Temptation for Intruders
Valuable items should be kept out of view from your windows. If you’ve recently made notable purchases, like a large-screen television or a home theater system, make sure not to leave the packaging where it’s easily seen. This principle also applies to items stored in your car, whether it’s parked at home or elsewhere.
Project the Appearance of Activity
An empty letterbox filled with mail, catalogues, and junk mail is a clear sign that a house is unattended. Whether it’s a vacant property or a family on vacation, it can pique the interest of thieves. Request a family member or neighbor to collect your mail while you’re away. Additionally, ensure that the bins are placed for rubbish collection and later put away. Consider measures like turning on lights, occasional garden watering, or lawn mowing (if applicable) to create the illusion of an occupied home. If you have newspapers or food boxes delivered, don’t forget to suspend these services temporarily.
Enumerate and Ensure the Safety of Your Belongings
Identify your belongings both in your residence and workplace. Take photographs of your valuables and maintain a record of important items, noting make, model, and serial numbers. Think about conducting a video tour of your home, documenting items in cupboards and other spaces. Make sure your photos and videos are securely stored or backed up in the cloud. Furthermore, having insurance for your belongings provides an additional layer of protection.
Keep Valuables Safe
If you happen to have valuable jewelry or other irreplaceable items, contemplate storing them in a secure safe. Consult with a professional locksmith to identify the suitable safe for your needs and guarantee its proper installation. Even though some burglars might try to carry away a safe, ensuring its correct installation is essential to uphold the security of its contents. Keep in mind that the installation holds equal importance to the safe itself. Exercise caution when dealing with subpar products available in specific hardware stores and retail outlets, as they may only provide lockable boxes without the security of a genuine safe.
Embrace the Impact of Community
In several neighborhoods, Neighborhood Watch groups are active. Comprised of community residents, these groups vigilantly observe for any suspicious activities and report them to the police. Verify if there’s a Neighborhood Watch in your suburb, and it’s a good idea to request your neighbors to keep a watchful eye on your property when you’re away.
Prioritizing home security is essential and should never be overlooked. Locksmiths, with their expertise in locks and security, play a vital role in keeping your property safe. By adhering to these home security tips and consulting with a professional locksmith, you can strengthen your home against potential threats, ensuring that your peace of mind is always protected. Keep in mind, your safety and security are invaluable and deserving of every effort and investment.