5 home security basics

Many instances of domestic break-ins and burglary are opportunistic – the thief sees an opportunity and takes it. Here are a few simple things you can do to protect your home, before you spend up big on home security.

1. Lock the garage and shed

Garden sheds or garages present thieves with the tools they need to break in to your home. For example, a ladder left lying around the garden will not only offer a thief something he can sell, it also gives him the perfect tool to break into your home.

Make sure your garden shed or garage is locked when not in use with a case-hardened padlock or high grade chain. This will also help to secure items such as lawn mowers, bicycles, surfboards or garden tools.

2. Fit sensor lights

Sensor lights on the outside of your house make a powerful deterrent. They are activated when something moves across their path, so any intruder who is considering breaking in to your home should be discouraged by the possibility of exposure.
Sensor lights can be powered by solar cells, batteries or wired to your electrical mains. When setting up sensor lights, make sure they are not so sensitive that the family pet will set them off.

3. Use high quality locks

When heading down the home security path, good quality door and window looks are an essential starting point. You might also consider fitting a wire mesh security screen door to front and rear doors. This way you can still let breezes flow through your home whilst remaining secure.

Be aware of cheap imitations. When security is at stake, it’s usually wise to buy the best quality available. Steel roll down shutters can also be fitted to windows.

4. Clear the line of sight

Overgrown branches, thick bushes, large trees and high fences provide thieves with the perfect cover from the street and give them all the time they need to open a door lock or window. To help protect your home, clear the line of sight from the street to doors and windows.

5. Engrave and record valuables

Items such as digital cameras, televisions or stereo systems should be engraved with their unique serial number. Keep a record of all serial numbers in a secure location, preferably outside your home (e.g. a bank security deposit box).

If you have a lot of valuable jewellery, consider locking it in a bank security deposit box, or at least take a photo of each valuable item with a description and ask your solicitor to keep a copy of this information for you.