The last thing you want is for your home to be broken into, but small habits and overlooked details could make it an easy target for burglars. You might not think things like forgetting to turn your alarm on or using security lights are important, but that’s far from true. Luckily it’s easy to recognise what’s putting your home at risk, and by keeping yourself one step ahead with your security, you significantly lower your chances of being burgled.
Leaving Doors Unlocked
It might sound simple, but leaving doors unlocked, even for a short trip to the shops, makes it easier for burglars to walk right in. Many burglaries happen without forced entry because people forget to lock up properly.
Always make it a habit to check all your doors before you leave, even if you’re just stepping out briefly. For added security, you could even consider installing a smart lock that automatically locks when you leave.
Neglecting Your Yard
Something you might never have considered is that overgrown bushes and untrimmed hedges can give burglars the perfect cover to hide while attempting to break in. Also, a cluttered yard with tools lying around could provide burglars with the right equipment to break into your home. It’s important to always keep your yard tidy and make sure your tools are always stored in a locked shed.
Don’t Illuminate Your Rooms
It’s easy for us to forget to draw the curtains when the sun goes down, but it’s important to note that when the lights are on, people can see straight into your home. This means both the layout of the house and any valuables will be on show to potential burglars. Make it a nightly habit to close curtains or blinds as soon as it gets dark.
Leaving Valuables in View
There’s no denying that leaving jewelry on the coffee table or laptops near windows can tempt burglars passing by. If you don’t have them already, then consider using curtains or blinds to block the view from outside, and make sure they’re always used when you’re not home.
If your valuables are worth a lot, then you might want to invest in a safe to store your items securely.
Forgetting to Use Your Alarm
If you have an alarm system but rarely activate it, you’re missing out on one of the best deterrents against burglars. While having an alarm may tell burglars that your home is protected, if they discover that it’s never in use, for example, by watching your home, then it becomes pretty useless. You should always set your alarm, no matter how long you’re away from it.
Advertising Your Holidays on Social Media
We all love to share our holiday snaps in real-time, but it also announces to burglars that your home is empty. Instead, it might be a good idea to wait until you’re home to share any photos. By keeping your holidays private, you reduce the likelihood of someone targeting your home.
Ignoring Broken Locks
It’s common knowledge that a faulty front door lock or a window that won’t latch properly is an open invitation for intruders. Even if you see it as being a minor problem, you should fix it as soon as you can. Try to regularly inspect all entry points to your home and ensure they’re secure, and consider upgrading to high-security locks for extra peace of mind.
Leaving Spare Keys in Obvious Spots
Just because you see it all the time in the movies, it doesn’t mean you should copy your favorite characters by leaving spare keys in insecure places outside your house. The flowerpot by the door or a fake rock might seem like clever hiding spots, but burglars know to check these places. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend or invest in a key safe that can be mounted on your wall.
Failing to Hide Packaging for Expensive Items
One thing you might not think of is that leaving boxes for a new TV or laptop by the bin can advertise valuables inside your home. Take the time to break down and conceal packaging in your recycling bins. This small effort can keep potential burglars guessing and prevent your home from being targeted.
Relying on Outdated Locks
Did you know that older locks are easier to pick or break, making them less effective at deterring burglars? Upgrading to modern, secure options like deadbolts or British Standard locks adds a heftier barrier to your home. A small investment like this can massively improve your home’s overall security.
Skipping Motion Sensor Lights
Try to keep in mind that a dark pathway or unlit driveway makes sneaking around easier for burglars. Purchasing something such as motion-activated lights is an inexpensive but effective deterrent, and when the area suddenly lights up, it can startle potential intruders and make them reconsider their plans.
Install these lights in prime areas, such as driveways, porches, and back gardens, to give you that extra bit of protection.
Securing Windows Effectively
You can probably agree that windows are a common entry point for burglars, especially if they lack secure locks. To keep your home safe, make sure all windows, particularly those on the ground floor, are fitted with sturdy locks.
If you like to keep windows open for ventilation, use window restrictors to allow airflow while preventing them from opening wide enough for someone to climb through.
Securing Outbuildings
Most sheds and garages are the home of tools, bikes, and garden equipment, which can all be quite expensive when added up together. However, they’re still frequently overlooked when it comes to making your home secure. Use strong locks on these outbuildings and consider installing alarms or motion-activated cameras.
Locking Cars in the Drive
Don’t ever forget to check your car, as an unlocked vehicle in the driveway can be a goldmine for burglars, who may find valuables like electronics or even keys inside. Worse still, some may use the car as cover to get closer to your home. Always lock your car and remove valuables, even if it’s parked on your property.
Maintaining Fences and Gates
Most burglars will try to access your property via a fence or gate, so it’s important to make regular checks in case they break or become wobbly. You could also think about installing locks or securing gates to strengthen your home’s security and make it difficult for burglars to break in or climb over.
Building Community Vigilance
Many neighborhoods have a neighborhood watch system, which is something you can become a part of and stay vigilant in your area. Friendly neighbors can act as extra eyes and ears for your property, and likewise, you can do the same for them. It means if they notice anything unusual, they’re more likely to raise the alarm.
Installing CCTV Cameras
No one wants to be caught illegally entering your home on camera, which means CCTV is a powerful deterrent for burglars, and even a dummy camera can make potential intruders think twice.
However, if you want to go for the real thing, then choose a high-quality system with good coverage and place cameras in visible locations. Modern systems now have mobile notifications that provide real-time updates to give you that extra piece of mind.
Recognizing Signs of Casing
Some burglars might watch your house for a while before breaking in, and that means they often leave subtle signs like unsolicited flyers, unusual markings near doors, or will even linger nearby. Try to stay alert to these red flags and report anything suspicious to local authorities, as early detection of casing activity can prevent potential break-ins.
Storing Ladders Securely
When using a ladder, always make sure you put it back instead of leaving it in the garden, as it can give burglars easy access to the upper floors. Ladders should be stored in a locked shed or garage to ensure your home stays as safe as possible.
Mixing Up Your Routine
We all love our routines, but keeping the same predictable schedule makes it easier for burglars to determine when your home is likely to be empty. To make your home less of a target, vary your routine as much as possible.
You can use timers for lights, radios, or TVs to create the impression that someone is home, even if you’re away. Carrying out simple steps like these can disrupt a burglar’s plans and add an extra layer of unpredictability to your home’s security.