No one wants to return home to find their belongings gone or their personal space invaded, and whether you live in a quiet village or a hectic city, you always need to make sure your home is secure. Thankfully, there are simple and effective measures you can take to deter thieves and protect your property. Here are 18 practical tips to help you feel safer in your own home.
Lock Up Every Time You Leave
When you’re running late, it’s always tempting to rush out the door without double-checking everything, but you need to stop doing this. Burglars often look for easy opportunities, like an unlocked window or door, so you should always take a moment to make sure all entry points are locked, including the garage or garden doors. It’s a simple habit and could save you in the long run.
Invest in Sturdy Door Locks
We all know that not all locks are created equal, and by upgrading to British Standard-approved locks, such as deadbolts or multi-point locking systems, you can give yourself peace of mind that everything is secure.
Stronger locks are harder to tamper with and send a clear message to thieves that your home isn’t an easy target.
Light Up Your Property
Never wanting to be seen means burglars prefer to work in darkness, making outdoor lighting an effective deterrent. Think about installing motion-activated lights around doorways, pathways, and garden areas. Not only do these lights deter intruders, but they also make it safer for you when arriving home after dark.
Secure Your Windows
For many burglars, windows are common entry points because it’s easy to forget that you’ve left them ajar. By installing window locks and reinforcing older frames with security film or bars, you create a safer home, helping to prevent any potential thefts. You should also remember to secure smaller windows and skylights, as they can be easier to crawl through than you might think.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
It goes without saying, but a quick glance through a window should not reveal valuables like laptops, jewelry, or gadgets. An easy way to keep your valuables out of sight is by using blinds, curtains, or frosted glass to obscure their view.
Another idea is to avoid leaving packaging from expensive purchases outside your home, as it shows you have brand-new goods in your home.
Install a Security System
It’s no surprise that a visible alarm system is one of the best deterrents against burglars. Whether professionally installed or a DIY smart alarm, cameras and sensors make thieves think twice. Many modern systems even allow you to monitor your home while you’re out, giving you extra peace of mind that everything is safe.
Get to Know Your Neighbours
If you’ve lived in your home a while, then you probably already have a strong relationship with your neighbors, and by being close to them, you’ll have an extra pair of eyes on your home when you’re away. It might also be an idea to check whether your local area has a neighborhood watch, where you work as a community ,to ensure everything stays safe.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence
Did you know that posting holiday snaps on social media can inadvertently advertise that your house is empty? It might be an idea to wait until you’re back to share your adventures so that you avoid any unwelcome visitors in your home while you’re away.
Reinforce Your Garage and Shed
As there usually isn’t enough space inside the home, garages and sheds often hold valuable tools and equipment, but this can also make them prime targets for burglars. Think about investing in sturdy locks for any outbuildings and consider installing an alarm if you have items in there that are valuable.
It might even be a good idea to chain larger items like bikes or lawnmowers to fixed points in your garage or shed.
Keep On Top of Your Landscaping
Something people often forget is that overgrown shrubs and hedges can provide hiding spots for burglars. Keep your garden tidy, and always ensure that doorways, windows, and pathways remain visible. For extra protection, you can plant thorny bushes under windows to add a natural layer of security.
Use Smart Home Technology
Nowadays, it’s easy to keep your home safe with affordable smart home devices like doorbells, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras. These modern gadgets allow you to monitor your home in real time directly from your phone. Their presence alone can deter burglars and instantly alert you to any suspicious activity.
Keep Spare Keys Secure
If burglars are watching your home, then it means they’re going to know where you keep your spare key, so leaving it under a mat or flowerpot is a massive no-no. If you need to keep a spare key, then think about giving it to someone who’s close to you, or you can purchase a key safe.
Upgrade Your Doors
Your doors play an important role in deterring burglars, and any weak or hollow ones are easy for them to force open. To protect your home, you should opt for solid-core or reinforced doors for all main entrances. Along with this, you can also add features like a peephole or video doorbell to see who’s knocking without opening the door.
Store Valuables Safely
Even with precautions, you can’t always stop a determined thief, so by storing high-value items in a hidden safe that’s bolted to the door or wall, you go the extra mile in making sure your valuables remain secure. A high-quality safe protects important documents, jewellery, and cash—just make sure you remember the code!
Install Fencing and Gates
By having a sturdy fence and gate, you create an extra hurdle for intruders. Think about investing in lockable gates and tall fences, as these work particularly well when paired with a locked side entrance. If you want to be extra cautious, then also consider having a gravel driveway so you can listen out for any unexpected noises.
Don’t Ignore Small Repairs
Small issues like a broken lock, loose window latch, or sagging gate can soon turn into a massive problem when you get burgled, so it’s best not to let these things slide and fix them as soon as you can. Keeping your home in good repair shows that you’re vigilant about security, making thieves think twice before burgling you.
Get a Dog
If you’re an animal lover, then you might want to consider getting a dog, as even a small one can be a great burglar deterrent due to its barking. A dog’s bark is loud, and this means it attracts attention, which is something most thieves aim to avoid. If you’re not ready for a pet, a “Beware of the Dog” sign can have a similar effect.
Prioritise Real Security Cameras
Lastly, think about investing in real security cameras, as while dummy cameras are affordable, they lack the ability to provide evidence and professional thieves might be able to spot they aren’t real. Purchasing functional security cameras that record activity and allow for remote monitoring means you have the tools to identify and prosecute offenders if needed.