Have a look at our top home security tips to keep your household safe and sound
1. Avoid having valuables on display:
People should be wary of leaving valuables on display for would-be burglars. This sounds so simple, but is one of the easiest ways to deter burglars, and so easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives.
2. Use Light Timers:
When homes are left unattended, setting timers on lights to make it appear that someone is home is a simple deterrent for potential burglars.
3. Consider installing a ring doorbell or security camera:
Modern technology means that video doorbells or security cameras are much more affordable and easy to install. They are a proven, effective tool to dissuade any criminals that may be scoping properties.
4. Put away garden ornaments:
Avoid giving thieves a helping hand by leaving out objects like garden ornaments that can be used to assist with forcing entry into your home. Take the extra step of locking your shed also.
5. Don’t leave keys near the front door:
Never leave keys visible near to your front door, particularly doors with glass panes. Thieves can get inventive and fish out keys via your letterbox.
6. Check your privacy settings before posting on social media:
Limiting the visibility of your social media updates to family and friends or posting your updates at a later time is a simple way to ensure you are not inadvertently advertising that your home is unattended.
7. Keep your valuables somewhere secure:
Consider investing in a safe to keep treasured items or important documents. Places like bedside drawers are the obvious locations for burglars to check for valuables.
8. Lock your windows & doors:
Always take the time to ensure all your windows and doors, especially on the ground floor, are locked before leaving your house. Whether it’s airing the house, opening a window/door while cooking or leaving the bathroom window ajar after a shower, sometimes we can forget to close them.
9. Check the CEN grade of any exterior padlocks:
Padlocks are used regularly to lock side gates or sheds. While they give a sense of security, they can be simple to bypass at times. Purchasing a high-level CEN grade padlock ensures that you have a lock that has been rigorously tested to the highest standards.
10. Turn on your alarm:
Turning on your alarm is obvious advice, but people should be aware that insurers expect them to take all reasonable steps to protect their property.
11. Install motion sensor exterior lighting:
A well-lit entrance can make burglars think twice before attempting to break into your home. Motion sensor lights activate automatically when they detect movement at the front of your house, highlighting any suspicious activity and making it more challenging for burglars to remain unnoticed.
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. We know that keeping your home protected is always a top priority - get peace of mind with Home and Contents Insurance from OUTsurance today. Click here to check out our Home Insurance page.