When you enter your home, it should feel like the safest and secure place in the world. But when a home burglary occurs, your once beloved home can now feel completely different. The thought of a stranger going through your belongings and walking through your home is enough to make anyone feel vulnerable. You understandably want to protect your family from the distress and upset that a burglary can bring. While installing an alarm system is a fantastic first step, there are plenty of other things you can do to reduce the risk of a break in. Here are four techniques you can use to keep burglars at bay, create you a more secure home and give you peace of mind.
Check your windows regularly
It’s likely that you’ve got plenty of windows on your property. As terrifying as it may sound, your windows could make the ideal entry way to burglars. So it’s vital that you regularly go outside the front and back of your home and check each window. Try to think of it from a burglar’s point of view. Ask yourself questions such as can you see inside? or can someone reach that open window? If you’ve experienced dry or wet weather, this could make wooden window frames easy to dismantle. So check each window frame and look for broken panes that could make it easy to get inside. This activity may make you realise that your windows are actually making your home an easy target. Now you know this, you can set about making them more secure. You could look into frosted glass, adjustable window bars or secure roller shutters for your home. On top of these new security features, make sure you check every window before you go to bed or leave the house to ensure it is locked.
Use your phone to help you
Whether you believe it or not, your smartphone can actually assist your home’s security. There are apps you can download that will are designed to keep your home safe and secure while you are away. You can find apps that you can use to turn the lights in your home off and on, so it always looks like someone is home. You can also download apps that will act as a silent alarm system which can alert you if someone has entered your home. If you don’t have the funds for an expensive surveillance system, you can also use your phone. Some apps connect to your computer’s webcam that can stream live video feeds straight to your phone. The possibilities are endless, and some of the apps are completely free of charge. They are particularly useful when you’re on vacation or having to stay late at work. Just remember to keep your phone fully charged and ensure you have a strong internet connection to keep you up to date throughout the day.
Keep your garden in pristine condition
This might seem like an odd tip. But a wild and overgrown garden is the perfect hiding place for thieves. It may also tell that they you are not around very often to keep your garden maintained. So it’s time to start giving your yard the attention it deserves. It it’s been awhile since you did any gardening and pruning, hire a gardener or tree surgeon to help you. This can cut back branches or plants that have become too overgrown and give you more space as a result. It also gives you the opportunity to look for any gaps in your walls, gates or fences. These could be ideal access points for burglars so if you find any, fill them up as soon as possible. You could also introduce gravel paths that make a noise when walked upon. This can also put of thieves as the noise from the gravel can make their presence known. Remember you need to do this maintenance process on both front and back of your property. Continue to maintain your garden to remove any hiding places and entry ways that could make your home an easy target.
You could also consider using the plant’s in your yard as a deterrent. Thorny and abrasive plants can make it difficult for burglars to climb walls and gain access to windows. So research which plants might offer some additional security to your home and get them planted as soon as possible.
Hide your spare key in a smart place
We all have spare keys to our homes; that act as a backup if we lose our first set through loss or theft. Many people will hide this key outside so even if they do get robbed, they will still be able to enter their homes. But placing this key somewhere obvious such as under a doormat or on top of a window frame makes it easy for a burglar to walk right in. So think carefully about where you could hide your spare key without allowing easy access to thieves. You could put it inside a small Tupperware box and bury it in a particular spot. Or tape it to the inside of an old shoe that you keep outside. Try to be inventive and let your family know about the secret spot, just in case they need to get in. Once you have got back into your home, you need to arrange for a locksmith to change the locks as soon as possible and have another spare key made. Always remember to put the spare key back into place so it can serve it’s purpose when needed.
With these techniques and ideas, you can make your home a safe place for you and your family. It’s vital that you also let your children know about locking doors and keeping blinds shut. This will make them feel more mature and get them into the habit of doing these tasks. You could even turn it into a game to make it seem less scary. So start making these changes today and continue feeling safe and comfortable in your own home.
Gracey is the provider of the photograph
tjetjep is the provider of the photograph
