Homeowners looking to maximise the safety of properties this year can look to handy tips from home improvement experts.
From upgrading windows to strong shatter-proof multi-lock versions, to moving valuables out of sight and reinforcing entry points, the team at Stormclad has compiled suggestions for safeguarding properties to prevent homes being a target for potential thieves.
Whether it’s preparation for an extended break, or to increase home safety in general, these simple suggestions include further ways to safeguard your family and valuables.
Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans, said: “Increasing your home’s security is always important and what better way to start the year off then to consider how to make your property safer moving forward.
“With over 35 years of expertise, our home experts have compiled a list of savvy tips that include suggestions for the interior and exterior of homes to ensure peace of mind. From upgrading entry points to prevent forced entry, to introducing outdoor lighting, WIFI protection, keeping valuable objects safe and introducing alarm systems, the experts recommend quick and easy changes.
“It’s always important to check that installations and home improvements are completed to the highest standard by a reputable company with full accreditations so you can be sure the full specification of any work being carried out to your property.”
Here’s the list of six easy suggestions for increasing home security:
- Reinforce your entry points
Entry points are always scouted out by burglars, so it’s important to ensure any soft entry points, such as old doors, windows and conservatories are reinforced to stop them being a target. Upgrades to entry points can include shatter-proof laminate glass, effective locking systems and internal beading.
- Remove outside objects
As many burglars are opportunists, they will often seek out close-to-hand props to help them break in, so it’s important to lock or hide items such as spades, garden tools and even heavy stones that can be used to force entry – adding an extra layer of protection to the home.
Window locking systems such as Twin-cam Security Locking (TSL) are also available and have up to eight locking points with adjustable twin-cams offering even greater security against burglary. For all sash window locks and other window security locks, it’s important to ensure the parts themselves are resistant, designed for purpose, and compliant with British standards like PAS24. Bi-fold doors are also a popular option for external back doors and as well as being aesthetically pleasing, they come with multi-point locking systems that are almost impenetrable to the average burglar.
- Hide valuable items across all floors
The ground floor of a home isn’t the only place that burglars will target, so if expensive valuables are on show across other floors it’s important to be careful about the visibility of objects from street view. Also ensure that keys are kept in a safe place away from letterboxes as intruders will often attempt to retrieve keys with a hook device to open the door.
- Light up
It’s important to keep homes illuminated to discourage thieves, and a timer light can work wonders if you’re going away on holiday or for an extended break to give the appearance of an inhabited home. If possible, arrange for a friend or neighbour to come in and check the house, switching the lights on and off for a period of time so it doesn’t appear obviously vacant. Investing in a motion activated senor light for the exterior of the property will also put off approaching intruders operating in the dark.
- Visible alarm system
Investing in a visible alarm system is a robust level of home protection and there are a wide range of comprehensive systems on the market. Ensure that stickers and alarms are clear to potential intruders, which sends the message that your home isn’t an easy target.
- WIFI
Physical objects and items aren’t your only valuables, and with cyber-crime constantly on the rise it’s important to protect online personal and financial information too. Ensure that your WIFI is secure by introducing a firewall, anti-malware and antivirus protection, and implementing password protected access to prevent cyber criminals from hacking into your gadgets and security systems.
Stormclad specialises in door, window and conservatory installations – for more information or to speak to the team visit the company website here.
