Not very many people know that there are four different types of burglars: opportunistic, scouting, prowlers, and professionals. Opportunistic burglars break into houses whenever they come across an easy situation. Scouting burglars are unorganized and simply wait for an opportunity to gain entry by kicking a door or breaking a window. Prowlers study their targets and monitor their activities before they make their move. Lastly, professionals seek high-value items, understand how security systems work, and know how long it takes for the police to arrive.
Security is even more crucial, especially that home burglary cases on 2024 in the UK have risen up to 181,617 which means that technically, a burglary happens every 173 seconds. Relying on DIY security solutions won’t be enough, but you also don’t need to arm your home like the Bank of England!
For your peace of mind, what you could do now is keep in mind these home security tips from expert locksmiths who professionally deal with burglary repairs and property security firsthand.
This is a no brainer; however, people sometimes forget. Close and lock the external door to your house or flat as well as all the windows as these are the common point of entries burglars use. During warmer weather, in particular, people tend to leave their back doors and windows unsecured, making their valuables easy pickings for burglars and putting their own safety at risk.
Locksmiths also suggest that if you must leave your keys, you should avoid obvious hiding places such as the letterbox, under the doormat or inside flowerpots as burglars are already highly familiar with this tactic. In fact, based on burglary repair statistics by Lock & Key Doncaster, burglars can “fish” for your car or house keys just by sliding a rod into the letterbox without having to break any locks. Making sure your doors are securely shut always is just the first step!
Thirty-five percent of burglars enter through the front door, highlighting the importance of having doors and locks that comply with the current British security standards. This is why local locksmiths recommend front doors that are PAS 24:2022-accredited, a minimum security standard that can deter potential burglaries in the UK.
More than the minimum standards, it’s in your best interest to use not just any locks but ones that comply with the British Standards — enter the anti-snap lock!
Here’s the thing, burglars can “snap” the cylinder of any lock in 5 to 10 seconds to enter your house without even breaking a sweat or your door handle for that matter. Anti-snap locks are what you could call locksmiths’ answer to this challenge and was launched by Sold Secure, a top security leader, around 2011 when lock snapping became so prevalent.
Here are the high security anti-snap lock characteristics locksmiths recommend to fit:
Brands like Ultion, Yale, and others with the ratings above are the safest locks you can find right now. If you have just moved into a new house or flat, replace all the locks, not only for home insurance purposes but because the previous occupants or other people, may still have the key to the property.
Make sure your windows are closed and that they’re in good condition. One security tip by locksmiths is that if you have uPVC windows, you can install sash jammers, which are devices that keep them shut (even if burglars manage to open the locks) and prevent them from being pried open with a crowbar. Aside from sash jammers, other window security add-ons include sash window stops and keyed locks.
You can keep the inside of your home from being in full view of outsiders by installing one-way privacy glass. A budget-friendly alternative to this is applying privacy “film” on the windows. Shutters, angled blinds, and frosted windows are other options that serve the same purpose.
If you live in a high-risk neighborhood, it is a good idea to employ the help of professional locksmiths to install fixed security bars or sliding grills on windows. Lastly, do not hang your calendar near the window as those days you marked as “holidays” could be useful for burglars planning to break into your home.
Alarm systems are crucial for your security especially when you’re out for a vacation or just not at home. There are now advanced alarm systems connected to mobile apps that notify you (and, depending on the type, selected contacts including the police) if the alarm is activated. It's best to ask a locksmith to help you identify “alarm zones” in your house to maximize your newest security addition. For instance, at bedtime, you can set the alarm in the downstairs area of your home.
Sending a clear message to potential burglars is another useful strategy. You can do this by placing a decoy or dummy alarm box with a flashing light on the outside of the building or by putting the stickers provided by the alarm security company on your windows. Though simple and easy, these strategies work effectively in deterring burglars from breaking in.
Smart doorbell cameras and motion-triggered CCTV are highly effective in monitoring your property. They can also provide valuable evidence that the police can use if a crime or an attempted one occurs on your property, whether it’s a burglary or otherwise.
Modern security setups include both light and cameras. However, if you have traditional security lights (whether wired or battery/solar powered), make sure that they are strategically positioned to ensure that risk spots, such as side windows, are well-lit.
Before you try installing it yourself though, you should conduct a home security survey to identify the blind spots and where to place your CCTV cameras. Every home is different afterall, and this means your home has specific vulnerabilities too. Locksmiths are the best professionals you should go to in such cases (Yes! They don’t just duplicate keys and install locks!) as they are knowledgeable when it comes to security assessment of the perimeter.
Another inexpensive security solution is the use of simple gadgets that create the impression that people are in the house. One is the time switch for lamps, and the other is the “fake TV simulator light”, both of which are available at DIY stores.
Some people take their shed security for granted leaving some expensive items such as power tools and bikes easily accessible to burglars. For added security, install locks to cabinets inside the shed and secure bikes to high quality bike anchors. Make sure that the hinges on your shed door can’t be undone from the outside and the door securely locked when not in use. Conceal the windows to prevent intruders from viewing what is inside.
When you move into a new property and the shed is flimsy, keep your expensive bike and other valuable equipment inside the house until the shed is upgraded. In addition to improving the shed’s condition, consider installing security alarms, lighting, and CCTV to protect it from being broken into with the help of a locksmith to fit it.
Just like your shed, enhancing the security of your garage includes concealing windows to prevent potential burglars from peering in, closing the garage doors whilst you are inside or working outside, covering up bikes and other valuable items, and installing doors (both garage and side doors) that are British Standard-compliant as recommended by experts.
In addition to being a place to relax and entertain, your garden also functions as a protective barrier between you, your family, and your belongings, against intruders.
An important security guideline from professional locksmiths when it comes to garden security is keeping the hedges and walls at the front under one metre so burglars have no place to hide; keeping hedges and fences around your back garden high and planted with prickly plants; keeping entrance and side gates locked at all times; and installing lights and an intruder alarm system.
Moving into a new home may be something you may want to post on social media, but to reduce your risk of being victimized by burglars, don’t do it. Photos that accompany such posts often give away information, such as your rough location, your possessions, and what you’re up to, increasing the likelihood of you becoming a target.
The same goes with photos taken whilst you’re out on holiday. These can alert potential burglars that no one is home, which is a signal to break in. Even better, refrain from making posts announcing that you’re about to go on holiday.
While out, avoid shopping online to prevent packages from being left on your doorstep. Otherwise, request a trusted friend or neighbor to collect them. The same goes for mail left on your doormat or letterbox, especially if you ‘ll be away for a prolonged period.
If you’re a cyclist, adjust your privacy settings on ride sharing apps to ensure that your home address, or nearby location, is not visible to the public. Taking this precaution is especially important if you post photos of your bike on your account or on linked social media accounts.
Should you notice that you’re being followed on your way home, making an extra lap around your neighborhood can provide some peace of mind. Make sure to securely lock your bike when you get home, just as you would when parking it in a public parking space.
Forewarned Is Forearmed!
It may feel overwhelming to do all these things for your home security, but it is actually pretty easy as most of these are just a one-time thing you can easily do with the help of a locksmith. If you don’t know where to start, a home security assessment should be done first by a local locksmith and from there you can apply these tips for your peace of mind. Prioritizing these home security tips when there’s zero burglary attempts should be your top of mind. Remember – forewarned is forearmed!
