Keeping Your House Safe

Our houses and their contents are one of our biggest assets, but are you taking enough precautions to make sure your home and contents are safe from the risk of crime such as vandalism and burglary.

Reducing the risk of crime in your home and applying a number of security measures could save you a lot of money, and stress if the worst happens and you fall victim to crime. We invest a lot of time and money and in our houses, and so falling victim to burglary is an experience you want to avoid.

The following factors should be addressed when protecting your house and its content items from crime:

Most burglary is considered opportunist, so a house that looks lifeless will be more attractive to a thief than one that is bursting with life. Buying an inexpensive timer from your local supermarket or hardware store that will manage switching your lights on and off whilst you are out is one very simple way to make your house look lived in. It is sometimes also worth leaving an appliance on such as the radio, this can be used on a timer too. Close your curtains and blinds when you are out so that thieves have no way of telling whether you are in or out.

Investing in good locks for windows and doors will also make it much harder for thieves to get into your house. Even leaving the smallest window open when you are not in can invite thieves and present them with an opportunity. If you are doing some work in the garden and the windows are left open to keep the house cool a thief can be in and out in a matter of minutes so always close any windows that you cannot see.

Owning a dog can be a deterrent to thieves with the fear factor being the main reason for this. If you are out at work all day and cannot keep a dog or you do not want a dog as it may damage your home in some way this does not stop you buying a ‘beware-of-the dog’ sign for your gates and putting a dog’s water bowl by the back door in an attempt to scare off potential burglars.

Never keep your front or back door keys, in the locks or on in a key rack. Sometimes if a burglar hasn’t had to force their way into a home, your possessions may no longer be covered on the House Insurance policy you have taken out. Certain thieves will put their hands through a letter box, or their whole arm through a cat flap, looking for keys. Even if they don’t let themselves into the house, they may have the opportunity to take your car instead. At night, ensure you leave keys out of sight but still at hand in case you need to open doors quickly for an emergency such as a fire for example. Also remember to take all valuables such as wallets and handbags up to the bedroom with you.

Ensuring your home has security lights and burglar alarm is one of the most effective deterrents to thieves. There can also be indirect financial benefits to owning a burglar alarm, for example installing a NACOSS approved alarm could entitle you to a discount on your Home Insurance. It is also wise to ensure thieves don’t get in by unconventional methods. Locking away ladders and tools should also be considered when keeping your home safe.