Household Tips and Improvements
If you’d like to ramp up your existing home security, there are plenty of high-tech gadgets, screens and state-of-the-art lock systems out there. Obviously these are all extremely useful, but before you decide what features are best for your home take a step back and make sure you have the basics set first. Street appeal […]
If you’d like to ramp up your existing home security, there are plenty of high-tech gadgets, screens and state-of-the-art lock systems out there.
Obviously, these are all extremely useful, but before you decide what features are best for your home, take a step back and make sure you have the basics set first.
Street appeal
Just like it can be a drawcard to potential buyers, the street appeal of your home can also be a calling card for burglars. Trees, bushes and fences obscuring windows or doors can provide safe haven for a would-be criminal looking to break into your home.
A clear line of sight from the street to your home with minimal obstructions can deter potential thieves. A well-maintained yard also lets them know that someone is home, so be sure to keep up the weekly mowing. A neat home could be a safer home.
An unobstructed view – particularly of your house number – can be vitally important if a witness happens to notice someone trying to sneak in your window or jam open your front door.
hgtv.com | Verge Architecture & Design | Photo By: Graham Syed
Light it up
Just as with the trees and bushes, a dark house will provide sanctuary for a thief trying to bust into your home. Especially if street lighting is not particularly effective near your home, think about installing automatic sensor lights.
Not only will they prevent you from tripping over any hazards late at night, but they can scare away potential intruders.
Remember, the boogie monster comes at night for a reason, so steal away their darkness safety shield before they can steal your property.
The key is no key
If you’re worried about getting locked out, leave a spare with a neighbour or nearby friend rather than the old ‘leave it under the pot plant’ trick. Or the mat. Or anywhere.
Leaving a key to your premises anywhere on site is compromising your security, so just don’t do it. Ever. You’re much better off being slightly inconvenienced in the rare instance of losing your keys than the heartache of coming home to a ransacked house.
And there’s no point locking up when you leave if you forget to do the same in the garage or garden shed. Many sneaky thieves will use either of these spaces as hideouts or, in some instances, can gain access directly to the house through an unlocked garage. Or use your own tools and ladders in an unlocked garden shed to gain entry to your home.
Ensure it’s insured
Surprisingly, 22 per cent of homeowners admit* they don’t have home contents insurance. So, aside from the emotional stress of being robbed, many may also find themselves under financial stress when trying to replace stolen items.
So be sure to check your home contents is up-to-date and adequate to cover your most valuable items.
Bring in the big guns
Locks, security screens, alarms, cameras and even your dog will all act as possible deterrents for some thieves. You can find a specialist for all these services (except your dog, of course) through our home security experts.
*Statistics from a ServiceSeeking.com.au customer survey.