Are you looking for home security tips that could provide some added protection to your home? Nothing would ruin your day faster than an unexpected burglary or break-in. For example, did you know that there have been 275,081 burglary offences in England and Wales up to June 2022?
Acorn Insurance is a provider of specialist home insurance. We let you build up your household cover from the ground up, tailored to your unique requirements. Dealing with burglary of any kind is stressful and time-consuming. Therefore, we hope the following guide will help make your home as secure as possible.
Home Security Ideas
With a handful of practical home security tips, we hope to provide you with a little extra home security. Our tips will hopefully provide an extra layer of protection and increased peace of mind. Therefore, our home security tips include:
Be smart
Nothing is more enticing to an opportunistic burglar than an empty residence. When leaving your home for extended periods be smart and cancel all deliveries to the house, including:
- Milk
- Medication
- Newspapers
- Home shopping orders
Also, ask a friend or family member to pop over during your absence to collect stockpiled letters and junk mail. These can very often get jammed in letterboxes alerting opportunists on the lookout.
Secure that shed
Firstly, outbuildings are easy targets and can potentially house hundreds of pounds worth of valuables. Lawnmowers, bikes, and power tools are all enticing treasures to a would-be thief. Secondly, padlock all points of entry and store everything in locked toolboxes, with heavy-duty padlocks and chains for bikes. Finally, where possible secure lawnmowers and ladders to interior walls. Nothing would be more frustrating than having your own ladders and tools used against you during a burglary.
Plants vs Burglars
Strategically placed hedgerows, shrubberies, and other seemingly innocuous ornamentals provide privacy and act as a deterrent to prospective prowlers. Subsequently placed as a border, or below windows, these plants provide a splash of colour as well as added assurance. Popular variants to consider include:
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
- Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
- Red Barberry (Berberis ottawensis x Auricoma)
- Pyracantha (Firethorn)
Lights, camera, action!
Programmable plugs, smart doorbells, and motion-activated lights and cameras mean that you can now control home security from the palm of your hand. In addition, you can control devices from your smartphone remotely with ease. Programmable timers are a low-tech solution that can activate lights after dark.
Upgrade outdated locks
Importantly, most forced entry burglaries occur from the rear of the property which is deemed to be the weakest in terms of security. Installing approved, professionally installed locks could outsmart burglars who are familiar with older, less secure varieties. Antiquated locks or warped door frames can leave you even more susceptible to forced entry. A qualified locksmith can be consulted for guidance on the locks most suitable for your property.
Keep valuables out of sight
As a rule of thumb keep all valuables, such as jewellery, tablets, laptops, and smartphones, out of sight when not in use. If you have a front room full of high-tech gadgets, close the curtains or shade the blinds when leaving the house. If you have a large collection of expensive jewellery or watches, consider investing in a safe. Again, a qualified locksmith will be best placed to advise you on the types of safe that would work best for your requirements and property.
Store keys in a safe location
Reduce the risk of “letterbox fishing” by keeping your house and car keys a safe distance away from the front door. This term refers to the practice of would-be burglars or car thieves using a hooked or magnetised tool to retrieve keys from adjacent meter cupboards, side tables, and radiator covers usually under cover of darkness. In most cases, this occurs when a luxury vehicle is stored on the drive or road outside the house. Ideally, keep all keys and electronic key fobs in a metal box away from the front door to reduce the risk of this type of theft.
Secure your entry points
It is a disturbing reality, but 35% of burglars enter homes without the need for forced entry. A staggering 34% of burglars gain access through the front door. The second most popular entry point is via back doors or sliding doors. Approximately the same percentage of criminals gain access to homes through a first-floor window. In 10% of cases, burglars gain access through garage doors, as they can be easily tampered with to allow access into the main body of your property.
Install a visible alarm system
A major consideration for anyone serious about home security is installing a visible alarm system. Not only does it provide a technological deterrent to would-be burglars, but the external unit is usually brightly coloured which acts as a visual deterrent too. Once installed make sure to arm the device before leaving the premises or going to bed. As a bonus, modern alarm systems can also allow you to remotely monitor your property via your smartphone.
Regular checks inside and out
You know your home better than anyone. Sometimes, however, this familiarity can result in security blind spots. Do not assume that all your security measures are working as they should, perform regular checks to ensure all security measures are working as planned. If you have time, make it twice yearly, or monthly. Have a friend or family member review your property and identify potential weak spots or places of entry, alternatively have your home professionally reviewed by a security installation company. You may have missed an opportunity that potential burglars would use to their advantage.
Find Peace of Mind
With over 5 years’ experience, Acorn Household Insurance can help protect your property with a building and contents policy. We help UK homeowners and tenants find home insurance that is right for them, even when refused household insurance previously. Our range of household cover options include:
- Homes at Risk of Flood
- Properties with a History of Subsidence
- Unoccupied Properties
- Probate/Executor of an Estate
- Landlord OR Tenant
- Renovation
- Building an Extension
- Personal History and Previous Claims Insurance
- UK Holiday or Second Home
If you have been refused cover by another provider or had a home insurance policy cancelled due to a claim in the past contact us today! Click or call 01704 339 924 for a policy that could satisfy your needs and provide peace of mind.
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