Want to protect your home against intruders? By making several improvements to your home, you can ward off would-be burglars. Here are just 8 ways to make your home more secure.
Replace old windows and doors
Old windows and doors could be a serious vulnerability. This is especially the case with doors and windows that are visibly worn or damaged – loose hinges and rotten frames tend to be ‘burglar magnets’.
When it comes to choosing a secure window, look for windows that have interior locks and that are made from reinforced materials. Some windows have force resistant glass, which also makes them hard to shatter. Window installation companies as found at this website can help you install your new window. It is recommended that you hire a professional as window installation can be tricky work.
As for choosing a secure door, you should similarly look for models made out of reinforced materials. Reinforced timber is a reliable choice – such doors also tend to come with very secure locks. When choosing glass sliding doors, make sure that glass is force resistant and consider aluminium frames.
Those that want to really up their security could even consider smart locks. These are operated using biometrics on your phone rather than a key, however such locks do have their flaws.
Add exterior lighting
Burglars tend to target homes after dark when there’s less chance of being seen by neighbours or passers-by. If the outside of your home is illuminated at night, it could make it much harder for a burglar to break in undetected. In fact, many burglars are likely to not attempt it.
Motion-sensing lighting is the best option – rather than having a light on all night, the light will only come on when people are nearby, saving you energy. Such lights come in all different forms from small wall lights to large floodlights.
Protect your privacy with net curtains/blinds
A lot of burglars like to go ‘window-shopping’ before they choose their targets. Having valuable possessions on display in your window could make you a target. By distorting the view in, you can prevent burglars from seeing into your home.
Net curtains are one way to stop people peeking in while still allowing the sunlight to pour in. Blinds and shutters are another option that can make it difficult to see into your home (even with the slats open). On top of protecting your privacy, net curtains and blinds could also make it harder for burglars to enter through a window. Shutters can be particularly effective for this.
Cut down high hedges
While having a high hedge in front of your home can offer privacy, it can also offer cover. It could allow an intruder to break through your front door without being seen by neighbours due to the hedge blocking the view.
Outsiders shouldn’t be able to look into your home, but they should be able to see the entrance of your home. Consider cutting down any high hedges or walls that could provide shelter for a burglar.
Consider a home burglar alarm
If you live in an area that has a high burglary rate, it may benefit you to install a burglar alarm. Every time you leave your home, this alarm can be activated – if someone tries to break in while you’re out, the alarm will be triggered.
Burglar alarms can be linked up to windows and doors. Modern alarms can even be linked up to your phone, sending an alert when they have been triggered. Burglar alarms also have the advantage of lowering home insurance rates.
Consider a security camera
A security camera could help to catch a burglar in the act. A visible camera may even work simply as a deterrent.
Modern security cameras can be linked up to a smartphone so that you can constantly monitor your home. Some cameras can be used in conjunction with alarms or motion lighting. There are also doorbell cameras that allow you to see who is outside your door whenever the doorbell is rang.
Upgrade your shed
Sheds can often contain expensive garden tools such as lawnmowers or valuable equipment such as bicycles. If your shed is visibly old or damaged, it could make it easy for a burglar to break in and steal the contents of your shed.
Making some security upgrades to your shed could help to deter burglars. You could consider erecting an entirely new shed – a metal shed is the most secure option. Alternatively, you could upgrade the locks on your shed door for a rim deadlock that cannot be broken by bolt cutters.
Use dummy deterrents
You can also scare away burglars using dummy deterrents. These are fake features used to trick burglars into not wanting to target your home.
One example could include a ‘beware of the dog’ sign – even if you don’t have a dog, most burglars will give your home a miss if they think you may have a vicious guard dog.
Another option could be a dummy security camera. While a real camera is better, many burglars are likely to be put off just by the appearance of a camera and won’t be able to tell if it’s fake.
Leaving a light on or the TV on while out is another common dummy deterrent. There are even devices that you can buy to simulate the flicker of a TV without actually having to leave your TV on.