Statistics show that there are 20% more burglaries during the winter months so no wonder that October, when the clocks go back, has been named as National Home Security Month.
The initiative is supported by Yale, the security specialist and aims to increase awareness of the importance of good home security in the fight against criminals.
Are you doing enough to keep your home and property safe? Here is a look at the main themes of this year’s initiative, along with some helpful tips and advice.
Secure Doors and Windows
Most burglars will not smash a window to get into your home. Instead they will often try to force their way in via the frame. This is why it is important to ensure that your windows are correctly fitted and that they have at least one locking device.
Keep doors locked at all times even if you are just popping out to hang your laundry on the line. It may come as a surprise to also learn that you should change your locks every five years to maintain maximum security. You should also change the locks as soon as you move into a new property, even if it has only just been built, as you can never be sure who has managed to get hold of the keys to your doors. Ensure your locks are fitted by professional locksmiths and that all products meet the current industry standards.
Protect Valuables
Protect your property and items such as Christmas presents, by following some simple security steps at home. Do not leave valuable items on display and have blinds or curtains to prevent strangers from looking in and assessing your home’s contents.
Install a safe for important documents and expensive jewellery for example and ensure that you are extremely careful about who knows the combination.
Two safes we have available are;The Yale Home Digital Safe and The Yale Compact Digital Safe
Outside Security
Outside lighting is especially important during the winter months when you may leave and return from work in the dark. Effective lighting is a great deterrent for burglars and can also make you feel safer and more confident when moving around outdoors at night.
Ensure that outbuildings and garden gates have adequate locks and that the structures themselves are secure. There is no point having a new padlock fitted on your shed if the door is hanging off its hinges.
Consider your outdoor environment at home. Noisy gravel and prickly bushes are disliked by burglars for obvious reasons, making them perfect for helping to keep your property secure. Do not leave bins and other items close to gates and fences if you do not want intruders to use them to climb over and consider starting your own Neighbourhood Watch scheme if there is not one already.
Future Home Security
Consider updating your home security system to make the most of technological advances. Smartphone home security is an increasingly popular choice and can offer everything from lock control capabilities to wireless camera feeds and motion sensors. These are generally incredibly easy to operate and can provide a real sense of security at home.
All in all the initiatives taken up by National Home Security Month will hopefully reduce burglaries by a significant amount. It is important to follow the steps mentioned in this article which will help in keeping your property and all of your personal valuables safe. For more information and guidance you can visit http://www.homesecuritymonth.com/.