New Year is a time of making improvements and home security should be top of the list. As we all try to set new habits in place, remember old habits die hard for burglars! January can be a tough month so we've got 5 home security tips to make it easier to have a happy New Year...
Do you lift, lock and remove the key from your uPVC front door? Every time? If you do then well done! Making sure everyone in the family does this goes a long way to keeping opportunistic burglars out of your home.
But what about the other doors? It's easy to forget the back or side entrance if you're just nipping out for a loaf or school pick up. Can you enter your home from the garage? So can a burglar! Make sure all doors lock securely and get into the habit of checking them before leaving. It only takes 8 minutes for a burglar to ransack your home. Don't let a pint of milk cost you the heartache and headache of a burglary
Even the smallest window can be used by a burglar. It's not just about someone climbing in. Bad guys feed tools through tiny openings to lift latches or keys. Always close them fully and lock them.
Upstairs windows at the back are particularly at risk. If they're left unlocked a burglar can be inside in seconds. Even if he can't get right in, you don't want someone playing hook-a-duck with your jewellery collection! If you have conservatories or garages with low roofs nearby, your upstairs is vulnerable. Make your resolution to lock everything, every time!
After the joy of Christmas comes the challenge of finding places to put all the new stuff.
Ensure high value items go somewhere they can't be spotted from outside.
Encourage the family to tidy away tablets and games consoles.
Pull curtains or close blinds as soon as it gets dark to avoid putting your home on show to a burglar.
And be careful how you dispose of the boxes that can tell a burglar you've just bought something new!
New bicycles or outdoor toys should also be stored securely. A locked shed is much safer than leaving items leaning against a wall. Outdoor security lighting can also help deter thieves and keep your garden and outdoor items safer.
Thinking about heading off to the slopes? Maybe escaping the cold for some winter sunshine? Make sure you don't return to bad news! These days we have to think of more than cancelling newspapers and the milkman. Are there any parcels due that could be left in plain sight? Is the council delivering recycling bags? Is the pizza place going to leave a menu hanging out of your letterbox?
If you have a good neighbour, let them know you'll be away. Ask them to keep an eye out for leaflets, free papers and other tell tale signs of an empty house. If the drive will be empty, see if you can let someone use it so it's not obvious you're away. Set timers on lights and radios to mimic normal family activity. Lastly, don't post on social media until you're back!
The best resolution you can make is to invest in a professionally installed security system. Your home and family are watched over day and night by top quality equipment. Rest assured you won't be part of next years burglary statistics!
Burglars avoid homes with proper security alarms like the plague - moving on to easier pickings.
Blake's want everyone to be protected so we offer an affordable home alarm starter pack. This is a starting point that can be built upon and customised to suit your needs and budget. There are pet friendly options and even a smart alarm app for your phone or tablet!
Beat the burglars with our home security quiz! Written by our experts for homeowners like you. See how safe your home really is...
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