A Look at How to Keep Your Property Secure

If you've just moved to a new property that isn't a new-build, the first basic tip to securing your home is to change all the locks. The reason for this should be obvious: you do not know who might be in possession of copied keys of these locks. If the property has a long list of previous owners, and the locks look old, all the more reason to start afresh. However, even if the owner you bought the property from vociferously tells you that the locks are new, and the only copy of the key is the one in your hand, remember this: security doesn't depend on the testimony of the previous owner, it depends on what you KNOW.

Another home security tip is to make sure that your garage has a padlock fitted as an extra lock. It's as much a deterrent as an actual barrier to entry. A lot of older garages have locks that are rather flimsy and can be broken with some force, so an added padlock is a good move. Also ensure the door that connects the garage to the rest of the house is bolted from the house-side when you go up to sleep at night. Some burglars see the garage as a way into the house.

Of course, a burglar alarm is a necessity, but a key aspect to installing a burglar alarm is to have an agreement with your neighbours to take burglar alarms going off seriously. Some neighbourhoods have house alarms going off all the time - usually because they've not been installed properly, or the owners are forgetful. This turns alarms from being warning systems to mere "noise pollution" annoyances. Therefore, ensure that you limit the amount of false alarms down to a bear minimum - ensure that your own movements in the house aren't going to repeatedly trigger it going off at night (a good alarm technician should be aware of this problem and install it properly to avoid such an issue).

Finally, develop a neighbourhood watch system, or join an existing one if you've moved into a neighbourhood that has one. As a community, you can spot unusual activity more easily. If you go away on holiday, you can feel more reassured that your neighbours will keep an eye on your house for you.


Article kindly provided by greenlocksmith.uk

User Anecdotes

We've solicited a number of user anecdotes on this topic, and have hand picked some of the more interesting ones below. We feel that anecdotes can give a practical, human perspective on a topic.

"I've had my fair share of experiences with securing my property. Over the years, I've found that a combination of security measures is the best approach. For instance, I have a state-of-the-art alarm system that I activate when I leave the house and go to bed. This gives me an added layer of protection in case someone tries to break in. Additionally, I have security cameras strategically placed around my property so I can monitor what's going on at all times. I also have motion-activated lights in key areas, like near the front and back doors and along the driveway. These not only deter potential intruders but also help me navigate my property at night. Lastly, I've invested in strong locks for all my doors and windows and make sure to keep them locked at all times. I know it may seem like overkill to some, but I feel much safer knowing my home is well-secured.
David G.

"As a single woman living alone in an urban area, I feel it's essential to take the necessary steps to secure my property. A few years ago, I experienced a break-in, and it was an incredibly traumatic experience. Since then, I've become more proactive about keeping my home safe and secure. One of the most effective solutions I've found is to have a good relationship with my neighbors. We look out for each other and alert one another if we notice anything suspicious. I also installed a high-quality deadbolt lock on my front door and added window locks to all my ground-level windows. Additionally, I adopted a large dog who not only serves as an excellent companion but also provides an extra layer of security due to his size and bark. While these measures may not guarantee my safety, they give me peace of mind knowing that I'm doing everything I can to protect myself and my home.
Emma R.

"In the past, I always thought that I didn't need to worry about securing my property, as I live in a relatively safe neighborhood. However, after a string of break-ins occurred in my area, I realized that no one is immune to the possibility of theft or vandalism. I decided to take a more proactive approach to home security and invested in a security system with cameras and alarms. This not only deters potential intruders but also allows me to monitor my home remotely when I'm away. Furthermore, I've been more diligent about locking my doors and windows, even when I'm home. I also joined my local neighborhood watch group so that we can all play a role in keeping our community safe. Overall, I feel that these efforts have not only made my property more secure but have also contributed to a greater sense of security within my neighborhood as a whole.
Kenji S."

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