How to maximise home security after a burglary
Scared, humiliated and vulnerable – these are just three waves of emotion you experience after a home burglary. The fact that someone has broken into your own home and personal space is violating enough without even beginning to think about the financial and sentimental value of it.
It’s no secret that domestic burglary is a threat to all of us, particularly those living in urban areas. Figures suggest that only 5% of all domestic burglaries have been solved by the Police in the UK this year. So what do we do when all we want is to feel safe and protected in our home?
Whether you’ve fallen victim to home theft recently or been lucky so far but are nervous about the possibility of a burglary, it pays to secure your home. Here are just a few security measures to consider moving forward.
Light up the front drive / garden
If burglars are operating at night under the cover of darkness, they’ll soon be caught out with nowhere to hide if the exterior is lit for everyone to see. Illuminating your property with motion-activated flood lights will also help you feel safer moving around outside at night, particularly during the winter months.
Alarms
Did you know that insurance companies offer discounts to houses with a security alarm? If you don’t have one installed already, this is an absolute must for your property. Whether they’re used for residential or community purposes, a security alarm is a definite deterrent, especially having it visually fixed outside. Everyone, including burglars, can spot it and will steer clear rather than trigger it.
CCTV
Probably the most effective deterrent against burglars is CCTV – being seen and caught is definitely not in their rulebooks. And if they decide to go for it, the footage will aid the police in identifying the perpetrators and making crucial arrests. Nowadays, CCTV is an option that’s a lot more affordable and there are so many different choices depending on budget.
Lock upgrades for UPVC doors and windows
UPVC (or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is used in the manufacturing of window and door frames – it’s long lasting, energy efficient, with a high performance and durability, making it the perfect material all round, and helps towards protection purposes also. However, a common method for burglars is “lock snapping” as the lock is normally the weakest part of the door. If your nervous about this happening or this has happened to you already, consider upgrading to anti-snap locks with 3-star lock cylinders for improved protection for your home. As well as preventing lock and handle snapping, it will also help deter attempts at drilling and picking the lock also.
Hopefully, this short guide will have boosted your confidence again and show it’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to crime and theft within your neighbourhood – you can outsmart domestic burglars.
With over 35 years’ experience, Campbell & McGovern Locksmiths offer professional and friendly advice and services to suit your budget and personal preferences. Get in touch to find out more about what we can do for you.
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