Having someone break into your house is one of the most horrific things to happen in daily life, but it can also cost you a fortune to sort out; these tips might help prevent some horrible criminal from getting their hands on your stuff, while all the techniques alone won’t stop a determined burglar, they are an effective deterrent when combined.
Some of these are obvious but worthy of a reminder.
Make it appear that someone is always at home
- A smart plug attached to a radio/lamp etc
- Smart Light Routines, e.g. If away, turn lights on/off at different times etc
- Other smart routines via smart speaker, e.g. If away for extended periods, play the sound of a dog barking
- Buy a Ring doorbell or similar so you can get alerted (without lots of work setting up a smart home).
- Get trusted family/friends to visit and consider turning the car around on the driveway and removing post/flyers/leaflets/magazines
- Suspend deliveries, e.g. milk, newspapers, Amazon Subscribe and Save. Royal Mail offer KeepSafe, if you’re away for extended periods (e.g. 3 week holiday)
Install a good CCTV system
- Install a good home surveillance system at chest height, ones that are really high up on a building are pointless for confirming an identity/putting off thieves, however having a mix is also a good idea as low down cameras can be disabled (e.g. spray foam or hammer) and remember wifi cameras are easily blocked so if you can afford it, go for a power over ethernet based system and run the cables through your walls
- Fake cameras – Good if you’ve not got the cash to spend on the real thing, but rather pointless given the relatively low cost a wifi based system costs.
- Add home security signs from eBay #ad and stickers to your home even if you don’t have one
Install a good home security system
It’s fairly simple to DIY these now, however, many would suggest a professionally installed system, however, for those DIYers consider this approach:
- Ring Alarm System – These are decent for the money and are easily to install, they also have battery backup and 4G sim cards for backup
- Add a peep hole in door
- Small window and door alarms
- Automatic Garage Doors or Sensors can alert you if you’ve left the garage open/someone attempts to open
Light the outside of your house well at night
Well-lit exteriors reduce hiding spots for burglars, scare burglars (plenty of video examples of a simple light being enough to stop a thief), it’s a good psychological deterrent for burglars and your neighbours / CCTV are more likely to spot something
- Consider swapping existing outdoor light bulbs to automatic bulbs with motion sensors
- Make sure you have as much light as possible outside, so buy some decent battery-operated motion sensing lights or have an electrical install more permanent motion spot lights
- Add decent solar lights
Properly Secure your doors and windows
Obvious but often forgotten:
- Get into a routine of checking all doors before bed
- Use Deadbolt locks
- Never leave keys in ‘secret places’, you won’t be insured if someone finds this and uses it
- Glass sliding locks
- Always double-check garage doors and doors into the garage if you’ve got one.
- Lock your circuit breaker/fuse box
- Always change all locks when you move into a new home
- Make sure door hinges are on the inside and not outside
- Use a door security bar
Remove shrubbery from around your home and add stones
- These are great hiding places for a criminal.
- Grow prickly hedges etc if you insist on having shrubs nearby.
- Install gravel pathways near vulnerable areas, as they create noise when stepped on.
Have good neighbours and be a good neighbour
- Have neighbours remove mail etc
- Get neighbours to take out rubbish / put the bins out
- Exchange phone numbers
- If you’re going away then let them know, return with a thank you gift after your visit
- Rely on neighbours and let them rely on you
- Get them to park on your drive or potentially move your car/other car.
- Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and join local community groups to keep an eye out for potential issues / share concerns
A dog
- One of the best security tips you can ever have but remember they’re not cheap!
- Failing that you can make a DIY dog with a speaker
Don’t flaunt your wealth
- Keep your curtains closed & blinds shut or partially open but no expensive items on display
- Don’t leave packaging for expensive items on display near your bins etc
- Lock up and hide lawnmowers, BBQs, bikes etc
Have someone mow your lawn if you’re away
An overgrown garden is an obvious sign that you’re not at home, consider getting your neighbour to do it.
Don’t post on social media that you’re away
It’s super easy to find an empty house in the UK and break into it if someone posts on social media
Physical Security Enhancements
- Reinforced Door Frames
- Window Security Film
- Install a fireproof safe to secure valuables
Insurance & Marking Considerations
- Double-check your coverage and keep it up to date
- Take photographs of valuables
- Markdown serial numbers of products and add them to Immobilise
- Security Mark Valuables with pens and Smart Water
Keep your car secure
- Add a dash camera with battery for an extra pair of eyes on your home
- Keep the doors locked and get into a habit of locking at night (even if it’s already locked).
- Keep spare change and other valuables (even if tiny) out of sight
