27 Sep How to keep your home safe
You might think that checking the door is enough to keep your home safe while you’re not in it, but there are many ways we make our homes vulnerable even when they seem locked. Here’s what you need to be aware of in order to protect yourself and your family from burglaries.
The majority of us are relatively safety-conscious, but there are rather obscure mistakes we might be making which could put our homes at risk. In this article, we take a look at some of the things a burglar might spot, which you might miss.
If you would like to talk to a member of our expert team about your property options, make sure you give the leading estate agents in Colnbrook a call on 01753 683000 or email us and we’ll help you find your next home.
Your Burglar Alarm
If you already have a home security system installed, it may not be as effective as newer ones. These new systems include motion sensors that can notify the police if an intruder is caught or detected on their way into your house. They can usually be controlled via an app that allows homeowners to control their alarm from anywhere in the world and have an automatic response for intruders, making it more likely that they are caught. Compared to older alarm systems, they are a huge leap in technology.
There are a number of smart alarm systems which enable you to keep an eye on your home when you’re not there. Do some research online to find out which is the best for you.
Notes to delivery drivers
This is a rather old-fashioned problem. Most courier companies will have the option to select a “safe place” in which to leave your parcel should you not be home – you’ll usually be able to change this up until the day of delivery.
We’ve all done it, ordered something online without thinking about whether or not we’re going to be in. So, you put a note on the door for the postman, telling them that they should leave your parcel somewhere else because nobody is home.
There are certain opportunistic criminals who may see the note and decide to try their luck. It’s not a pleasant thought, but it happens – so be vigilant.
Check your deadlock
External doors come in all kinds of styles and levels of security. Most will have standard latches but a deadlock is a real burglar deterrent. It is essentially a bolt that locks the door into the frame securely and they require some pretty heavy machinery to budge.
If you’re not sure what the deadbolt is and where it’s located, it’s typically the rectangular-shaped lock found underneath the handle. It’s so important to check this is working properly because if it doesn’t actually go all way into the door frame, it won’t be as secure as you might hope and there are techniques that can be used to gain access without damage.
Ask a locksmith to come and assess your locking system for peace of mind.
Consider what you post on social media
Obviously, you should keep your social media profiles private, if possible, but it’s crucial that you avoid certain behaviours when it comes to posting on the platforms. It is advisable not to post group holiday photos with multiple people tagged – in case their profiles aren’t private – wait to do this once you’re back home. We also recommend deleting any posts that you may have made in the past that could lead a stranger to find where you live – just to be safe.
Contact Us
If you are looking to move to this area, we are the leading independent estate agents in Colnbrook and are location experts. So, contact us on 01753 683000 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.