Your home is seen as a “safe place” and it’s crucial that you take steps to secure it appropriately. According to data published by the Office for National Statistics, there were 192,060 home burglaries reported in England and Wales during 2021/2022. That’s an average of 526 burglaries a day – a house being burgled every 164 seconds! Therefore, to help you secure your home, below are some of our tips:
How To Secure Your Home
1. Ensure That All Windows & Doors Are Locked
Even though it may seem obvious, it is quite easy to forget! It is recommended that you lock all your windows and doors, including the garage and outbuildings when you leave your house vacant for a prolonged period.
2. Remove All Window/Door Keys & Store Them In A Safe Place
To prevent intruders from getting access to your property in the future, remove window and door keys and store them safely.
3. Light Up The Landscape
Criminals, burglars, and vandals dislike being in the spotlight. By providing ample outdoor lighting, you can keep them at bay. Install lighting in your front and back gardens, along pathways, and near outdoor structures such as a garage.
4. Upgrade Your Security Systems
Security systems are essential for any home, whether they’re DIY systems or those with professional monitoring and home automation features. With today’s modern home security systems, there is a security system to suit every budget and every level of protection.
5. Don’t Disregard The Garage/Outhouse
In recent years, criminals have become more adept at breaking into your home through this entry point. Even if they cannot access your home, your garage is likely to have plenty of valuables. Ensure that both interior and exterior garage doors are locked regularly.
6. Place All Valuables In A Safe
Should someone get past your other home security measures, ensure that valuables are protected. Whether it’s jewellery or important documents, in-home safes offer secure storage. Ideally, you’ll want a safe that’s fire-resistant, waterproof, and heavy enough to prevent a thief from taking it.
7. Protect Your Home From Fire
Ensure that your home is safe from fire by taking the following precautions:
- Ensure that current fire alarms and CO detectors are functioning.
- Where necessary, install new detectors.
- Unplug all electrical items from sockets and turn them off.
8. Take Out Proper Insurance
Taking out both home insurance and home emergency cover is another way to secure your home this summer. A major advantage of Dynamo Cover is that it offers a competitive cover, which will protect you against unexpected ‘leaks and electrical failures’.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Burgled?
- Call the police: Contact the police immediately to report the burglary. Try not to touch anything in your home until the police arrive because you could accidentally destroy evidence that could help identify the burglar.
- Stay somewhere else if necessary: If your home has been left vulnerable after the burglary or if you don’t feel safe staying there, consider staying with friends or family, or in a hotel until the situation is resolved.
- Contact your insurance provider: Contact your home insurance provider as soon as possible to report the burglary and make a claim. Be prepared to provide them with a list of the stolen items and any evidence of the burglary you have collected.
- Secure your home: If your home has been damaged during the burglary, make sure to secure any broken windows or doors to prevent further damage or entry by intruders.
- Take care of yourself: Being burgled can be a traumatic experience so it’s important to take care of your emotional well-being. Reach out to friends or family for support, and consider seeking professional help if you need it.
Conclusion
Hopefully our guide has answered all your questions regarding securing your home but if not, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.
