Home Security Mistakes You Could Be Making

Keeping your home and your family safe is likely one of your top priorities. But did you know that there are a whole host of simple mistakes that people make which potentially endanger the security of their home? Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Hiding a key outside

Although anyone will know to check under the doormat, experienced burglars will know to check under rocks and other prominent features around your garden. The safest options are to keep a key with a trusted neighbor, or buy a lock-box for the side of your house. If you absolutely have to, you could put a key in a carrier bag and bury it underground, but make sure it’s somewhere you’ll remember.

Using cheap locks

Many burglars know how to get through standard cheap door and window locks. Consider investing a little more money in heavy duty locks for your home. They will act a deterrent, as well as being more difficult to break.

Using social media to announce you’re out

You may have heard horror stories about people’s homes being broken into after they announced their vacation on Facebook. Unfortunately this is becoming an increasing reality. Make sure you never post when you’ll be away on any social media. It’s also a good idea to spend some time speaking to your children about this.

Visible valuables

Just like with your car, keep anything of serious value out of sight of doors and windows. Don’t make your home an attractive prospect. It is also a good idea to ensure that boxes which contained expensive electrical goods are not kept outside your home. They can make a house more attractive to thieves.

Using an outdated alarm

If an alarm system is old and not properly maintained, it isn’t a whole lot of use. Find an alarm system that is suitable for your property and ensure it is frequently serviced. You may think this to be extreme, especially if you do not have many security issues in your neighbourhood, however, it only takes one incident and your home becomes unsecured. You can't move each time something bad happens, so getting yourself a house alarm system that provides you with everything you need to keep your family safe is a must.

Leaving a garage door unlocked

It’s easy to forget if you’re going in and out, but leaving a garage or outhouse door unlocked is an easy way for a burglar to gain access to your belongings. Get into the habit of checking each door before you leave the house and before you go to bed. If you find that your garage door is not exactly secure even when you lock it due to wear and tear from being old, then you have a serious security issue. It would be best to look into Garage Door Replacement services, so you can keep your home and yourself safe.

Not leaving a light on

When you’re out in the evening or away on holiday, make sure your home looks lived in. Ask a trusted neighbor to come in and close the blinds each evening, take in your mail, and leave a light on.

Having a dark, overgrown yard

A well lit yard area acts as a deterrent to potential burglars. A dark yard with overgrown shrubbery offers them a lot of places to hide in case they’re disturbed, making it an attractive house to stake out. Keep your yard open plan and use motion sensor lighting to put them off.

Making your home an unattractive target to burglars doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Keep your doors locked, your alarm functioning, and attractive items away from the windows. You’ll seriously decrease your chances of a home robbery.