There are many different ways that you can enhance your security, and a locksmith’s advice is often invaluable. They can help you install new locks and improve your door & window security.
They can also advise you on how to create the illusion that someone is home when you are away. This includes using timers for your lights and asking the Royal Mail to hold your post.
Inspect Your Doors and Windows Regularly
Door and window security is important for several reasons. They can add to your home’s aesthetic, allow natural sunlight to fill your home and save energy, and protect you from unwelcome entities like bugs and burglars. They also play a critical role in the overall safety of your family and your property. A regular inspection from a locksmith can identify a number of issues with your windows and doors that may cause concern or pose security risks.
Leaving windows open can expose your valuables to potential thieves. A useful Locksmith tip is to invest in curtains and blinds to beef up your home’s privacy. Another tip is to find a safe or secret place to hide your valuables. It is also a good idea to use a peephole so you can see who’s at the door before opening it.
Many homeowners forget to lock their doors when they leave the house. This is one of the most common ways burglars gain access to a home. A quick double-check of the locks before you head out for the day can prevent this problem.
It is also a good idea to consider getting an anti-snap lock for your front and back doors. These locks are much harder to break in than standard euro cylinders and can help prevent break-ins.
In addition to examining the doors and windows, it is also a good idea to regularly clean them. Dirty doors and windows can be a magnet for fingerprints, dirt and dust. A simple cleaning with a damp cloth can make your doors and windows sparkle. In addition, a professional locksmith can also recommend a high-quality door lock that is resistant to the common methods of breaking in.
Don’t Hide Your Keys
Your home is one of the most important things you will ever own and protecting it is something that should always be on your mind. Unfortunately, burglaries are on the rise and it is important to learn new ways of securing your property. Here are a few tips from a local locksmith on how to protect your home inside and out.
The old standby of hiding a spare key on the porch may seem like a smart idea, but it poses a major security threat. It’s easy for a criminal to spot and it gives them the opportunity to enter your house without you being there. It also allows them to rob you of any valuables that may be in your wallet which could include credit cards, money or even your ID.
Similarly, don’t hide your keys under your flowerpot or in the garage as these are easily spotted by a criminal and it allows them to gain access without any suspicion. It’s also a bad idea to hide your keys under your light fixtures as this is a common place for thieves to look. It also allows them to see if your house is unoccupied which is a huge red flag for potential criminals.
Finally, don’t leave a spare key on the back of your car as this is another common place for criminals to check and it will allow them to drive off with your vehicle and any belongings inside. It’s best to use a lockbox and bury it on your property somewhere that is difficult for someone to find.
Alternatively, ask your neighbour to watch your house and collect the mail if you are going on vacation as this is a good way to avoid a pile up of post that might alert intruders to your absence. It’s also a good idea to join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and inform them that you are going away so they can keep an eye on your property while you’re gone.
Keep Your Home Well-Lit
It goes without saying that you should always keep your windows and doors well-secured, but what many people don’t realise is that it can be just as easy to break into a home through windows as it is through doors. This is why it’s so important to make sure all your windows are adequately secured and not left open for any length of time, even when you are home.
Some burglars will enter through windows rather than doors because they are often easier to break into, especially if the homeowner is preoccupied. If you have any windows that are difficult to shut or lock, consider having them replaced with locks that meet the ANSI standards for security. Your locksmith can recommend a variety of locks that are highly secure and hard to break into.
Another way to improve your home’s security is to have sensor lights fitted around the property, especially in dark areas. These will be activated by movement and help to deter any potential burglars. These can also be handy when you’re bringing in groceries after dark or taking out the trash at night.
If you have any expensive items in your home, it is a good idea to store them in a safe or in a bank deposit box when you’re not using them. Leaving valuables lying around in obvious places is an invitation to thieves, so try not to display them to the outside world.
Finally, it’s worth checking if your local neighbourhood has a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, as this can be a fantastic deterrent to crime. It’s also a great idea to ask your neighbours to collect the mail, newspapers and deliveries when you are away from your house for any extended periods of time, so it doesn’t look like there is nobody at home.
Don’t Keep a Spare Key in Your Yard
You may think that hiding a spare key under your flower pot or on the door mat is clever, but burglars and home invaders are savvy enough to know these trick spots. Plus, they are looking for ways to make the simplest task as easy as possible for themselves.
A mailbox may seem like a good place to stash a spare key, especially if it’s away from the door and not too obvious. However, it is also one of the most popular places for people to hide their keys and a very easy place for peepers to check.
Putting a spare key in your mailbox could also be dangerous, and not just for children. A thief who knows that there is a key hidden inside will likely try to open it, which could expose the electrical wiring in the box and cause a fire.
It’s best to stay away from the front garden when it comes to hiding a key, as crooks can easily find your keys there. That obliviously fake rock in your garden probably doesn’t contain your key and it may actually lead to the house next door.
If you have a trusty neighbor in the area, they can be a good source for storing a spare key, but just be sure that they don’t have a key to your house already and that it isn’t somewhere else on their property.
Another great place to keep a spare key is in a lockbox, which can be secured outside the home. These boxes can be bought from most hardware stores and provide more secure access to your spare key. They can also be secured in your yard, which provides a greater level of privacy and prevents peepers from being able to see into the home.
Don’t Leave Money on the Premises
When you leave money on the premises of your home or office it can attract the attention of criminals. It is important to keep cash and other valuables in a safe or secure location when you are not at home. This will help deter crime and protect you and your employees.
If you have recently moved into a new house or office it is wise to consider rekeying your locks. It is not unusual for previous owners or tenants to have spare keys and it is also easy for a skilled locksmith to make duplicate keys. By rekeying your locks you can ensure that only you have access to your property.
Never leave a note on your door when you are away from home, this is a clear signal that no one is at home and can alert burglars to an empty property. Instead ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail or use Royal Mail’s “Keepsafe” service, which holds parcels and letters for up to 2 months while you are away. It is also a good idea to inform a Neighbourhood Watch scheme that you will be going on holiday, they may be able to arrange for someone to collect your post.
When you hire a professional locksmith make sure they are licensed, insured and that their company name and local address is on the receipt, this will help to ensure you are getting the best service. If you are unsure of your locksmith’s credentials ask to see their license and ensure they give you a receipt that includes the full cost of parts, services and labour.
