Improving your home security needn't mean spending a fortune on flash burglar alarms (although that's not to say that alarms are a bad idea!). There are numerous steps you can take to make your home more secure that cost just a few pounds, and some that will cost nothing but a bit of your time.
Act Now!
I personally know several people who have very expensive burglar alarms, reinforced window locks, dead-bolts, etc. There is nothing wrong with this of course, except for the fact that they only had these measures fitted AFTER they were burgled. Here are 5 steps you can take right now to reduce the risk of your home being broken into.
1. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you only plan to be out for a short time. This may seem obvious, but around 22% of burglars gained access through an open or unlocked door or window in 2005 (British Crime Survey).
2. Leave a light on if you are going out at night, or do not plan to return home until after dark. Some people even leave a radio on when they go out as a clear sign to a burglar that someone may be home.
3. Privacy is great, but having 20ft high hedges all the way around your house will also provide privacy for burglars. Consider trimming hedges in very secluded areas.
4. Secure tools etc out of sight. Most burglaries are opportunistic, so leaving your toolbox in the back garden just makes it easier for the burglar. This also applies to ladders.
5. If you are going away, ask a trustworthy neighbour or a friend to look after the house. Get them to remove mail from in front of the door, etc. Also remember to cancel things like milk deliveries.
DIY Security
So you can see that there are things you can do for free, that will reduce the chances of your house being targeted. However, these methods alone still may not deter the persistent criminal. Your next step is step physically stop them (no, not by standing outside you house 24/7 with a baseball bat).
Alarms
Alarms are a great deterrent. Burglars would rather just go to a house without an alarm; it's as simple as that. You can get an alarm system, including fitting for as little as £250-£350. Alternatively, you can buy an Alarm Kit and fit it yourself. This can be a tricky task, but you will certainly save money.
Doors
Forced door entry is one of the main methods burglars use to enter properties. A flimsy door with one locking point will open with a good kick or shoulder. If your budget will stretch to it, replace doors with a Solid Wood or Block Board door at least 44mm thick.
Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are a favourite point of entry for burglars. Older styles are easily lifted from their tracks, even when locked. You can buy anti-lift devices fairly cheaply from most DIY stores.
Locks
Replacing standard locks with Mortise Deadlocks or Cylinder Sash Locks will add immediate strength to a door. Locks such as these can be fairly expensive, but so could not having one! See Fitting a Mortise Lock for an i...
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