

Moving into a new home is incredibly exciting. Yes, we know it’s stressful too, but nothing beats walking into an empty property- a blank canvas waiting for you to make your mark. Decorating might be the first thing on your mind (and most fun), but in the UK a burglar strikes on average every 30 seconds, which means your home security should be a top priority to help you get back to the enjoyable bit of making your house a home, here are 8 quick and simple things you can do to secure your new home.
Set Up A Security System
Your home needs to have some form of security system in place, even if it’s just a basic one for now. Whether that’s’ a DIY solution, a professionally designed system or full monitoring. The best way to work out what you need is to assess the risks of your neighbourhood. Take a look at what visible security measures your new neighbours have put in place, do some research online or talk to your local police and neighbourhood watch for crime statistics and advice. And don’t forget your internal safety measures like carbon monoxide detectors!
Secure Your Doors
Did you know that around 34% of burglars stroll straight through the front door, with 7% using a key? Your doors are an important security measure, and it’s important not to neglect them. First, call a locksmith and book to have all the locks in your home changed. Unless you’ve bought a new build, you have no idea how many people have keys to your home!
Next, walk through and inspect every exterior door and window, checking for damage, making sure the hinges are protected and that no one can reach through your letterbox to unlock your door. Video doorbells are a great extra security measure, as well as installing a deadbolt and securing your letterbox with a cage if needed. If you have sliding glass doors, make sure they have a bar or dowel installed to stop them from being forced open.
Lock The Windows
Windows are a common entry point for burglars, as they are often shot but not locked by homeowners. Make sure your windows are locked, and if the locks look flimsy (many are), then replace them with aftermarket ones. Reinforcing windows with window security film is another easy win, as this makes the windows more difficult to break. For ground-floor windows, prickly bushes provide an excellent deterrent -just make sure you keep them trimmed!
Light The Landscape
A burglar’s best friend is the shadows. The last thing they want is to be seen committing crimes. So make sure they will be seen! Installing outdoor lighting at the front and rear of your property not only gives it a nicer atmosphere, but it means there’s less darkness to hide in. Key places to put lights are along any pathways, by your front door, back door and garage. Motion-activated floodlights are also a great deterrent- no criminal wants to be lit up like a Christmas tree!
Secure The Garage
Garages have become a much more popular entry point in recent years, mainly because they aren’t as well protected as other areas of your house. And even if they can’t gain access to your have, there is usually enough high-value stuff in there to make it worthwhile. So even if you don’t use it often, make sure all doors to your garage are locked. If you can, park a car as close as possible to the main door so the ‘ door can’t be forced open.
Shore up Your Wi-Fi
Believe it or not, your home wireless is more than just a way to access the internet. If you use any form of home automation, it can also make your house vulnerable to a break-in. If your Wi-Fi network is connected to any smart home gadgets or your security system, all a burglar would need to do is access the Wii- Fi to access your home. To keep hackers off your network, you can:
- Secure your wireless router
- Enable WPA or WPA 2 encryption
- Rename and hide your home network
- Use a firewall
- Install anti-virus and anti-malware software
- Use strong passwords
Get Rid of Races to Hide
The last thing you want to be doing is playing hide-and-seek with a burglar. Trim down any trees or plants close to the property so they can’t be used for cover. Instead, opt for flowers or smaller bushes. If you have trees next to the house that you can’t remove, make sure all your windows are reinforced.
While we’re on the subject of outside, there are a few other things you can do to stop opportunistic burglars:
- Always put away ladders, step ladders and stools once you’re finished with them.
- Lock gates, sheds and other outbuildings.
- Don’t leave expensive things lying around your garden,
- Make sure any recycled packaging for expensive things is broken up and inside a bin – not left at the side.
- Add security signs + stickers, even if you don’t have a security system installed yet.
Set Up Security Cameras
Many burglars are put off instantly by visible security cameras. Those who still try will often be foiled by them too, with the recordings being used as evidence to identify + prosecute them. You can use security cameras on their own, or you can integrate them with your entire security system.
If you aren’t sure where to start with security, this is something we can help with. We offer a free, comprehensive security review of your property, providing tips and advice for quick fixes, as well as a bespoke quote for your own security system. To find out more, just get in touch with our team today.