The world is slowly returning to normal; people are back at work, shops and restaurants are open, and travel restrictions are being loosened more every week. This all means that, after a year and a half of being stuck at home, we are all spending a little more time out and about; this brings with it a fresh challenge – how do we keep our homes secure while we are away or out for the day?
We have put together some tips that could help you keep your home secure while you’re out at work or away for extended periods.
If you are looking to move to the area, why not browse our properties for sale in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas? If you’re looking at moving to the area, visit our award-winning website or call us on 01344 843000 and email us.
Security System
The humble home alarm system is one of the best ways to deter would-be burglars from targeting your home. The box on the outside of the house has been a staple of home security for more than 40 years and in the past, home security systems have been extremely expensive to buy and install.
Today, there is a wealth of affordable smart home security systems which are easy to install yourself. CCTV and Video doorbells are among the most popular security addition and can be set up and calibrated in minutes by the homeowner; no need for an expensive installer.
Make sure you do your research and establish which system suits your requirements and budget.
Accredited Doors
Did you know that most intruders actually gain access to properties through the front or back doors? While you may not have thought about how secure your front door might be, don’t take it for granted. Make sure that your front and back doors are manufactured to Secured by Design specification (SBD). This is a police-approved accreditation developed by the Association of Chief Police Officers to rate the effectiveness of door products against criminals.
If your doors are accredited it means that they have been tested and can withstand most attacks against forced entry.
Protecting Access Points
When it comes to doors and windows themselves, installing replacements or upgrades isn’t quite as straightforward as installing a smart doorbell. More often than not, you will need a builder or glazier to install them and this can cause a fair amount of disruption to your day-to-day business – especially if you’re working from home.
There are hundreds of options when it comes to secure doors and windows and you are almost certain to find something that fits your security requirements, budget, and style. You’d be amazed at how beautiful some of the strongest doors on the market are.
Be home when you’re not
When a property is empty it can be noticeable from the outside, especially if the house is on a street with many residential properties. If a house is dark at 8 pm when others are lit up with activity inside, it can be a tell-tale sign that it is unoccupied and may be targeted by criminals.
There are a number of great products available on the market to make your home look occupied even when it isn’t. From leaving low-energy lighting on a timer to installing smart lighting throughout your home, you can give the illusion that people are moving around inside; there are even light bulbs that imitate the flashing from a television.
Out of sight
Make sure that you don’t leave valuables out in the open or near access points. Leaving your phone or handbag on the dining table or your laptop near a window might be too much temptation for a potential burglar. Make sure that any important documents are treated as valuables, and assess your rubbish and recycling; you’d be amazed at what you can find out from people’s rubbish.
Make sure you shred anything that could lead to identity theft and if you’ve just bought a big new TV, find a way to dispose of the packaging which doesn’t advertise your new acquisition to potential burglars.
Good Neighbours
This is more of a long-term strategy but, build and maintain a relationship with your neighbours; after all, they’ll be as keen to keep your home secure as you are – no one wants a crime spree on their doorstep.
Ask them to check your property occasionally, it will give you peace of mind in the event you go away for an extended period of time.
Get in Touch
If you are thinking of moving to the area, make sure you take a look at our amazing catalogue of properties for sale in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas.
If you’d like to speak to someone about properties to let in Virginia Water, a member of our expert team would be happy to help. You can call us on 01344 843000 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Editorial credit: Nick Beer / Shutterstock.com
