The first step in preventing a robbery is to make it as difficult as possible for a thief to get in. That means knowing what crooks are looking for when they target homes as well as keeping your home security measures up to date.
Here are 10 tips locksmiths in Watford recommend residents use to keep their homes and valuables safer:
1. Lock Up
The most basic strategy is to lock all of your doors and windows, including upper floors. Remember not to leave the keys in them. Doing so might make it harder for you to misplace them but easier for a thief who can break the glass and reach in to undo the lock.
2. Secure Your Property
Improve your home security by securing the boundaries of your property, including fences and gates. Take periodic walks looking for any nearby tree branches or other things that could be used to climb over the top. In dark areas around the exterior consider adding more lighting.
3. Don’t Supply the Tools
Lock up tools so they can’t be used to break windows or take things apart and ladders to prevent a thief from climbing to a higher floor to gain access. Store your bins behind a gate if possible so no one can climb on them.
4. Avoid Broadcasting Your Plans
Announcing what you’re up to on social media helps a thief to track your movements and know the best time to break in. According to most locksmiths in Watford, talking about your plans online don’t give specific times or locations and be aware of privacy settings so you know who can see your posts.
5. Understand Your Insurance
Understand your insurance compliance requirements. Are high-value items covered? Know what is necessary to receive compensation if you are broken into, and keep receipts and manuals even if you just throw them all in a box.
6. Neighbourhood Watch
When you go away let a trusted neighbour know and ask them to watch your property while you’re gone. Make sure they have your contact information so they can reach you if anything happens.
7. Lock Change
Consider getting experienced locksmiths in Watford to install new locks to update your home security. Older homes especially may have outdated locks that are easier to bypass, and technology is always improving. As simple lock change can be a great way to keep criminals at bay.
8. Keep Your Keys Safe. Keep car keys out of sight.
In some instances, burglars take the car keys during the initial break in and returning later to steal the car, especially high-performance ones.
9. Deal With Deliveries Quickly
Avoid leaving boxes outside of your home. Items that have been delivered are easy to steal right off the stoop with your new item still inside. Empty boxes sitting by the bins advertise the new items that are inside the house, and even an unmarked box is evidence of newly bought goods that might be valuable.
10. Maintain Privacy
Close your curtains, especially at night. When it’s dark outside and the house is lit up it’s easy to see valuable items inside. A house full of valuable items can look like a shop front to a criminal. Protect Yourself Take advantage of the services offered by Locksmiths in Watford and be aware of your surroundings to help keep your property and your family safe from break-ins.
