We all like to think we live in a safe neighbourhood, but burglaries do happen. Some houses are targeted due to bad luck. Other times, criminals scope out homes beforehand and look for security weaknesses.
Ramping up your security measures might not make it 100% impossible to break in, but it can slow burglars down. With 25% of people claiming to be burgled, there’s no wonder we are searching for ways to protect our homes. Some of the best security measures don’t cost the earth – they simply involve learning new habits, while avoiding those that make your home an easy target.
Here’s our guide on how to protect your house and keep your family and belongings safe.
Keep valuables out of sight
Many burglaries happen due to perceived opportunity when a burglar thinks, or knows, there is something in your home that is worth stealing.
Increasing the privacy of your home can reduce your chance of being targeted. Hide valuables so they can’t be seen through windows or consider covering windows with privacy-enhancing screens or stickers. These are a popular choice for street-facing windows or if you don’t have a front garden, as they still let light in while the semi-opaque screen obscures the contents of your home.
Additionally, a car is likely the most expensive item you own, yet it’s often left out on display. Avoid parking your car in the street and park in your garage or on your driveway if you have one.
Keep the lights on
Burglars are looking for the easiest target. Most want to gain access as quickly and discreetly as possible, avoiding any additional or unexpected obstacles. They don’t want to break in to find a house full of people and risk being caught or hurt.
A classic trick is to make your home appear occupied when you’re out. Keep a couple of lights on or play music to make it seem like there’s somebody home. Additionally, try to make sure your gardens and any walkways are lit up at night with permanent or motion sensor lights. Burglars will likely choose the house in darkness over one that’s well-lit and exposed.
Check your locks and door handles
Security weaknesses can happen almost anywhere in and around the home. So, check your door and window locking mechanisms are in full working order every few months as they can wear down over time. In addition, padlocks and combination locks are a great option for securing sheds, gates, storage tubs, and gardening equipment.
Don’t just focus on the lock when looking for any faults – check the area around your locks too. If the windowpane around the handle feels weak, it’s easier for a burglar to break it entirely, rendering the lock useless. Easier still, simply make sure your doors and windows are locked when you leave the house and go to sleep and don’t fall into the 46% of people who fail to do so.
Single-point door locking systems
Front door locking mechanisms come with varying levels of security depending on the type of lock. From a single or double-cylinder lock, to a standard latch with a spring bolt and an additional dead bolt, there is a lot to consider.
From there, it comes down to what will make you feel secure, as there are several security options with these types of locks. These options include:
- Nightlatch
- Five-lever mortice deadlock
- British Standard BS 3621 deadlock
- Cylinder lock
Multi-point locking systems
For ultimate security, a multipoint locking system is the best. This involves a number of bolts and hooks around the frame, which are employed by lifting the handle. The two most common types are three-point and five-point systems.
Strong door handles
One of the weakest parts of the door and lock, the handle is where intruders are most likely to begin with their attempt to enter your home. There are a number of ways to exploit this weakness, so ensuring your handles are reinforced and in the best condition can help protect the door lock components from forced entry caused by picking or snapping.
Some features of a strong door handle include:
- Hardened metal body and bolts protect from simple wear and the brute force of potential intruders.
- Cylinder guards sit underneath the external handle and protect the cylinders of the lock from snapping if the handle is removed.
- Anti-drill rotating disk shield protects the barrel from being drilled.
Upgrade your windows for security
If you feel it’s time for an upgrade, getting your windows replaced is a great place to start improving your home security. But just how secure are UPVC windows?
There are hundreds of window combinations, each with its redeeming qualities. But there are three key things to consider when optimising your windows for security purposes and peace of mind.
Window design & frame
Casement windows are the most secure frame, since there’s no way to adjust the handle from outside. There’s also no way to force them open with a crowbar. You just need to make sure the window is closed and locked. Unable to enter by manipulating the frame, the only other option is to try to break the glass.
Double glazing
To strengthen the glass and deter burglars, make sure your windows are double glazed. Double glazing is as standard in new modern homes as it is insulating and can save you money on energy bills. There are many benefits to double glazing from a security perspective:
- Advancements in technology means that modern windows can increase security due to the added strength.
- Beading that holds the double glazing in place is fitted to the interior of the windows making it near impossible for the burglar to remove the glass from the outside.
- Durable double glazing is capable of withstanding a brick or stone thrown at it so burglars can’t make an entrance without drawing too much attention.
Type of glass
The type of glass in your double glazed windows makes a difference.
Tempered glass is specially heat-treated with intense heat then cooled quickly to resist more force. This action compresses the external surfaces of the glass, making the entire structure 4 times stronger than normal glass.
Reinforced glass is stronger than tempered or laminate, typically used in homes. The added strength helps deter break-ins and most reinforced glass doesn’t shatter into shards, making it safer if damage occurs.
Laminate glass is made of two or more pieces of glass bonded with plastic and is impact-resistant. It is often used in areas prone to natural disasters – such as coastal homes or homes on fault lines. The plastic allows it to remain within the frame, as opposed to shattering if it does break.
Doors provide the main entry points into your home. Composite and steel doors can offer the best protection against burglars but if your door is faulty, it’s almost useless so getting it repaired as soon as possible is crucial.
Think about a security system
While doors, windows and lights are excellent deterrents against potential thefts, there are additional security measures you can put in place to protect your home and family.
Security cameras
If you want 24/7 surveillance of your home, installing security cameras is a good idea. From simple doorbell cameras to a full CCTV system, there are plenty of options when it comes to home security. Not only do security cameras offer peace of mind but if they are visible outside your home, they can also act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
Alarm system
Just like security cameras, a visible alarm system can deter potential intruders from trying to enter your home. As well as that, if a burglar does gain entry, the sound of the alarm will alert you and your neighbours and, hopefully, startle them enough to leave before taking anything or causing damage.
Security locks
Security locks for UPVC windows add an extra layer of protection to prevent burglars from breaking into your home. Security locks fit most types of wooden and double glazed window frames and only allow the windows to open a small amount so it is difficult to break in through an open window.
Secure your home against burglars with Cloudy2Clear
Keeping your home safe and secure involves checking everything is working properly. Watch for any habits that might make your house a target, and ensure your windows, doors and locks are in top condition to try and prevent a burglary.
At Cloudy2Clear, we’re experts in repairing and replacing door and window mechanisms, double glazing, and more. All our repairs involve replacing only the faulty or worn down elements. So, we won’t charge you for an entire window frame if only the glass needs replacing.
If you’re looking to boost the security of your home, start with us. Get in touch via our online contact form for a free, no obligation quote. You can also call our team now on 0800 056 1631.
