Home Security

Worrying if your home is secure?

Ask yourself these simple questions:

Is your home easily accessible when locked?
How secure are your outer buildings?
Would your home attract a burglar?
Do you feel safe in your home?

Prevention is the best measure in home security:

Most people don’t stop to think about home security until it is too late. It can be very difficult to cope with the fact that your private sanctuary and personal belongings have been violated by another person. Knowing that someone has entered your home is extremely stressful and it can create feelings of anxiety and fear.

Guard against being a target

Prevention is often common sense. According to police reports only one in four burglaries involves forced entry; most intruders gain access through unlocked doors or open windows.

Try to think like an intruder would. Check on anything around your property that may attract attention or make it easier for a break-in to occur, such as:

• Open doors or windows
• Valuables that are easily seen from the outside
• Garden tools that can be spotted from the road
• Vehicles or pushbikes unlocked

Be proactive and check through the following tips to ensure that you are doing everything you possibly can to protect your family and add to your home security:

Windows:

• Ensure that all of your windows have locks which are in good working order
• If they are left partially open regularly they should not be able to be opened from the outside. A simple
• solution is to use a piece of wooden dowel so as to limit how far the windows can be opened.

Doors:

• If your doors are not solid metal or wood a burglar can easily kick them in
• Consider replacing a door that has a large amount of glass in it
• Deadbolt locks offer the best protection. If your door has a panel of glass within reach of the lock, choose a deadbolt that requires a key to open it from the inside as well
• Steel or mesh security doors are a great home security option, adding strength to the entry, and security for the person inside when answering the door.

Alarm Systems:

• These can act as a great deterrent to intruders searching for an easy target
• Display a sign or sticker to advertise the fact that you have an alarm system installed
• Get yourself familiar with the features and ensure that the sensors cover all vulnerable areas and are in good working order
• Test your alarm regularly

Landscaping:

• Trim bushes and trees that block the view from neighbours or from the street
• Consider open fences as opposed to private fencing so that it is more difficult for a burglar to hide
• Security signage should be on your front fence and any entry gates should have locks and/or a video entry system

Lighting:

• Make sure all potential points of entry to your premises are well-lit
• Install lights with sensors that will switch on automatically when the sun sets
• Motion sensors are very effective at detecting nearby movement

Off on a holiday or leaving your home unattended for an extended period of time?

It’s a good idea to keep a car parked in your driveway if possible. Have a trusted friend or neighbour collect your mail and maybe mow your lawn too. Use automatic timers for inside lights and close curtains and drapes. Turn off the ringer on phones and turn down the volume on answering machines. Avoid discussing your travel plans with anyone who doesn’t need to know.

Remember that your neighbours may be your best defence against burglary. Ask them to keep a close eye on your property and offer to do the same. Encourage them to call 000 if they note any suspicious activity. Above all, remain observant, practice common sense, and keep safe habits.

You can contact your local police department to find out more on how to improve your home security.

If you are worried about the safety of your family and property, New Breed Security can assist you with your home security requirements.