Yep – there really is a month for everything nowadays!
National Home Security Month is celebrated in October, and has been for over a decade now. The idea is to provide advice, information and support for homeowners, shining a spotlight on just how important it is to protect your home. It was chosen for October because it’s when the rate of burglaries start to increase in the run up to the festive months, and gives homeowners a chance to reinforce their security. At My Locks our main job might be as locksmiths, but we often find ourselves giving advice on how to shore up weak spots, or ways to improve security while we’re on site. So today, we’re going to write a few of them down for you.
Check Your Front Door Security
Your front door is often the first line of defence against intruders, so making sure it’s secure is crucial. The simplest way to check if your door is vulnerable is by using the £1 coin trick. It’s really simple – just see if a £1 coin can fit between the door frame and the door itself when closed. If it does, your door may need to be realigned, or the locks might need reinforcing. This small gap could be all it takes for a burglar to exploit the weakness and force their way inside, so it’s worth checking!
If your front door seems old or worn out, now is a good time to consider upgrading it to a sturdier, more secure model. Instead, opt for a composite door or one with a multi-point locking system, both of which offer superior protection compared to standard wooden doors.
Upgrade to a Smart Lock
Traditional locks have served us well, but with advances in technology, smart locks offer a more secure and convenient option for modern homes. Smart locks eliminate the need for physical keys, which can be easily lost or copied. Instead, you can lock and unlock your door using your smartphone, a key fob, or even your voice, depending on the model.
What makes smart locks particularly appealing is their ability to:
- Allow temporary access for guests, tradespeople, or delivery drivers while you’re not home.
- Provide activity logs showing who entered your home and when, giving you full control.
- Integrate with other smart home systems, such as alarms or security cameras.
Upgrading to a smart lock not only makes your home more secure but also makes managing access more flexible and convenient, especially if you’re often away from home.
Check and Maintain Your Perimeters
Securing the perimeter of your home is just as important as securing the inside. Regularly checking the condition of your perimeter—whether it’s walls, fences, or gates—is a crucial step to ensuring your home is fully protected. Burglars often look for easy access points, such as gaps in fences or low, climbable structures, to enter your garden and potentially your home.
Look for signs of wear and tear, such as broken fence panels, weak gates, or overgrown shrubbery that might conceal intruders. Fix any weaknesses as soon as possible. A sturdy and well-maintained perimeter not only deters criminals but also gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is difficult to access.
Fix Your Fences
If you have a garden, your fences play a critical role in keeping your property secure. Weak or damaged fences are easy targets for intruders, who may climb over or break through them to gain access to your home. As part of your NHSM checks, inspect your fences closely for any signs of damage or weakness. Look for loose panels, broken posts, or gaps that a person could squeeze through.
To strengthen your fences, you could:
- Replace damaged or weak panels.
- Consider adding trellis tops to make fences more difficult to climb.
- Use anti-climb paint on the tops of fences or walls to discourage would-be intruders.
Securing your boundaries is an effective way to make sure your home is not seen as an easy target.
Join the Neighbourhood Watch
One of the best ways to protect your home is by working with your community. Neighbourhood Watch schemes have been highly effective in reducing crime across the UK. These schemes encourage neighbours to look out for each other, reporting any suspicious activity and creating a stronger sense of security for the entire neighbourhood.
Joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch in your area can be incredibly beneficial. It not only improves overall home security but also fosters a community spirit, making your street less appealing to criminals. Burglars are less likely to target an area where people are actively watching out for each other.
To get started, contact your local police or check the Neighbourhood Watch website for information on how to join or create a scheme.
National Home Security Month is the perfect opportunity to assess your home’s security and implement new measures to safeguard against potential threats. By staying ahead of burglars with these tips, you can protect your home, family and valuables all year round. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
If you’d like to know more, or have any questions, just get in touch with the team at My Locks today, we’d be happy to help!