Safety Tips

There are many cost effective ways to secure your home. Safe and Secure Southampton Locksmiths have put together this list of simple tips for home security to help beat the burglar.

Safe Practice

Never open the door to unknown visitors. Fit a door viewer (peep / spy hole) and / or a door chain, to take a look at who is at your door before deciding on opening it.

Do not leave keys on the inside of door locks or on window ledges near the door as burglars can break a window and reach inside to unlock the door.

Remove keys from view and keep them in a safe place. Don’t leave you name and address on any key tags. If you loose your keys away from home they could fall into the wrong hands.

Physical Security

Have window locks fitted and keep your windows locked, especially those on the ground floor or which are easily accessible de to flat roofs and drain pipes for example.

The Home Office recommends fitting 5 lever deadlocks to all external doors. You should have or if not upgrade to British Standard BS3621.

Sheds and outbuildings are very vulnerable to theft and as a result you should have a substantial lock or padlock and pad bolt in place.

All valuables should be kept locked up inside sheds and outbuildings and remember never to leave expensive garden equipment outside.

Use a chain and padlock to secure ladders and other equipment that may be used to break into your property.

Other Deterrents

Gravel or pebbles on driveways warn you when someone is approaching your home. Burglars know this and therefore it acts as a deterrent.

Fit blinds to windows. Venetian blinds or vertical blinds can act as a significant deterrent as they are a noisy obstacle for burglars attempting to gain entry.

Preferably install an alarm system or at least fit an external dummy alarm box in a prominent position on the outside of the house.

Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and display the Neighbourhood Watch sticker and a CCTV in operation sticker in your window.

Cut back hedges and trees near to your house to make it difficult for burglars to conceal themselves.

Property marking can act as a good deterrent as the markings make it difficult for a burglar to be able to sell on your goods.

Time light switches with motion detection act as a good deterrent to would be burglars as there is no place to hide.

When away from the home

If you want your house to appear as if it is occupied:

• Use a timer switch to switch lights on and off at appropriate times of day and night.
• Use a timer to have a radio come on and off to give the impression that there is somebody home.
• Do not leave curtains drawn during the daytime.
• Be sure to cancel milk, paper and other deliveries.
• Ask a neighbour to keep and eye on your property whilst you are away.

If you have any questions and for further advice please call Safe and Secure in Southampton on: 07850358641

Safe and Secure Locksmiths provide discounts to OAP’s, students and disabled and offer help to victim support cases.