Summer is a busy time of year for burglars, they take full advantage of people sitting out in the garden and heading on summer holidays leaving their homes empty. This is why our team at Pontefract Locksmith Solutions have put together this helpful guide to help you improve your home security and keep your home safe and secure this summer.
Summer Home Security Tips
Lock Windows and Doors – Even if you are only sat in the garden or just popped round to a neighbour’s house it is important that you always make sure the windows and doors to your property are locked, burglars are opportunists and will see an open door or window as the perfect opportunity.
Don’t Leave Spare Keys – Never leave a spare key outside your property. You may think you have a safe and secure place, but burglars always know exactly where to look! The last thing you want is a burglar letting themselves into your home with your own key so if you do need to leave a key, leave it with a trusted neighbour or friend.
Hide Valuables – Don’t leave valuables on show from the outside of your property, and if you are going on holiday make sure you store all valuables in a safe and well hidden place, this way if a burglar does manage to gain entry to your home they will have a hard time finding anything of value to steal.
Stay off Social Media – We all get excited when we have a holiday planned but it would be wise not to broadcast it all over social media until after you are home. This is because it is incredibly easy for this sort of information to fall into the wrong hands and the last thing you want is a burglar knowing when your property is going to be vacant and how long for.
Hold Post – There is a postal holding service available form the Royal Mail in which you can request to have your post held for up to 3 months. This way if your gone for any length of time the post won’t be building up around your door. A sign burglars look for when choosing a property is unmoved mail as this indicates the property is empty.
Ask For Help – Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to check in on your home every now and then. Opening and closing curtains and turning lights on and off are helpful as it creates the impression your home is not empty.
Leave Vehicles At Home – Where possible, try and use public transport to get to airports when you are going on holiday and leave your vehicle parked at home. Having a vehicle parked outside creates the impression that someone is home and is off putting to burglars.
Cut Grass – Before you go on holiday be sure to cut your grass and tidy up the garden area. A good indication of a vacant property is an overgrown lawn.
Home Security Systems – Check all of your external door locks are in good working order and either meet or exceed the current British Standard BS3621, any substandard, damaged or faulty locks should be replaced as soon as possible. It is also worth considering having a CCTV system installed, there are so many to choose from you will be sure to find one that suits both your needs and budget.
If you need help improving your home security ready for this summer, then contact Pontefract Locksmith Solutions today – 01924 637498