Home Security Advice – Top 18 Expert Tips

Home Security Advice – Top 18 Expert Tips

Want to make your home burglar-resistant this instant? Tired of living in fear of burglaries all the time? This comprehensive list gives you 18 amazing suggestions on how to bring your domestic security up to scratch with tried-and-trusted methods. Remember, these recommendations are not random; they come from some of the best locksmiths in Britain! That’s why you should pay close attention to what we’re about to tell you.

18 Home Security Tips by Top Locksmiths

The Office for National Statistics has revealed that 1 in 100 Brits experienced burglaries in 2023. That’s why more and more homeowners are looking for unique methods to make their dwellings immune to the most common methods used by local burglars. Why don’t you consider these 18 tips? These suggestions will make you feel safe in the sanctity of your home:

1. Secure Doors & Windows

You should start by securing your doors and windows. That’s because criminals enter a house either by snapping the front door lock or smashing a window. So, please make sure that:

• Doors: Your exterior doors should be fitted with robust locks. A 5-lever mortice lock will be perfect. If you have uPVC doors then choose anti-snap locks for them. Don’t forget to add a deadlock or a smart lock with fantastic security features.
• Windows: Even your windows must be locked, particularly if you live on the ground floor or somewhere easily accessible for passers-by. Use laminated glass or security films for making your windows resistant to brute-force break-in methods.

2. Get a BS3621 British Standard Lock

The British Standards Institute (BSI) recommends using BS3621 locks to prevent burglaries. These door locks are very durable and resist tampering. BSI is confident that these locks will withstand common burglary techniques like picking and drilling. Generally speaking, BS3621 locks have 5 levers, anti-pick mechanisms, hardened metal plates, etc. to keep your home unbreakable. Not sure if your door locks meet these standards? Well, look for the BSI Kitemark on the faceplate of the lock. Also, you can read these key features of BS3621 locks courtesy of Irish Mirror:

• At least 5 levers or pin tumblers
• The lock is covered by a hardened metal plate to protect it from drilling
• The bolt protrudes at least 20mm from the faceplate when locked
• The key can only be removed when the bolt is fully activated
• The screws that fix the lock to the door are not accessible when the door is shut

3. Use Sash Jammers with Locks

But door locks won’t be enough! You should also reinforce your doors/windows with sneaky little knickknacks called sash jammers. Sash jammers act as physical barriers that don’t let robbers force open your house’s common entryways. Even if thieves breach your door locks, they won’t be able to open the door thanks to these jammers. Older uPVC doors are vulnerable to a kinda common trick called snapping, so sash jammers will come in handy. Jammers are of two types:

• Internal: You can operate them from inside your home.
• External: You can even secure these ones from the outside.

Our resident locksmiths recommend fitting two sash jammers to a single door. Patio and French doors are safer when you’re using four jammers. Even small windows will benefit from a sash jammer. While you can fit sash jammers yourself, it’s advisable to have them installed by a local qualified locksmith to ensure proper fitting and avoid compromising your security. Sash jammers are inexpensive and widely available, making them a cost-effective way to bolster your home’s security against potential intruders.

4. Secure French Doors + Patio Doors

Talking about French and patio doors, these entryways have the following flaws:

• Large glass surfaces
• Exposed hinges

That’s why you should utilise impact-resistant or laminated glass to reinforce these doors. Try to install a double-cylinder deadbolt that requires a key from both sides. Take off traditional hinges and replace them with hinges with non-removable pins. This way, your door won’t be lifted off its frame. Also, a French door security bar or lock-to-lock handle will prevent burglaries.

5. Get a Digital Viewer for Your Front Door

You can also get a digital door viewer to make your home safer. This device lets you monitor an individual knocking at your door without letting them in! No need to squint through those tiny peepholes anymore! These digital viewers can even take a picture of a visitor and store them so you can later share them with the police in case it was a suspicious character lurking outside. A few more features of these door viewers include:

• Easy integration with smart home systems
• Remote monitoring and control via smartphone
• Motion detection and infrared vision
• Two-way audio communication

This technology not only boosts security but also offers convenience and peace of mind, making it an excellent addition to your home security setup.

6. Set Up Chains for Your Doors

How about installing a door chain? This idea is very simple yet highly effective when it comes to enhancing the security of your residence. Door chains let you partially open your door to talk to somebody standing outside without giving them the chance to break into your premises. Chains become an extra layer of security for people living alone or the elderly.

When properly fitted, door chains give you a few seconds to react if a criminal tries to push the door open. Also, installing these chains is very easy; they don’t even cost a lot! Sure, a chain is not as effective at preventing burglaries as deadbolts, but they sure work!

7. Guard Your Correspondence from Fishing

Don’t disregard letterbox security when making your house resistant to property crimes. A quite pervasive home security risk is called “fishing,” a situation in which burglars will use fishing lines to access your letterbox and steal your spare keys. You should install a letterbox guard/restrictor to prevent fishing. This device will limit the depth to which something can be inserted inside the letterbox. So, intruders won’t be able to fish for your spare keys inside.

Also, you should choose letterboxes with internal restrictor plates or nylon bristles. They’ll make sure that burglars cannot even take a peep inside your home! That’s how you can prevent local criminals and housebreakers from finding out if your house is currently occupied or vacant. Also, you can secure your mailbox with a key/code to prevent unauthorised access.

8. Protect Windows with Bars & Grills

Since your windows can also be exploited by an intruder, you should install bars and grills right away. These bars/grills serve as physical barriers against burglary attempts. They act as the first line of defense against property criminals. Here’s how you should decide between bars & grills:

• Security Bars: Bars are a traditional method to make your windows burglar-resistant. A bar will give you robust protection but it may not be very good for your curb appeal!
• Security Grills: Grills offer sleeker, more modern designs. They don’t compromise at all on aesthetics. That’s why they’re perfect for traditional and contemporary properties alike in the UK. You can also invest in retractable grills. They don’t take up much space.

9. Install CCTV Surveillance Cameras

This one’s one of the most important options, i.e., installing a security camera. With high-tech & remote-accessible cameras, you can easily check on your property from your office or when you are on vacation. These CCTV cameras become a second set of eyes for you!

This technology not only provides peace of mind but acts as a deterrent to potential intruders as well; visible CCTV cameras can discourage burglars from targeting your property. Also, you can quickly take action if a security incident happens on your property. Just make sure that you have set up this security system properly with strong passwords. You should install the latest software updates and security patches by the developers to prevent unauthorised access.

10. Get “Alarmed”

A survey from 2021 claimed that 1 in 4 Brits who relocate actually move out of their homes due to burglary threats. However, if you are regularly changing the security code on your alarm, then you’re in shallow waters! You can easily prevent burglaries by making sure that your ex-workers, former loved ones, disgruntled family members, service providers, malicious neighbours, or any person who knows your alarm code can get access to your home. You should also:

• Change your alarm code 3 to 6 months at least
• Set a new code after maintenance work is done
• Don’t use easily guessable codes like sequential numbers
• Don’t use personal stuff like your birthdate as an alarm code

11. Get Help with Sensor Lighting

How about installing front and back door sensor lights? These lights come with motion sensors. So, they will turn on upon detecting motion. These bright motion sensors give you a clean view of anyone who attempts to approach your doors. This not only helps deter potential intruders but also offers practical benefits, such as lighting your way when returning home at night.

When choosing sensor lights, avoid glare and ensure they don’t shine onto neighbouring properties, which could be considered a nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. That’s how you make your home safer, warning potential intruders to stay away!

12. Purchase Light Timers

Light timers will enhance the security of your home as well. These devices create an illusion of occupancy to ward off potential intruders. Burglars try breaking into people’s homes when these homes are empty. However, these light timers make your home seem occupied. Operated by batteries, these timers fit over your existing light switch. So, you can programme different on/off times for different days (otherwise, smarter criminals will realise that you’re using automation).

These timers are very easy to install. You don’t need to make any wiring changes as well. Also, you can set light timers to turn lights on and off randomly.

13. Keep Valuables Out of Sight

They say, “Out of sight, out of mind.” You should never place your valuables too close to open windows. Burglars are always on the lookout and choose homes containing visible valuables. It is better to install a home security safe to store your valuables. It’ll contain your cash, jewellery, personal documents, prize bonds, etc. Choose safes designed to withstand burglary attempts. A safe must be fireproof as well. Moreover, your safe should be securely attached to the floor/wall to prevent it from being removed forcibly by potential burglars.

14. Rethink Your Keying Strategy

Don’t forget to rethink your keying strategy as well. “Keying alike” is a very beneficial method to protect your home from burglary attempts. Let’s say you lost your keys or cannot remember for the life of you where you put them. You’re afraid they may have fallen into the wrong hands. So, you can use the keying-alike method by having multiple locks operated with a single key. That’s how you can simplify key management. Also, you’ll have to carry only one key. This strategy is a perfect method for homeowners who deal with multiple doors/locks. They won’t have to juggle multiple keys. Consider using high-security keys resistant to duplication without authorisation, providing an extra layer of protection against potential intruders.

15. Safeguard Your Shed/Garden

Burglars like it when a person’s shed or garden is unguarded. That’s because they like stealing precious gardening equipment. That’s why your shed should be in a visible, well-lit area to deter intruders. Please avoid secluded spots or publicly accessible areas. Strong padlocks along with hasp-and-staple locks work well for wooden sheds. You can also upgrade locking mechanisms on metal sheds for further protection. Some other tips include:

• Reinforcing doors with internal bolts
• Replacing standard hinges with tamper-resistant ones to prevent forced entry
• Installing a battery-operated shed alarm that triggers a loud siren upon movement
• Anchoring valuable items using ground anchors or lockable storage boxes
• Registering your tools on databases like Immobilise to aid recovery if stolen
• Keeping the area around your shed clear of overgrown vegetation
• Installing motion-activated lighting to deter intruders

16. Protect Your Car Keys

Car keys are risky not only when you’re out but also when you’re home. That’s because many burglars will simply steal your car keys by either breaking into your home or fishing through your letterbox. Keyless entry cars can be accessed by burglars using “relay attacks,” in which thieves will amplify the signal from your key fob to unlock the vehicle. You should always keep your keys away from doors/windows. Store them in a signal-blocking pouch or a Faraday bag. This way, a burglar won’t be able to amplify the signal to unlock the car. Also, it’s better to park your car in a secure location (like your garage). Using a steering wheel lock isn’t a bad idea either!

17. Read Some Miscellaneous Tips

Please avoid doing these things if you want to keep your home safe:

• Leaving your doors and windows unlocked
• Hiring spare keys under mats or in potted plants
• Not having the area surrounding your house well-lit
• Storing your valuables dangerously close to an open window
• Sharing travel plans or posting updates that indicate your home is unoccupied

18. Hire Approved Locksmiths

Don’t hire a locksmith off the block. Always make sure that your locksmiths are approved and DBS checked. Working with accredited locksmiths will keep you safe from scams. So, recognised locksmiths will provide you with easily affordable locksmith services. They will repair your locks, perform burglary repairs, board up your shattered glass window, and help you in lockout situations. You can also ask your accredited locksmiths to upgrade your door locks with anti-snap alternatives.

Upgrade Your Domestic Security: Call Local Locksmiths

If you’re looking for the best locksmiths in the UK, then please get in touch with Lock & Key Leeds. We only employ vetted, background-checked, reliable, experienced, and highly qualified locksmiths. They’ll arrive at your location within an hour to deal with your emergency locksmith needs.