Handy Tips to Make Your Home Secure

Everyday habits

• Lock up properly even if you are only out for a few minutes.
• Keep doors locked when you are upstairs, in the garden or watching TV.
• Keep all keys safe and out of sight, including car keys.
• Leave a spare house key with a reliable neighbour — never under a mat or plant pot.
• While you are out, leave lights and/or a radio on; if you're away for a few days, use a timer switch.

Doors

Ensure external doors are strong — 44 mm thick or more — with strong frames and hinges, and fitted with a BS3621 insurance mortice lock or key-operated security bolts top and bottom. Outward-opening doors should have hinge bolts.

Consider changing all the outside locks when you move home — you never know who still holds a key.

A chain and door viewer are a good idea for the front door, and always check the identity of callers you do not know.

Fit appropriate locks to the top and bottom of patio doors and French windows.

The door leading from a garage into the house is also a security risk and should be treated as an external door.

Windows

It is recommended to have key-operated window locks on all ground-floor windows, and on small or vulnerable windows upstairs — for example, ones near a flat roof, drainpipe, or hidden from view. Check windows are not rotten and are sturdy.

Fitting blinds stops passers-by seeing in — and they are noisy and tricky for burglars to get through.

Alarms, lighting & outbuildings

Security lighting acts as an excellent deterrent and also enables you to see in the garden. Lights should be positioned up high so they are difficult to tamper with, and set so they are triggered only by people on your own property.

Fitting a burglar alarm system reduces your chances of being burgled and is a good visual deterrent.

Keep your shed and outbuildings securely locked — this protects the contents and prevents tools being used to gain access to your home. Do not leave ladders or garden tools easily accessible.

Fire safety

Always give consideration to the risk of fire and means of escape. Fit a smoke detector and contact your local fire brigade for advice.

Insurance

Check the small print of your policy and its updates: you may find it is assumed that you have all the relevant security locks to BS3621 and key-operated window locks. If you have not got the relevant security, it may be that you are not fully insured! Most insurance companies will offer a discount off the premium if the recommended security locks are fitted throughout the home, and also if you belong to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

A theft should be reported to the Police within 24 hours and to the insurance company within 30 days. It is a good idea to keep photographs of items such as jewellery and other sentimental or precious items. Using a special marker pen to postcode-mark videos, televisions and similar items means they can be identified under ultra-violet light.

If your collection includes a Patek Philippe, an Audemars Piguet or a Rolex, it is worth understanding what today's replicas look like before you insure or sell one — the Patek Philippe guide at clonewatches.io is a useful reference for how the top-tier pieces compare to the originals.

Need help bringing your home up to standard? See our locksmith services or call us on 01635 34830 — we supply and fit BS3621 insurance-standard locks throughout the area.