As previously with our blog on lone walking, this article is not meant to scaremonger or give you sleepless nights.
We are offering some simple, cost effective ideas, to make your home and family more secure, without the need for expensive security systems.
Moving House
Have you ever bought a new property and just not bothered to change the locks or the alarm code? This is rule number one - Our minds are elsewhere unpacking the saucepans and kettle perhaps and busying ourselves with making the beds. You are giving no thought to your 'drawbridge', the main access point to your home.
Change the locks and the alarm code immediately. The seller would have had no interest and gives no guarantee that they handed over all the keys to the agent and other people may have spare copies.
If you are renting, speak to the landlord. Ask them who else has a key.
Secure your back gates and sheds with visible padlocks. This provides a visual deterrent and it is likely that a thief would think again about gaining entry. Thieves like ease.
Never keep a spare key under the mat or plant pot. You'd be amazed at how many people still do this, and is a clear invitation for unwanted visitors.
If you have to leave a key for someone, coded key safes are cheaply available.
Never leave tools in your driveway or porch that will assist someone in gaining entry to your property. Unsecured ladders, screwdrivers left lying around in the garden, suddenly equip an opportunist and alerts them to the fact that you are not security conscious.
You have just spent thousands on a new TV, and are delighted to put it pride of place in your front room. You discard the box outside, advertising what you have just bought to every passer by.
You see where we are going here? Dispose of the box cleverly, and nobody will be any the wiser.
Valuable items should never be left in your car. Again, obvious, but we all do it. This is the first thing that a thief will see and try the door handle, before trying to gain entry to your property. They may even be back later to try again.
Network Security
You may need assistance with this if you are not very IT savvy. Simple but effective practices make all the difference here.
Make sure that your router has a secure password. Historically SKY routers used to set as default their password as Password. This practice has since changed.
Other Smart home devices around your property generally have quite unsecure passwords as default. These can provide someone who knows what they are doing, easy access into your home network. CHANGE THEM.
Going on holiday? I thought so, you'd announced it on Facebook and Instagram. You have just advertised that your house is empty for 2 weeks. Save your hot dog leg photos and upload them once you are home. If you can ask a neighbour to park on your drive, all the better, the property will then at least look occupied.
Common Sense Paves the Way.
Stay safe out there.
When you spot that your door locks are accessed by strangers, i suggest to change it immediately. Hire a locksmith and get those door locks replaced immediately.