It’s time to give your home a traditional spring spruce up, but don’t forget the most important improvements you should be making, says Dr Steffan George, development director of The Master Locksmiths Association.
External storage buildings where you keep all your highly valuable warm weather essentials such as bikes and garden furniture are prime targets for thieves.
Whether it’s a garage or a shed, it’s vital to secure your storage building, so invest in Sold Secure tested and correctly specified padlocks and hasp and staples.
If you’ve just bought a new outdoor furniture set ready for summer, you’ll want to show it off, but it’s important not to leave it on show overnight. Many do so, but this makes for an easy target for a would-be thief, so tidy it away in your secure storage building.
One third of burglars enter homes through windows, so double check that all on the ground floor – and any that are accessible on higher levels – have secure key operated window locks. And when you’re in and out during the hot summer months, make sure you shut and lock the windows.
Other security measures such as door chains, spy holes, top and bottom bolts and even CCTV are worth considering, as these can all boost security, prevent break-ins and give you extra peace of mind.
Although the days are getting longer, there will still be dark nights when your home becomes vulnerable. As well as helping you gain access to your home at night, sensor lights or dusk-to-dawn lighting can work as deterrents.
Opportunist thieves often approach houses that look like nobody is at home, so invest in light timers to give the impression that someone is home. A “fake TV” is also a good idea – this device emits light that mimics that of a TV and can give the impression somebody is watching something in an upstairs room.
By taking these simple security measures and investing in secure fittings, you can ensure your property isn’t vulnerable to thieves and your possessions are protected from the threat of crime.
A third party accredited, licensed locksmith, such as an MLA member, will be able to assist in reviewing a property’s security and instal effective security measures, helping to save money in the long term.
To find an MLA licensed locksmith in your area, visit the user-friendly MLA website www.locksmiths.co.uk
