Is your home as secure as it could be?

It’s hard to overstate the importance of home security. Whether you’re at work, on holiday or curled up on your couch, you’ll want to know that your property is well protected from criminals. Suffering a break-in can be traumatic, not to mention dangerous if you happen to be in at the time. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to boost security, and it’s a good idea to start by asking yourself the following questions.

Are you missing a trick when it comes to security tech?

There have been major advances over recent years in the field of home security technology and if you’re not taking advantage of the impressive solutions now on offer, you could be missing a trick. CCTV equipment from Big Brother Systems is a classic case in point. The firm offers a selection of camera systems that can be used in the domestic environment. These products can alert you to presence of potential intruders and they can also serve as an effective deterrent.

It might seem a little James Bond at first, but infrared perimeter beams are well worth investigating too. These solutions are in fact easy to install and use. You can position them around your property and, if the invisible beams are interrupted by someone walking through them, an alarm will sound. The great thing about these products is the fact that they detect potential intruders before they even reach your property.

More traditional technology, like burglar alarms and security lights, can play an important role in safeguarding your home too.

Do your windows and doors serve as effective deterrents?

Intruders almost always get into properties through doors or windows. This means that if you’re to get a firm grip on home security, you’ll need to make sure these potential entry and exit points are robust enough. Ideally your external doors will be at least 45mm thick and they will be fitted with 5 lever mortice deadlocks. You can go a step further by adding mortice bolts at the top and bottom of your doors. Also, your letter boxes should have internal cover plates and be installed above floor level. Meanwhile, if you don’t already have them, it’s also worth considering getting a door chain and spy hole.

When it comes to windows, sturdy locks are a must and, if you have single-glazed windows on the ground floor or in any other accessible areas, consider replacing them with stronger versions. Laminated glass is perfect because it doesn’t shatter and it is more difficult to break through.

Do you know the security basics?

As well as making sure that your property is kitted out with all the relevant gear, it’s important that you know the security basics. For example, never be tempted to leave keys on the inside of door locks, under mats or in other places where criminals could access them easily. Also, try not to leave valuables in sight of windows.

Meanwhile, if you’re planning to be away from home for a few days or longer, make sure any deliveries are cancelled and try to get your neighbours to call in and move your post from your doorstep from time to time. To give the impression that someone’s in, it helps to set timer lights too.

As long as you take all these issues into account, you should be able to feel safe in your home.