Keeping your home safe is always a priority, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Whether you’re at work, on holiday, or just running errands, here are some clever steps you can take to protect your home from burglars.
Thanks to Home expert Neil McKenzie from Halton Stairlifts (I like the company name!) for sharing these 10 easy and effective ways to keep your home secure, so you can relax and enjoy peace of mind.
#1 – Upgrade Your Locks for Extra Security
The first step in securing your home is making sure you have strong, reliable locks.
If your locks are old or flimsy, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.
Look for high-quality deadbolts and if you’re in the UK, locks with the British Standard BS3621 mark are the standard.
It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in keeping your home safe.
#2 – Set Up Security Cameras for Extra Eyes
Security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home, even when you’re not there.
It’s best to place cameras at key entry points like doors and windows, and in plain sight, because the even the sight of a camera can be enough to send burglars running, and if anything does happen, you’ll have valuable footage to give to the authorities.
#3 – Install Motion-Activated Lights for a Bright Welcome
Burglars love the dark, as they can get away with a lot of sneaking around when the sun’s not around – so why not take that advantage away?
Motion-activated lights are a simple way to brighten up the outside of your home when someone approaches.
Install them near doors, windows, and walkways to give intruders nowhere to hide.
#4 – Keep Your Garden Neat and Tidy
A well-maintained garden doesn’t just look nice – it can also keep your home safer.
Overgrown bushes and trees can provide cover for burglars, so keep them trimmed and tidy as part of your weekly garden maintenance.
Want to go even further? – For extra protection, consider planting thorny bushes under windows. They’ll add beauty to your garden and make it harder for anyone to get in.
#5 – Invest in a Security Alarm for Peace of Mind
A good alarm system is one of the best ways to protect your home.
It’s best to choose a system with a loud siren that will alert you (and your neighbours or anyone walking closeby) if there’s a break-in.
Many modern systems also let you monitor your home from your phone, so you can keep an eye on things no matter where you are, which can be a great feeling to know you can check in even when away.
Related: 3 Ways To Make It Look Like You’re Home – Even When You’re Not!
#6 – Get Smart with Home Technology
Smart home devices are making it easier and easier to keep your home secure.
From doorbell cameras to automated lights, these tools let you control your home’s security from anywhere.
You can lock your doors, turn on lights, close the blinds, or even check who’s at the door—all from your smartphone.
Now that’s peace of mind!
#7 – Display Security Signs for Extra Caution
Sometimes, just letting people think your home is well-protected is enough to deter burglars.
Put up signs that warn of a security system or a dog. Even if you don’t have the fanciest setup, the perception of security can be a powerful deterrent.
#8 – Keep Valuables Out of Sight
It’s always a good idea to keep your most valuable items out of view so you don’t tempt anyone who looks through a window…
Ideally you’ll want to store jewellery, important documents, and other high-value items in a secure place, like a safe.
For extra security, bolt the safe to the floor so it can’t be easily taken.
#9 – Join or Start a Neighbourhood Watch
There’s nothing like good old-fashioned community spirit to keep your home safe.
Get to know your neighbours and consider starting or joining a neighbourhood watch group.
Get in to the habit of telling your neighbours when you go away, so they naturally keep an eye on your property, and do the same in return.
TIP: Things like bringing the bins in and putting them out on the right days for you will help to make burglars think you’re home while you’re away, as these can’t be automated at all.
When everyone looks out for each other, it’s much harder for burglars to strike.
#10 – Be Smart About Social Media
We all love sharing our lives online, but there’s a bad side to sharing too much.
Burglars can use social media to figure out when you’re away from home – especially when you’re sharing real time pics of your holiday adventures…
If you want to share those pics, just wait until you’re back home to post them instead – and say that they were from a recent getaway (so it’s obvious you’re not away any longer).
By following these simple tips, you can keep your home safe and secure all year round.
It’s all about being proactive and taking small steps that add up to big peace of mind.
Stay safe, and enjoy the comfort of knowing your home is well-protected!
And now it’s your turn – what do you do to make your home safer? Let me know in the comments…
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