There’s no place like home, and it's important to make your home as protected as possible to ensure that it is a safe place for you, your property, and your loved ones.
If you are not sure where to begin with home security these actions from Security Services Group’s Anthony Cullen will get the ball rolling:
Relationships - Our neighbours will always be an effective and low cost way of ensuring our properties are secure. We all have neighbours we would rather avoid, but keeping communication open with passing greetings and making them aware of moving, parties or any events will ensure any viewed irregularities can be conveyed, our neighbours have a good understanding of regular activities around our property and can alert us when need be and remember, this is also vice versa.
Presentation - We have all seen those run down properties with graffiti all over and a dozen broken windows, ever ask why? Because nobody cared it was happening, a property well-kept, mowed lawn, functioning lights out front, will leave the impression that someone may be present and will care and take action if trespassed on or vandalised.
Mail build up - This is may be an adaptation of presentation but thought must also be given to when we are away from our property and arrange for someone to collect our mail periodically. Not much more will tell a criminal “Please come inside” like a pile of junk mail and bills falling out of the mail box.
Regional activity - There are many ways to keep aware of incidents in your area. The local police and neighbourhood watch will be an obvious source, but even local newspapers have regular updates on criminal activity in the area giving an understanding of what and who to be aware of in your area, particularly times, location, perpetrator description and any vehicle used.
Physical locking - This is where at least a little investment would be advisable. If able, a deadlock on front and back doors to be a priority. An inexpensive approach with sliding doors and sliding windows is a piece of dowel, cut to length in its run way. For further and unique locking techniques, speak to a qualified Locksmith.
Many people believe a high fence or tree line would deter but unfortunately after an assailant is over your fence their activities are hidden which actually entices.
Lighting around your property to make any action visible to others will prove more effective. Also, don’t get too upset if you cannot arrange CCTV surveillance for your property, it is possible the DVR will be found and removed in a robbery, regretfully incurring you further cost.
At the end of the day if the right person wants to gain entry to your property, then they will find a way. Making sure they encounter every possible deterrent or obstacle is the best path and stay proactive.