If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a break in, you’re bound to be worried that it could happen again; after all, many criminals return to properties they’ve previously burglarized, especially if security measures at the property were weak. Whether the thief broke in through an open window, forced a weak lock or even found the key to your home sitting right under a plant pot on the front step, if they got in once, they could get in again. That is, unless you beef up your security measures to ensure that only those with permission to enter your home, can do so.
Here are some simple tips to help minimize the risk of your home being targeted by thieves again:
Upgrade your locks
One of the first things you should do after a break in, regardless of how they got in, is to have a licensed locksmith assess your home’s locks. Locks really are every homeowner’s first line of defense against intruders, and if yours fall below the minimum standards, you could be leaving yourself vulnerable to criminal activity.
Your local locksmith will come out to your home and take the time to fully inspect all the locks on your doors and windows, and if they recommend making some improvements, you can ask them to fit the upgraded locks there and then. It may just be that you need a high security lock installed on your front door, or repairs to a lock that may be damaged; whatever upgrades need to be made, the sooner you make them, the sooner you can begin to feel safer on your own home.
Install motion sensor exterior lights
Criminals love nothing more than to carry out their illicit activities under the cover of darkness, and if your doors or windows are shrouded in shadows, try illuminating them with motion sensor lights. As soon as the lights detect even the smallest of movements within the vicinity, they light up, and this should be enough to send even the most determined of burglars running from the scene.
This cost-effective measure, when combined with high security locks and other security measures, can act as a valuable deterrent for thieves and intruders.
Have a security system installed
If you live in a high crime area, having a security system installed at your home can give you just that little bit more peace of mind, and your local, residential locksmith can advise you of your options according to your needs and budget. Whether you choose to have CCTV cameras installed, a burglar alarm, or both, anything that can show burglars you’re ready for them, will act as a superb deterrent. And should the criminals manage to get past the system and into your house, you’ll have recorded evidence to show the police, and the alarm will be triggered, alerting both you, and the police, to the fact that a break in is in progress.
Having your home broken into once is traumatic and costly enough, but having it happen again, is unthinkable. Make sure your home is never targeted by criminals again, by following the steps above and liaising with your local, residential locksmith.
