Home Security Tips

• If you have moved in a house that had belonged to someone else,CHANGE THE LOCKS.
• A safety/grill door will give your home additional security. If such a door is currently not installed then please consider installing such a door at the earliest.
• Do not open Storwels/Safes in front of servants or unknown visitors.
• Do not engage masons, plumbers, whitewashers etc. without proper verification.
• Whilst employing a domestic servant make sure to verify their name, address (local and native), photograph, references and get them registered with the local police. Invest in a good safe to keep large sums of money/valuables or deposit the same in a safe deposit locker at the bank.
• Whilst answering telephone calls do not give the impression that you are alone at home or reveal the time of return of other house members. Ensure that you secure your main door before going to bed.

Keeping you and your family secure

• Fit approved locks to doors and windows, and always lock all doors and windows when you leave the house. Also consider a door chain and viewer for added security.
• Fit a burglar alarm and ensure that the burglar knows you have one by putting the bell box in a highly visible place.
• Don’t leave your key in the lock and resist the temptation to place your key under the mat or in a flower pot, this may be convenient for you but it is just as convenient for the burglar.
• Check callers. If someone calls at your house claiming to be from the gas board, electricity, water or telephone company etc, or representing a commercial or retail company, then always insist on proof of identity before letting them in. Genuine callers will expect and be pleased to offer proof. If you are still suspicious then telephone the company concerned for verification while your caller waits outside behind the locked front door.
• Ensure your house contents are fully insured.
• Mark your property. It is advisable that you mark all your valuable household items. Special ultraviolet property marking pens are available in most good DIY stores and security retail outlets.
• If you are going to be away for a few days, cancel home deliveries such as milk, newspapers, etc. since they will be tell-tale signs of your absence when they begin to pile up outside your main door.
• When you go away on holiday do not leave notes on your door and keep your neighbours informed so that they can alert the police if they notice any suspicious activity around your house.
• Switch on a light at the time of going out.
• Do not leave your key on a string through the letterbox or under the front doormat
• Have an alarm bell with its connection in your neighbour’s house.

Steps to take outside your home

• Keep the exterior of your house brightly lit at night. Burglars are less likely to approach a well-lit area. Security lighting which is activated by movement offers a great deterrent to burglars as well as providing courtesy lighting for the owner. Fences and thorny hedges can act as a visible and practical deterrent however it is a good idea to keep fences and hedges at the front of the house low so they do not provide cover for the burglar to work unseen
• Keep your garage and shed locked as these often contain tools that would be useful for a burglar.
• Ladders should always be locked away to prevent a thief using them to reach otherwise inaccessible windows.

Going Away or Out?

• Close the curtains and leave a light on at night when you go out. When you’re away leave lights on a timer to give the illusion that the house is occupied.
• Cancel the news papers and milk well in advance.
• When going on extended trips ask trusted neighbours and friends to watch your home, collect the post, mow the lawns and use your driveway.
• If you have an answering machine, do not leave a message saying that you are away.