Protecting the things you love

Whether it’s your home or business, we understand how important it is to keep the things that are precious to you safe. We’ve put together 10 clever ways that you can make sure that your property is safe and sound.

10 clever ways to make your home more secure

1. Get rid of your “hidden key” – Keeping a spare key in a hidden place may be handy for you, but it’s easy access for burglars! It’s probably not as well hidden as you would think!
2. Draw the curtains – Leaving them open, especially in the evening is a perfect opportunity for burglars to do a bit of window shopping.
3. You’re watching them  – Fitting CCTV cameras means that you can keep an eye on your property wherever you are. Technology has made this even easier, as now you can link it to your phone!
4. Get a dog – We’re certainly not saying to go out and buy an aggressive dog, but having a yappy dog is enough to keep anyone away, especially burglars!
5. Light it up – Having lights outside your home is incredibly effective at deterring burglars. A lit home makes it seem like somebody is at home, so use a timer to light your outside even when you’re away.
6. Prune your hedges – Get rid of any potential hiding places for burglars. Tall bushes and shadowy areas mean that people can hide and slip away unnoticed.
7. Install a quality alarm system – Having an alarm system that is really up to scratch is so important. Whether it’s a simple motion detector or a fancy floor pressure sensor, make sure it’s going to protect your home.
8. Don’t shout about your holiday – If you’re going away on holiday, then don’t advertise it. Try to refrain from telling the whole of Facebook and anyone that will listen that you’re leaving your house empty for a fortnight. It’s a magnet for opportunists.
9. Make it look like you’re at home – An empty house is a magnet for intruders, especially when you’re on holiday. Simple measures such as having your living room and bedroom light on a timer can make your home look lived in. You can even buy fake TV lights, which flicker to make it look like you’re at home watching EastEnders, even when you’re abroad.
10. Use your common sense – Above all though, one of the most effective ways to secure your home is to use your brain. Keep an eye on your home and make sure that everyone in your family is doing simple things like locking doors and windows. After all, you could have a range of security systems in place, but if someone’s forgotten to lock the back door, it could all be a waste.