6 Tips to Help Burglar-Proof Your Home
Home security is a top priority for many Leicestershire homeowners, and for good reason. Burglars are becoming increasingly cunning in their methods, and it’s important to take proactive steps to burglar-proof windows and your home.
The thought of an intruder breaking into your home is terrifying, and there are simple mistakes that property owners make when it comes to security. A burglar wants to be in and out as quickly as possible, and most burglaries take less than 10 minutes.
So, what can you do to make your home safer? Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent a traumatic break-in. In this article, we’ll provide 6 practical tips to deter potential intruders.
How to Burglar-Proof Your Windows and Doors
1. Spot Your Home’s Weak Points
The first step in burglar-proofing your home is to identify its vulnerabilities.
Walk around your house to test all windows and doors, including the shed and garage, and see if they could be broken into easily. Rattling windows, flimsy shed locks, or dark corners scream “easy target.”
Consider installing motion-activated lighting to illuminate the exterior of your home at night, along with an alarm system to deter potential intruders.
Install security cameras that can be monitored from your smartphone, and consider a professionally installed home security system that includes monitoring and alarm services.
2. Install High-Quality Locks
Investing in high-quality locks is essential for burglar-proofing your home.
Install deadbolts on all exterior doors and consider upgrading to smart locks that can be controlled remotely. These are the latest door-locking devices and are designed to overcome the need for a physical key.
Smart locks allow you to control the locking system from your phone and can be unlocked through your smartphone, key code or even fingerprint recognition.
3. Make It Look Like Someone’s Home
Burglars are more likely to target homes that appear unoccupied. Make your home look lived in by installing timers on lights and TVs to simulate activity whilst you’re away.
If you’re friendly with your neighbours, ask them to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. For additional safety, avoid posting about your holiday on social media as you never know who may be watching you online.
4. Reinforce Your Front Door
Doors are a common break-in point for burglars, and in fact, 67% of break-ins are through the door.
If your door is old, lacks secure locks, or is poorly built, your home may be vulnerable to unwanted visitors. Composite doors provide the highest levels of security, whilst still looking stylish.
Consider upgrading your front door to a composite door with a smart lock for the ultimate protection for yourself and your family.
5. Secure Your Windows
After doors, windows are the most common entry point for burglars, as they offer an easy way to enter a property. 29% of burglars go through a window, and, worryingly, more than one-third of these intruders were able to access the property through an unlocked window.
If your windows are around 20 years old or need an upgrade, modern windows are built with the highest security technology. Casement windows are one of the most secure window styles as they are impossible to open from the outside, deterring potential intruders.
6. Lock Your Garage & Other External Areas
Garages are often overlooked in home security, but they can provide easy access to your home.
Keep your garage door locked at all times, and consider installing a garage door opener with rolling code technology to prevent thieves from hacking the signal. Also, look at installing a deadbolt on the door that connects your garage to your home.
Quick Extra Wins
Along with the tips above, there are other things you can do to secure your home:
- Install motion-activated security lights
- Hide your valuables from street view
- Buy a security safe for high-value possessions
- Install a security alarm system
- Get a dog (in case you didn’t have a reason already!)
- Secure the perimeter and garden
- Install CCTV cameras with night vision
- Link up with your local neighbourhood watch
Why Choose Phair Windows?
At Phair Windows in Leicester, we’ve fitted thousands of secure uPVC windows, composite doors, and more across Leicestershire since 1998. Our Assure-certified installs come with 10-year guarantees, and we even manufacture in-house for that extra quality edge.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade to the most secure double-glazed windows and doors on the market, or you’re looking for some product advice, we can help.
Our friendly team are available on 0116 456 0242, or you can request a free quote here.
