Top Home Security Tips
At Eversafe Security we are always looking for new ways (and sometimes ‘old but good’ forgotten ways) to keep your home and assets safe and protected. See our top tips below for ones that you might have missed out on.
1. Mark your prized possessions with a special pen available in a property marking kit which you can purchase, or borrow from the local police station. You can use any method of marking that is personal to you i.e. postcode or the house number followed by the first couple of letters of your house name. Whatever is recognizable as you and your property is all it needs.
2. Burglars almost always check outside your property for hidden spare keys.
If you are concerned about locking yourself out of your home or car maybe leave your keys with a trusted neighbor. It may sound simple, but never leave a key sitting in a lock.
3. Never leave cash lying around that can be seen through windows etc, would be thieves would find this very attractive.
4. Don’t leave laptops, game stations and other easily removable technology devices in plain view. Where possible put these items in locked drawers or at a minimum away from plain sight.
5. Install window locks to all easily accessible windows except your emergency escape windows. One in five burglars will gain entry through a window.
Locks are relatively simple to install yourself, or for more advanced solutions contact and Eversafe security Consultant.
6. The doors and doorframe on your property should be of the strongest and safest construction possible. Insert extra security locks on patio doors so that they cannot be lifted from their tracks. Any double doors should be fitted with lockable bolts at both the top and the bottom and you should ensure you always remove the keys from these locks.
7. Protect your privacy by ensuring your electrical appliances such as TVs videos computers etc are not able to be seen through your windows. This is particularly important while you’re away, consider closing the blinds in front of these windows and even placing a timer switch on devices like the TV and Radio when you are away so it “sounds” like someone is at home, but potential intruders can’t see in to be sure!
8. When going on vacation do not make it obvious to intruders. At night when the house is in darkness and the curtains are open is a sure sign no one is home. Remember to cancel all newspaper deliveries and have a friend or neighbour empty the mailbox daily for you. Leaving a spare key with a trusted friend means they can check the on property regularly.
9. Write a list with the details of all your valuables. Include in this any serial numbers and the make and models numbers of appliances. Taking a photo of your valuables is also a good idea as a precaution, and to help with any insurance claims
10. Change your locks without delay if you lose your keys.
11. Having a security door you can see through which you keep locked is a very good security measure. If this is not possible install a door chain and be very cautious about opening the door to strangers. Always ask to see proof of identity from callers and if you are still hesitant phone the persons head office for assurance.
12. Storing all jewelry and valuables in a small safe is an extra safety precaution.
13. If you install a burglar alarm system yourself you must make sure it is compliant with Australian safety standards and is approved by your insurance company. Be sure to set the alarm to turn off after 20 minutes or so if it activates when you are not around. For obvious reasons we advise against this, is most cases alarms that have not been professionally installed have proven to be faulty, or have failed to meet insurance requirements upon further inspection. Contact an Eversafe Security Consultant if you are unsure or need advice.
14. Install good outside lighting as a deterrent but be sure it does not disturb your neighbours.
15. Don’t leave your car keys lying around where they could be used to steal your car, never leave them near doors or windows.
16. Consider joining your local neighborhood watch scheme or if there isn’t one operating, maybe start one up in your community.