But this isn’t forever. All over the world, restrictions are being lifted or loosened as the infection rates drop, we’re starting to return to normal, and so, spending far more time out of our homes. While this is, of course, a positive step, it does mean that those burglary rates are sure to start going up again.
Of course, burglary isn’t the only risk to your home. There are also fires, floods, and other natural disasters that could cause costly damage. But, thefts are perhaps the risk that we have the most chance to reduce.
The Benefits of Protecting Your Home
Some people might wonder if there is any point in putting measures in place to protect their home. They might think that if they’ve got insurance, it just isn’t worth it, and that determined criminals will find a way in whatever they do. This isn’t the case. Here are some of the benefits of protecting your home.Peace of Mind
Taking steps to protect your home gives you peace of mind. You’ll be less worried when you are out, or away from home, and less likely to stay in, missing out on things just because you are concerned. This is more relevant if you have young children, or older relatives at home, that might not be able to protect themselves, or who wouldn’t know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Reduced Insurance Premiums
Protecting your home with security equipment can reduce your home insurance premiums. You are less of a risk to insurers if you take acceptable precautions.Fewer Risks to Your Family and Property
The obvious reason to protect your home is to reduce the risks of anything causing it damage, or harming your loved ones.Protection from Natural Disasters
People aren’t the only risk to your home or the only thing that you should be protecting it from. Natural disasters can also cause untold damage without protection. You can’t altogether remove the risks, but you can reduce them.Increases the Value of Your Home
Installing security features will increase the value of your home, and a reduced crime rate will boost the house prices in your area as a whole.Use Your Common Sense
Often, the best ways to protect yourself and your home are the simplest. Using your common sense can make a huge difference when it comes to safety.Lock Up
It might sound silly, but one of the most common causes of robberies is doors and windows being left unlocked. Take the time to lock up, and double-check if you’re not sure.Keep Your Keys Safe
You should know where your keys are all of the time. They should be kept in a safe place, out of sight. Don’t make it easy for criminals by giving them easy access to your home.Don’t Advertise Your Valuables
The same goes for your valuables Rather than leaving them out in the open, get an affordable gun safe that's large enough to store all of your expensive items in.. Make sure things are out of sight, and never leave valuables like your phone or keys in your car when you leave it.Install a Backup Power Source
What happens if there’s a power outage? Does your alarm stop working? Do your lights go out? Will your CCTV system stop operating? Many criminals are opportunists who will jump on the power cut as an opportunity. Find out more at AlltimePower, and look at different backup power sources to keep your home protected, even when you are cut off from the grid.Fit Appropriate Alarms
One of the best ways to protect your home is by installing alarms. A bugler alarm puts criminals off and alerts neighbors if anything does happen. You should also have smoke alarms on every floor in your home, and a carbon monoxide detector.Regularly Check Window Seals and Locks
Your windows can also provide an easy way into your home, especially if they are noticeably damaged. Check seals and locks, and make repairs when needed.Be Discreet
We share so much of our lives online nowadays, but sharing your holiday snaps on social media, especially if you have public profiles, is letting the world know that your house is empty. Be discreet and don’t share anything publicly until you are home. You may also want to put your lights on a timer so that your home appears to be occupied even when you are away.Protect Your Garden
Our gardens are often easy targets, and our sheds are rarely as well protected as our homes. But, if your shed contains garden equipment and bikes, it is worth protecting. Add high fences and high-quality locks in your back garden, as well as your home.Keep Your Frontage Tidy
Neighbors are often a great defense against crime, so are passers-by. If a criminal notices home with a messy frontage, where overgrown bushes and shrubs hide the house from view, they may see an easy target. Make sure your neighbors have a clear view of your house, and they’ll be much better at keeping an eye on it when you aren’t at home.Consider a Gravel Driveway
The gravel is noisy. Neighbors might hear someone walking or driving on a gravel path, in a way that they wouldn’t on smoother surfaces. If they know that you aren’t in, they might check on your house.All of these measures might seem like a lot, but chances are, you’ve already got some of them. Add extra security bit at a time, or when you notice weaknesses in your processes, to keep your home safe, no matter what happens.
