While it’s difficult to protect your home from every form of attack, most home burglaries are done by amateurs or even an act of desperation. Here are some security tips and tricks for a locksmith. Generally these thieves are more easily thwarted if you employ some of these simple security precautions:
• While this may seem like a given, but always lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Even simple and inexpensive door locks, window locks, gate locks, etc will keep most at bay. More often than not, burglars get in through an unlocked door or window more often than breaking a window or kicking in a door. As a locksmith, I’ve been to many homes that were perceived to be locked and find an unlocked window. Another one that’s fairly common is leaving your garage door open. While most of the time it is accidentally left open, it will give anyone access to garage’s contents and alot of times your house as most folks don’t lock the service door. Some other recommended actions from a locksmith are:
• Rekey or change all the locks when you move into a new house, loose a key, etc. Reach out to your local locksmith for assistance with this. You have no clue who has a key to your home. Rekey process generally only takes an hour or two and gives you a great start to your home security. You’ll know you have the only access.
• Install an alarm system and cameras if possible. Installation can be done yourself with wireless systems fairly easily. It’s nothing to be intimidated by and most have easy to follow instructions and voice prompts to walk you though the process. Some of these alarm systems have a backup battery and cellular connections to cover all the possibilities of bypassing the alarm. To expand even more, some of these alarms you can also incorporate a keypad lock or deadbolt as well.
• If possible, make sure your house has the look and appearance that it is occupied at all times. Even without an alarm, cameras, etc, simple electrical switch timers can help to switch lights and radios on and off when you’re not at home. If you have a spare car and don’t mind parking it in the driveway, which will give the appearance that someone is home.
• Many folks hire house cleaners before moving in. Check all their references thoroughly. Don’t always trust online reviews. Word of mouth reviews go a long way with these types of services. To take one extra step, as mentioned above, rekey the locks if possible after the house has been cleaned. If you’ve already moved your belongings in, schedule them while you are home so you can keep an eye on the house and belongings.
• If you must store a key outside your home, consider a lockbox similar to what realtors use. These can be purchased at most hardware stores. Most of these can be affixed to hose bib or even screwed to a wood or metal surface to keep them secure. Don’t leave a key in typical places like under a door mat or on top of the door sill.
• Keep all entrance doors to your home lit at night if possible. Most outdoor lighting work on a sensor and turn on automatically at night and only illuminate using a sensor that detects movement. Solar lighting is also a simple and cheap way to implement this and can be done yourself without having to hire an electrician.
• Dogs are great deterrents to burglars. While dogs can easily be dealt with a bag of fast food or treats, they do generally listen and react to noises they aren’t accustom to. Some watch outside for anyone walking your property. Not only are they man’s best friend, but they also help guard your home too.
For more security ideas, or to have a qualified locksmith come by to check your security, reach out to Agent Lock And Key in Phoenix metro area. www.agentlockandkey.com
