When settling into a new home, ensuring its security should be at the top of your priority list. Protecting your home is not just about peace of mind; it’s about safeguarding your loved ones and your valuable possessions. Additionally, a well-secured home can potentially increase your property’s value and lead to reduced homeowner’s insurance rates. Security concerns are rising globally, knowing how to protect your home from intruders and other crimes is essential.
Getting Started: Secure Your New Home
Ideally, the process of securing your new home should begin before you move in. Leaving nothing to chance or potential intruders is the goal. Implementing security measures early on ensures that your home remains safe and your belongings protected.
Utilize Your Alarm System
Safety is paramount. Therefore, safeguarding your new home should be one of your initial priorities. By taking proactive steps to secure your property, you not only protect your family but also potentially increase your property’s value. Many people prioritize personal safety, so a vulnerable-looking property may have a lower market value. Understanding how to secure your home is crucial for your peace of mind and your family’s safety in the years ahead. Prevention is the key to success in the battle against crime. When working to enhance your home’s security, focus on the following areas:
Fortify the Fence Line
Start by securing the perimeter of your property. This can be achieved through a combination of electronic and conventional security measures. An electrified fence or wall can serve as a strong deterrent.
According to Sidewalk, if you have a wall, consider reinforcing it with barbed wire or spikes at the top to prevent intruders from easily scaling it. It’s crucial to maintain clear visibility around the boundaries of your property, so installing cameras early on is advisable. When you incorporate intelligent technologies that allow remote monitoring of your property, you’ll not only enhance its safety but also increase its value.
Gate Security
The security of your gate is paramount, as it’s a potential vulnerability. Here are some gate-related issues to address:
- Lifting: Intruders might gain access by lifting the gate. Prevent this by installing anti-lift brackets.
- Gate Rack: Sliding gates can be dislodged from the rack, allowing unauthorized access. Soldering a flat bar onto the rack can make it immovable.
- Intercom: Intruders may check if a residence is occupied by pressing the intercom button. Connect your intercom system to your smartphone using intelligent technologies to monitor intercom activity.
- Remote: Use a modern remote with advanced technology to prevent unauthorized replication or copying of settings.
Secure Windows
Ensure that all windows have sturdy burglar bars. While they may not be the most visually appealing addition, they provide an essential layer of security. Agnieszka Gryn, a regional executive at Fidelity ADT, recommends installing burglar bars on the exterior of windows.
Reinforce Doors
The primary entrances of your home should be constructed from robust materials and fortified. Multi-point locks that secure the door at multiple points simultaneously are ideal for enhancing security.
Employ Canine Assistance
Dogs are among the most effective security measures, serving both as a deterrent and an early detection system. According to Brigadier Piet Byleveld, an investigating officer, dogs play a crucial role in deterring criminal activity.
Invest in an Alarm System
Research by Rudolph Zinn of the School of Criminal Justice and Police Practice at the University of South Africa highlights alarms and security sensors as effective deterrents for burglars. Regularly test and maintain your alarm system, and have it installed by a specialized company with armed response capabilities.
Screen Household Helpers
Many burglars rely on inside information when selecting homes to target. Conduct background checks on all your employees, including domestic helpers and gardeners. Inquire about their reasons for leaving previous employment.
Study Your Adversaries
Educate yourself about burglars’ methods and tactics. Consult with your local police station for guidance whenever possible. Low-level burglars tend to target homes without security systems, while “professional” burglars work in organized groups, understand security system response times, and often conduct reconnaissance on properties. Burglars choose their targets based on factors such as affluence, prior knowledge, proximity to their location, and the level of security in place.
By addressing these key areas and remaining vigilant, you can significantly enhance the security of your home. Protecting your loved ones and your valuable possessions is a top priority in a country where security is a concern. Remember that securing your home not only offers peace of mind but can also increase your property’s value and contribute to a safer community.