5 Home Security Mistakes You Are Making and How to Fix Them  

Home security is critical to ensuring the safety of your property, valuables and loved ones, but unfortunately there are mistakes that many of us make that place the security of our homes at significant risk. This can range from simple errors like forgetting to lock doors and windows to more complex issues like neglecting security devices or lighting around your home. This article will provide a guide on how to identify typical home security mistakes and correct them to make sure that your property is secure and protected at all times.

Leaving Doors and Windows Unlocked

It may seem obvious but one of the most common security mistakes individuals make is failing to lock doors and windows when leaving the house. Locks are one of the first barriers of defence from intruders, so it is no surprise that failing to lock doors and windows provides easy access for burglars.

To avoid this, ensure that you double-check locks before leaving the house, even windows on the second or third floor, as any unlocked entry point will increase the risk of a break-in. In addition, always ensure that you are regularly checking your locks for damage or faults and if you notice issues get this fixed immediately. A multi-point locking system is the best choice for the main entry-points of your home as it ensures high security across multiple points along the door frame.

Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Places

It can be convenient to keep a second set of keys hidden near your home to ensure that you have entry in the case of an emergency. However, hiding spare keys under doormats, in flower pots or behind garden ornaments can be a huge security risk as these are the first areas burglars will check.

Instead use a lockbox with a secure keycode to store your keys, these can be securely fixed to walls and offer protection from forced entry. Alternatively, it can be a good idea to give a spare set of keys to a trusted neighbour.

Neglecting Outdoor Lighting

Dark back gardens with minimal lighting provide the ultimate hiding spots for intruders and can therefore make your home an easy target for break-ins. To avoid this, it is important to ensure that your garden is well-lit using sufficient outdoor lighting.

Motion sensor lights are a popular choice as they detect movement when an intruder is present, but they won’t disrupt you or your neighbours by being left on the entire night. For the best security motion sensor lights should be angled towards pathways and entrances that intruders are likely to target.

Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight

Leaving valuable objects, like electronics, cash or jewellery, near windows and doors can be a huge attraction to burglars. It is crucial that you keep valuable objects in hidden locations, such as drawers or cupboards, and keep blinds or curtains closed when out of the house. If you are worried about the security of your valuable items then it may be wise to install a small safe in a discreet location of your home. This will ensure that valuable or sentimental items remain in a safe and secure location at all times.

Forgetting Garage and Back Door Security

It is common for homeowners to place importance on the front doors and entry points that are visible to intruders, and neglect back entrances or garages. However, often back entrances are more commonly targeted by intruders as they are perceived to have easier access and more cover.

To avoid this consider installing high-quality locking systems, with multi-point locks to deter intruders and prevent forced entry. In addition, it is a good idea to improve visibility in these areas by installing outdoor security lights and security cameras, so that you can monitor these areas even when out of the house.

Home security is a critical component to a safe and secure home; however, many homeowners are unknowingly making mistakes that places their properties at significant risk. By avoiding errors like leaving doors and windows unlocked, hiding spare keys in obvious places, neglecting outdoor lighting and so on, you can massively reduce the risk of break-ins and keep your home safe from intruders.