Keep your home secure this winter

Although securing your house may involve buying locks, lights and timers, it is worth the investment. Neighbourhood Watch data shows that properties with the WIDE security combination:

Window locks, Indoor lights on a timer, Door double or deadlocks and External lights on a timer or sensor - are nearly 50 times more protected from burglary than those with no security.

In addition, if the worst does happen and you need to make a claim you may need to demonstrate that your home security was fit for purpose. For example, if the types of locks you have on doors and windows don’t meet the standard your insurance policy indicates you need, or they are poorly maintained, or worse still not even used, then you risk your insurer rejecting your claim.

Window locks installed

Doors and windows are the entry point to your home and so install locks on all of your windows with extra attention for those that are easy to access, for example on the ground floor, above a flat roof or near a drain pipe. You may also wish to attach bolts to the frames to prevent them from opening fully, as an extra precaution.

Interior lights on a timer

Lights make it look like someone is in your home, so they can deter burglars. Timers are important because you can set the lights to come on and off to reflect your normal routine. This will not only keep you safer – if burglars are monitoring your neighbourhood, they may know your routine and spot any change – but also save you money by not having to leave lights on all the time.

Door double or deadlocked

A weak door is an easy point of entry, so adding a second lock can really improve your security. Check all your exterior doors to make sure they are secure, with working locks.

The following could help:

• A five-lever mortice deadlock
• A letter box cage to prevent your locks being tampered with through the letter box
• A peep-hole so you can check who is outside before you open the door
• A door chain to help you screen doorstep callers.

Here’s some tips to keep your back door secure:

• A five-lever mortice deadlock
• A security mortice lock and mortice bolt, if you have French doors
• Locks to patio doors

Be sure to get doors and bolts fitted by a qualified locksmith — you can check if they're a member of the Master Locksmith Association on the Association’s website.

If you’ve recently moved house, you may wish to replace locks because you may not know who else has a set of keys.

Exterior lights on a sensor

Motion-sensing lights fitted near the entrances to your home will automatically activate if someone approaches the property – not only will this provide an opportunity to alert you or your neighbours to trespassers, it can also deter opportunist thieves.

In addition to the WIDE safety combination, there are other security measures for you to consider:

• Secure any garages, sheds and passageways outside your home
• Install an alarm, and if you have one already, check it is working
• Install a CCTV camera. If the worst happens, it will provide you with invaluable evidence to give to the police and your insurers
• Make sure you have home insurance. If you have it already, make sure it is up to date and covers the cost to replace the items in your home.

Not all security measures have to cost money. There are essential ways to keep your home safe all year round – and cost nothing at all:

• Secure your keys. Don’t keep a spare key outside your home as thieves may be watching. Never leave them within reach by doors or windows either as they could easily be stolen, giving the opportunity for the burglar to return later.
• Ask for your neighours’ help. If you’re going away for a few days, a friendly neighbor will be able to keep an eye out for suspicious or unusual activity. If you’re good friends, you may consider asking them to close your curtains at night and open them again in the morning, which will help with the next tip.
• Keep your valuables out of sight. Don’t advertise your house as a good place to steal from. Make sure you keep valuable possessions such as laptops, tablets and expensive jewellery out of sight.
• Put privacy settings on social media. Sophisticated burglars might be watching you on social media to find out when you’re out. To tackle this, make sure you are only sharing updates with friends, be careful about sharing where you live and avoid location sharing.