15 Locksmith Advice To Protect Your Home
1.      Check the Condition of Your Locks

Ensure that all your locks, including those of all your doors and windows, are in good working condition. Keep checking their functionality from time to time. Address any issues on time and, if required, use new locks while you are away.

Never compromise in this area because even the slightest loopholes in your locking systems can give burglars a great opportunity to break in. Replace all faulty locks on time. If you have lost one of your spare keys, change the lock immediately. Furthermore, check for improper fittings in your locks, as they can make your home vulnerable to attacks.

2.      Choose High-Quality Deadbolts and Locks

Invest in premium quality locks and deadbolts to stay safe better than feeling sorry later. To fortify your apartment’s security, install locks that are resistant to drilling, picking, and bumping techniques, which intruders commonly use.

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For example, professional locksmiths recommend Grade 1 deadbolts for external doors because they provide the highest level of durability and security. Furthermore, choose locks that feature long screws and strike plates for an added layer of protection. While installing these tools and devices, consult a professional and experienced locksmith, who will also provide the best advice on the type of locks and deadbolts you should choose for your home based on your unique needs and budget.

3.      Install High-Security Locks

High-security locks are an excellent option as they are complex systems that prevent intruders from attempting house-breaking attacks. The main feature of high-security locks is that they open for keys set in a scheduled access time. These are designed to prevent attacks as they are impossible to remove.

Moreover, some high-security locks have a hardened metal case and special metal pins. Some of them even have disks located in the pathway where the drill should enter. Some models even have metal shields to add an extra layer of protection against the lock itself. Contact a professional locksmith Drighlington team to learn about the best high-security locks you should install for your home.

4.      Focus on Your Door and Windows

Pay good attention to your doors and windows and the functionality of their hinges. Check whether all your doors and windows are fitting properly, including the ones in your rooms and those in your garages or conservatories. If you witness the slightest gap or fault, fix them without delay.

Never leave any of your doors and windows open, even if you feel there is no chance for anyone to enter your house from those points. You never know! Burglars are smart, and they know innumerable tactics to break in.

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Besides, close all the curtains and avoid leaving your transparent windows uncovered. Close the windows with curtains; otherwise, potential intruders can see the exact positions of your belongings. They will devise ways to get their hands on any valuables that may be around. And install specialized window locks, such as pin locks, which are cost-effective and easy to install. This will protect your windows against forced entries.

After leaving the home, there are chances of keeping any of your windows or doors open. There’s no harm in double-checking. To avoid the last-moment rush, try starting from home early, so you will have time to check on these essential points. Having these mindful habits every time you leave the house, even for a short distance, will save you from big hassles on your long trip days.

5.      Upgrade Your Home Security Devices

It’s good to invest in a strong and upgraded security system for your home to have that peace of mind while you are away, enjoying a lovely vacation. Do you think your home security is weak and needs a little upgrade? Are your home security systems efficient enough to send immediate alerts and prevent break-ins in the first place? If not, you need more advanced security devices.

If you feel the need to strengthen the security systems of your residential property, do so with immediate effect. Replace all outdated lock systems and other hardware, such as deadbolts. Try installing a keyless entry system, such as a face or fingerprint recognition system. You can also check out electronic locks as per your requirements.

Consult a professional locksmith Drighlington to get expert suggestions on the right security devices and locks that would be suitable for your family and property. Also, hire an experienced locksmith while installing a new security system for your home.

Moreover, take the time to explore various advanced security options available today, including smart locks, deadbolts, security cameras, and other surveillance systems. Try choosing security systems having smart integration facilities with a seamless connection with your home automation systems.

6.      Stay Away from Social Media

Do you have the habit of posting your travel photos from the moment you start your journey? We know it’s tempting and hard to resist. But you need to stop this for good reasons. While it is fun to update your journey milestones on social media, it is also risky. You cannot trust everyone on social media.

Burglars who have been keeping a close watch on your property will also stay updated regarding when you are out on vacation. Intruders might take this opportunity to break in. Be cautious of what you disclose on social media. Save posting your beautifully clicked images till you return. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Also, be alert about the check-ins of the places you are posting on social media. Potential thieves will keep an eye on your activities and find the right time to execute their long-planned burglary activities. Keep your home and family protected by saving your travel posts until later.

7.      Keep Your Valuables in a Safe

This is a no-brainer, but still, we decided to give a reminder. Never leave your valuables, such as cash, jewelry, confidential documents, etc., lying around open in your house. While you can use a bank or other public lockers to store your jewelry and other valuables, you can also secure them in your home by putting them in a safe.

If you keep your valuables open, it will attract potential intruders, inviting them to attempt a break-and-enter. Also, according to expert locksmith Drighlington professionals, try investing in an advanced safe with upgraded locks or passcode-opening systems. You can choose from a wide selection of safes, starting from the lock and key options to the electronic keypad ones, based on your purpose and needs.

8.      Update Your Insurance Policies

At times, even after following all the safety and security tips, few homeowners still become victims of burglaries. It is an unpredictable situation, and you never know. Therefore, to avoid significant loss of property and valuables, get yourself and your family insured.

An updated insurance plan can save you from such painful losses. You can claim for the losses experienced in the case of house break-ins, thus protecting yourself from major financial breakdowns and property damage. Also, check for any expired policies and renew them on time to stay covered near the manor driglington.

9.      Give the Impression that You Are at Home

If you are planning a long trip and would be away for a while, try to keep some lighting on or keep the TV turned on. It will give burglars the impression that you are home. Hence, refrain from attempting any break-ins.

Also, try to keep your pathways lit up while you are away. Even if the burglars come to know you are not home, they will refrain from intruding if the lights are kept on. They will have the fear of getting seen and caught red-handed.

10.  Install Motion Sensor Lighting

Besides upgrading your indoor lighting, improve your outdoor lighting too. You can install motion sensor lighting that would detect any motion. Such lighting can prevent any burglary activities because thieves don’t want to be seen performing unauthorized thefts under a bright spotlight. You can also purchase lights with better motion detectors at the Adwalton House Surgery, having a better motion range.

Motion detection lights will startle an intruder, preventing them from carrying on with their criminal activities. Not only that, they cannot even hide in dark spots in and around your home, provided you have installed a few motion sensor lights in those places.

11.  Lock Up Your Garages and Sheds

Lock all your doors and windows and ensure no latch is left open on any window or sliding door, such as your balcony. Moreover, lock up your sheds and garages, which generally hold equipment and vehicles. Besides, these are easy entry points for burglars, especially when you leave them unlocked.

What’s more, thieves may use your garage or car shed equipment to break open your doors or windows. The common garage equipment includes ladders and mechanical and electrical tools.

For instance, intruders may use ladders to reach your apartment’s windows and flat roofs. These areas allow these attackers to stay out of sight of the neighborhood. On the other hand, screwdrivers are used to make attempts to break or hack the locks. And crowbars can help intruders break open your doors or windows.

12.  Keep Keys Away!

Never leave your keys openly. Displaying them may provoke thieves from attracting your residential premises. They have special tools to intrude on any entry points, such as letterboxes. Like variables, never make keys visible. Keep them out of sight to protect your cash, cars, and other valuables.

Besides, when potential burglars know the exact position of your keys, they won’t be willing to leave such a golden opportunity to grab the keys anyhow. Also, if your car keys are within easy reach, the thief will simply grab them without much effort and drive off the vehicle. There won’t be any signs of forced entry in many such theft cases.

If you find it hard to keep your keys elsewhere, you can take them with you. Or try to install a letterbox with brushes, which can hide the view of what’s inside. Moreover, avoid hiding your spare keys in easy-to-access areas. Some homeowners prefer hiding their keys under door mats, external shoe racks, car sheds, or flower pots.

Don’t assume that thieves won’t be able to guess your key positions. Most thieves know the places to look for spare keys. Try leaving your spare keys with a reliable and trustworthy neighbor, a close friend, or even a family member.

The best option would be to go keyless! Install keyless locks that require strict authentication processes to grant entry access. For example, today’s smart locks come with facial or fingerprint entry features that verify whether the person entering is really you (or someone in your family who has access). Again, consult a professional locksmith Drighlington team to learn about the best keyless security systems and locks available today.

13.  Install Burglar Alarms

Keep a burglar alarm in sight, be it a dummy or a functional one. When thieves see such alarms, they will stay away from such intrusion attacks. Also, change the security codes of your alarms from time to time. Such alarms will make the thief leave your property and move on to another residence having no such security systems.

Apart from the squealing sound alarm systems produce whenever they detect a mysterious movement, these systems also contact the local authorities on time whenever there is a breach. These advanced and accurate systems provide much-needed peace of mind, whether you are indoors (especially during the night) or outdoors.

14.  Install Wireless Home Monitoring Systems

Invest in a good wireless home monitoring solution to add an extra layer of security to your apartment. It will help you watch for suspicious or alarming movements in and around your residential premises, especially when you are out of town. Hire a professional locksmith Drighlington installation company to get the right wireless home monitoring system.

Install good security cameras and other alarming devices in several areas of your property, especially the entry and exit points, including your backyard and windows or balcony. You can rely on today’s intelligent wireless technologies, enabling you to monitor your home from any of your mobile devices. So, you can closely monitor what’s going on in your apartment anywhere and anytime with a single click when you are not around.

15.  Manage Your Keys Properly

Proper key management is essential to minimize the risks of intrusions due to unauthorized key duplications. Even your strongest locks can be ineffective if you don’t manage their keys correctly. Also, avoid lending keys to untrustworthy people or strangers. After moving to a new home, it is highly recommended that you change or re-key all your locks.

Furthermore, some locks come with restricted key systems that require authentication from the locksmith for a successful key duplication. Invest in such locks for added protection against unauthorized access. Taking these vital precautions can save you from security threats.

Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Securing Your Apartment

Avoid these common mistakes as advised by expert locksmiths specializing in advanced and smart security system installations.

Installing low-quality locks and deadbolts.
DIY-ing the installations of your home security systems to avoid the risks of vulnerabilities. Hire professional locksmiths because you don’t want to compromise your home security and safety.
Failing to address any issues with your locks and deadbolts promptly.
Hiding your keys in common places. You may not see the aftereffects immediately, but you may be a victim of house break-ins later due to unauthorized key duplications. Don’t underestimate the smartness of potential intruders!
Relying solely on self-monitoring and not installing any security systems.
Assuming that locked doors and windows are enough to protect your apartment and family.
Not maintaining keys properly. Avoid storing your keys under doormats or plant pots because intruders are always watching you closely.
Not replacing your locks from time to time.

Your home security should be your utmost priority to safeguard your family, valuables, and property. Taking a few home security measures can save you from major financial and property losses, or even protect your family members against all danger. Therefore, invest in a good home security system and consult an experienced locksmith Drighlington installation company to get the right placements and fittings for all your security devices.