Home security systems have become much more affordable and prevalent. When we started out, only big businesses had CCTV, now most people have at least a doorbell camera. The cost of living crisis has been raising concerns about crime levels and forcing people to look for ways to improve their home security. Of course the best thing to do is to fit a home security system (we would say that, wouldn’t we!) but there’s actually lots of things you can do to protect your home without spending a penny. Here’s 6 free home security hacks…
6 free home security hacks
set your alarm…
If your house already has a home alarm system installed: use it! We say this so often. Set your house alarm. It costs nothing to set your house alarm, but it’ll alert you the minute anyone tries to get into your home. And it’ll alert everyone else nearby. It’s likely to scare off the intruder too. The two key times to set your alarm system are when you leave the house, and when you go to bed.
lock the doors & windows…
Lock up when you go out, even if you’re just popping out for a few minutes. It sounds obviously but sneak in thieves will take any opportunity. Just nipping next door? Lock your house up. Makes sure you close and lock windows when you’re out too – otherwise they’re quite literally an open invitation to intruders! Lock the door when you arrive home and check who’s at the door before opening it. Use a CCTV system or doorbell camera to check who’s there if you feel safer doing this than looking through the window.
leave a light on a timer…
Ok, we admit it; this one isn’t actually free. Depending on your electricity provider the cost of this would vary. In November 2022, Check a trade suggested that it would cost 1p to leave a 3W LED lightbulb on for one hundred hours. Leaving a light on can make your house look occupied – particularly in the winter. And is a lot cheaper than the cost of a break in – even with today’s energy prices! Peter Key’s old joke about his mum leaving the radio on for the burglars was actually a clever tip. Burglars are less likely to try an occupied home.
put the phone down…
Tempting as it is to check in to that concert/ restaurant/ event… wait! If your social media posts can be seen publicly, be careful about what you put on there. Save your photos to post to your Instagram story once you’re home. Avoid posting your holiday countdown on twitter and try not to give a complete tour of your house on tiktok. It seems an unlikely addition to the list of free home security hacks but here it is: either post pone your posts or spend 15 minutes checking and locking down your security settings.
check the garden…
This one won’t cost you anything but it does require you to spend a bit of time out in the garden. The Neighbourhood watch scheme uses the acronym WIDE(N) to remind people to consider 6 areas of their home when looking at home security. The E in the acronym WIDE(N) is for exterior. The outside of your property can either help or hinder a criminal in the area.
Firstly switch on your outside lights. Next check the gates are secure. Now it’s time to tidy up; put tools toys and bikes away in the shed or the garage. Don’t leave anything out that might tempt an opportunistic thief. When you do put them away in a garage or shed check that these outside buildings are locked up and secure too. Don’t make it easy for burglars.
Now turn your attention to the hedges and bushes around your garden. If you’ve got any prickly hawthorn or holly bushes you can feel smug that these are good “anti trespass” hedges (because who’d want to sneak through a holly bush?) But check that the hedges aren’t too large and don’t provide hiding places for anyone creeping towards your property. If you’ve got gravel you can give yourself a pat on the back. The crunching of any potential intruder walking across gravel gives an audible advanced warning so it’s a good thing to have around your home and your cars.
Neighbours…
Making friends with your neighbours, joining your local neighbourhood watch scheme or just keeping an eye out for each other can strengthen your community and help to improve the security on your street. And being neighbourly is free!
Free home security survey
If you’ve done all the free hacks and you want to make further improvements to your home security, why not book a free home security survey to get a quote for the installation of a home CCTV, intruder alarm or doorbell camera system. We know that physical home security systems are excellent deterrents. CCTV and intruder alarm systems are listed amongst the most effective way to protect your home from burglars. Book online call 01535 661197 or email sales@keybury.co.uk