How To Keep Your Home Safe This Summer
Summer is a time for relaxation, vacations, and enjoying the great outdoors. But unfortunately, it can also be a time when home security is more important than ever.
With more people away on holidays and homes left vacant, opportunistic thieves may see this as their chance to strike. Don't let your summer be spoiled by the worry of a break in.
This guide provides you with essential tips and practical advice on how to keep your home and belongings safe this summer, so you can enjoy the sunshine with peace of mind. From simple precautions to advanced security measures, we'll explore the steps you can take to deter burglars and protect your property.
Whether you're at home or away, discover how to safeguard your haven and make it a less appealing target for unwanted visitors.
Budget Direct reports that the highest average break ins per month in Australia occur in December, January, and February, respectively.
Why is Summer a Prime Time for Break Ins?
Summer brings with it a unique set of circumstances that can increase the risk of home break ins. By being aware of these factors, you can take proactive steps to protect your home and belongings.
☀️ Vacation Season: Summer is often a time for holidays and travel. Empty homes become prime targets for burglars who look for signs that residents are away.
☀️ Open Windows and Doors: The warmer weather often leads to people leaving windows and doors open or unlocked for ventilation, especially in the evenings. This can provide easy access for opportunistic thieves.
☀️ Longer Daylight Hours: While longer days are enjoyable, they can also give burglars more time to be up to no good unnoticed, particularly during those twilight hours when people are often out and about.
☀️ More People Outside: Summer often brings increased activity in neighborhoods, with more people out walking, jogging, or visiting parks. This can provide cover for potential intruders to case homes or go unnoticed.
By understanding these summertime risks, you can take proactive steps to secure your home and deter potential burglars. Remember, a little vigilance and preparation can go a long way in keeping your property safe.
Practical Security Measure To Implement This Summer
While security systems and technology play a vital role, there are many practical steps you can take to enhance your home security this summer. These simple but effective measures can significantly reduce the risk of a break in and deter potential intruders. Let's have a look at some key ways to safeguard your home.
1️⃣ Secure Entry Points
Lock Up: Always lock your doors and windows, even when you're at home or just stepping out for a short time. Many break ins happen through unlocked entry points. Never leave keys in locks, especially in windows where they can be easily reached.
- Strong Doors: Make sure all external doors, including your garage door, are solid core or reinforced. Weak doors can be easily forced open.
- Quality Locks: Invest in high quality deadbolt locks for all external doors. Consider adding extra locks or security chains for added protection.
- Window Security: Make sure windows have secure locks and consider adding window security screens for an additional layer of defence.
- Install Security Screens: Security screens are a powerful deterrent. Install intruder resistant security screens on all accessible windows and doors.
2️⃣ Outdoor Security
- Lighting: Well lit exteriors deter burglars. Install motion activated lights around your property, especially near entry points.
- Landscaping: Trim overgrown shrubs and trees that can provide hiding spots for intruders. Ensure good visibility around your property.
- Secure Valuables: Don't leave valuable items like bikes, tools, or gardening equipment outside and unsecured. Store them in a locked shed or garage.
3️⃣ Post and Deliveries
- Post: As a trusted neighbour to collect your mail, or have it held at the post office, as an overflowing postbox is an obvious sign that nobody’s home.
- Deliveries: Have any regular deliveries, such as newspapers and magazines, suspended whilst you're away.
4️⃣ Don’t Advertise Your Absence
- Social Media Discretion: Avoid posting about your travel plans on social media until after you return home.
- Trusted Neighbours: Inform trusted neighbours of your absence so they can keep an eye on your property.
By implementing these practical security measures, you create a strong deterrent and make your home a less appealing target for potential burglars.
Home Security Technology To Deter Burglars
As well as practical measures, home security technology provides a powerful deterrent and an extra layer of protection against burglars. Some of the key security tech to consider include:
☀️ Alarm Systems
☀️ Smart Home Devices: Smart Camera, Smart Lock & Automated Lighting
☀️ Sensors and Detectors
☀️ Visible Deterrents: Security Cameras (even fakes), Security System Signage
By integrating these home security technologies, you can create a comprehensive security system that protects your home and deters burglars effectively. Remember to choose technologies that suit your needs and budget, and always prioritise reliable and well known, and highly rated, providers.
Keeping Your Home Safe This Summer Summary
Good home security is built on simple yet effective principles. First, make your property less appealing to potential intruders by ensuring clear visibility around your home, installing good lighting, and considering security cameras. A visible presence can be a strong deterrent.
Second, make it as difficult as possible for an offender to gain entry. This means securing all doors and windows with quality locks, reinforcing sliding doors, and investing in robust security screens.
Third, if a burglar does gain entry, make it hard for them to get out with your possessions. Secure valuable items out of sight and use home security technologies like alarms and sensors that can alert you to a break in.
Finally, take steps to make it difficult for a thief to benefit from your property even if they manage to steal it. Mark your valuable belongings with a tracking sticker or an engraver and keep records of serial numbers. This can deter thieves and help you get any stolen items back.
Don't wait until it's too late! Secure your home this summer with expert advice and quality security solutions from Moreton Bay Security Screens. Call us today on 1300 254 317 to discuss your security and let us help you create a safe and secure home for you and your loved ones.
References:
Budget Direct - Which months have the most and least home burglaries in Australia?
QLD Police - Safety and preventing crime
Allianz - Summer holiday safety tips: preparing your home for when you’re away
Safewise - Simple ways to secure your new home
Australian Government Your Home - Safety and security
QLD Police - Home Security Guide
NSW Police Force - Protect Your Home
RACV - How to secure your home and deter burglars
Master Locksmiths Association - 8 Expert Tips to Help Secure Your Home This Summer