5 Worrying Security Mistakes Homeowners Make

When it comes to security, many homeowners may think they are taking the right steps to protect what they value, but in actual fact there could be countless mistakes they are making that are putting their valuables at risk.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common security mistakes made by homeowners that are known to leave properties vulnerable to break-ins and theft, and what you can do to put them right.

1. Failing to fix down a safe

The saying, if it’s not fixed down, they’ll take it, couldn’t be truer when it comes to intruders. And that includes safes.

You might think you are doing the right thing by stashing all your valuables in a safe. But if that safe is not fixed down, then you run the risk of it being lifted. Thieves will always find a way to remove a safe if they think the effort will be worth it. Even the largest safes have been known to disappear during a break-in.

Not only is it essential to fix a safe down to prevent it being taken, it will also protect you in the event of needing to make an insurance claim. Many insurance providers will require a safe to be professionally fitted to a wall or floor.

Self-fixing a safe is often sufficient, although you should check with your insurer as to any specific requirements, as some will stipulate a professional installation.

2. Not locking doors

Fitting good quality locks but failing to use them is one of the most serious security mistakes made by homeowners.

UK burglary statistics show that 70% of burglaries involve the offender entering the property through an unlocked door, with almost 60% targeting the front door.

What’s more, research shows that over 50% of domestic burglaries happen when someone is at home.

When you are sleeping upstairs, or even napping downstairs; spending time in the garden; taking a bath or shower; listening to music through headphones or logged on to a video call… all these are times when you might not hear an intruder in your home.

The importance, therefore, of locking doors when you are in the house cannot be over-emphasised. It is just as important as locking them when you go out, so be sure not to overlook this simple security measure.

3. Creating too much privacy

Some homeowners may believe they are doing the right thing by putting up privacy fencing or creating a natural privacy border with shrubbery. Whilst this is a good idea to some extent, if you overdo it, it can provide cover and hiding spots for burglars, allowing them to enter your home unseen.

Try to plan your privacy fencing or shrubbery so that the main entry door can be seen from the street. Again, with front doors being the main entry point for intruders, it is important to take steps to make it as difficult as possible for them to enter unseen.

4. Ignoring callers

When you’re home alone or it’s late at night and there’s a knock at the door, it can be tempting to just ignore it. But this is actually one of the biggest security mistakes you can make.

Whilst it is not advisable to open the door to strangers, by ignoring a knock, a potential intruder may assume that no one is home, and attempt to break in.

Instead of ignoring the caller, acknowledge them but do not open the door. You could call down from an upstairs window, use a spyhole or, better still, install a video doorbell to allow you to check out whoever is at the door by viewing them on your smartphone.

Some video doorbells will also allow you to speak to the caller, whilst others will trigger alerts in response to motion outside the door, even if no one actually rings the doorbell. It’s an extra layer of security for your home that could provide peace of mind, as well as protecting you from unwelcome intruders.

5. Not choosing the right lock for the right door

As well as choosing locks that conform to insurance standards so that you won’t find yourself with a voided claim, it is important to realise that certain types of doors require certain types of locks. One of the most common security mistakes involves choosing incorrect locks.

For example, regular mortice locks are not suitable for multi-point locking systems on UPVC doors, and timber doors should be fitted with a British Standard Kite Marked self- locking latch lock and a key operated deadlock.

UPVC or composite doors need star rated deadlocks and night latches, which incorporate anti-snap features. French doors call for locks that strengthen the weak point between the two doors, with multi point locking incorporating vertical locking bolts. For outward opening doors, hinge bolts are essential.

Sliding doors with multi-point locking systems call for additional locking methods, such as anti-lift devices. You will also need to consider special measures for bi-fold doors, including cylinders that are snap, pick, drill and bump resistant, plus top and bottom anti-lift bars.

Home security advice from the company that’s been advising homeowners for more than 70 years

Whether you need advice on choosing the right lock for your needs, or you are seeking guidance on video doorbells, safe installation or any other home security solution, the team of experts at Barry Bros Security is here to help.

Avoid security mistakes with help from the professionals. Contact us or visit our showroom today. We look forward to being of assistance.