Swift Locksmiths South Croydon

Recommended ways to secure your property in Purley.

Secure your doors.

Frequently check your locks to ensure they are in the suitable condition. They possibly could be loose through everyday use. Do your locks meet insurance requirements? Discuss this with your home insurance company. Your local Purley locksmith will be able to recommend the most suitable British Standard Locks.

Grade 1 locks have the highest degree of security, they are one of the best locks to prevent break-ins. Grade 1 locks have been tried, tested, and show excellent endurance to strikes and bumps. Therefore, if you are planning to replace your front door locks or have recently moved into a new premises, choose double cylinder deadbolt locks to ensure the safety of your house. The simple solution would be to fit a double cylinder deadbolt. These require the key to be used on both sides and would prevent a burglar from opening your door.

Letterbox.

A glimpse through the letterbox can reveal valuables and a set of keys that might be nearby to the door or window; check you are unable to put your hand through your letterbox. Letterbox 'fishing' allows burglars to retrieve your keys, wallets, purses and more without having to step foot into your home! They simply use a long-hooked rod, for house and car keys left in reach of the door.

With that said, it is essential to install a letter plate that incorporates added security features including an internal and external flap. A weak letter plate can be easily snapped off from the outside, giving criminals more access to your home or business.

Glass panels - avoid these where possible. However, if you do have a glass panel then have toughened glass, one that a glazer would recommend. It takes a good deal of force to shatter glass protected by security film and even then, the shattered glass is still held in place by the film. In this instance, it would take a lot of time, make a heck of a lot of noise, and likely attract unwanted attention.

Back door - it is recommended you fit a secure lock like a multipoint locking system for conservatories and patio doors. Your home back door, one of your most welcomed entrances for thieves, should be secured firmly. Do not skip the back door when making the security plan! There are approximately 2.5 million back door home intrusions each year.

Lock the windows.

Always keep your windows locked whilst away from your home, keyed locks will reinforce. If you live in a high burglary area, then a bar and grills would be recommended. Always keep valuables away from the window, keeping your most important valuables in a safe. Burglars tend to target windows as they generally offer easier access than doors. Take a good look at your windows from the outside and remove potential access points where you can.

One of the most effective steps you can take to burglar-proof your home is to install window burglar bars. These iron window bars help keep out intruders while still letting in plenty of light.

Purchase a security system.

There are many on the market and they range from DIY systems to CCTV images. Having a home security system can reduce your home insurance however speak to your insurance company first to obtain advice.

Meet the neighbours.

Do you have a neighbourhood watch? Speak with your neighbours and you will find that everyone can help each other out, especially when you are going away. Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home, for any suspicious activity.

Obtain advice.

The local police will be able to give you security tips for your home. Most locksmiths give a free analysis of your locks to ensure you have the most appropriate security.

Your property.

A well-lit property is a sign that it is being occupied. If you go out for the evening or away on holiday, then having a timer switch is highly effective. Try to evaluate the lighting in your home. Whether this means installing motion activation lights or simply leaving the TV on whilst you pop to the shops, (TV light came 4^th in the top 10 deterrents) lighting is an effective means of keeping criminals at bay.

Remove any large bushes in front of doors and windows these are potential hiding spots for thieves. A well-kept house is a sign that someone lives there.

Placing security signs at the front of your home ("Beware of the Dogs" or "CCTV Operating 24 Hours") act as a burglar deterrent.

And finally - keep quiet on social media while you are away from home.

Improving the security of your home does not have to mean expensive gadgets or considerable effort. For a free no obligation assessment of your property call our Purley locksmith service today.