A Guide to Home Security

With crime rates higher than ever, protecting your property has never been more important. As intruders find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to your home, it’s vital to stay one step ahead.

Here at Astra Security, we’re familiar with all the security challenges facing homeowners today. That’s why we’ve prepared this helpful guide that addresses common scenarios, so you’ll know how best to protect your home. 

How can I secure my home whilst I’m on holiday?

A holiday is your one chance in the year to truly relax, so the last thing you’ll want is to be concerned about the security of your property. Naturally, your property is at greater risk of being burgled if potential intruders know it is unoccupied. 

There are a few telltale signs that your house is empty, such as constantly closed curtains, a buildup of post and a lack of activity around it. If you have a good relationship with your neighbours, you can enlist their help and ask them to keep an eye on your home, performing minor tasks such as checking for deliveries and putting your bins out for collection. Before you leave, it’s also vital to triple-check all possible entrances to your home and ensure you haven’t given an intruder easy access by leaving a window ajar.

You can also enhance the security of your property whilst you’re away by installing visual deterrents, such as burglar alarms and CCTV cameras. These act as a clear sign that your home is being monitored; in fact, 84% of burglars avoid homes with a visible security system. Remember to switch your burglar alarm on before you leave for your holiday as, should your home be targeted, the piercing noise will immediately alert your neighbours and interrupt the break-in.

How can I secure my new property? 

If your home has been previously owned, you likely don’t know the full history of the property or who has held keys. Therefore, one of your first steps upon moving into a new home should be calling in a qualified locksmith to install a new set of locks, so you can be sure that no one unexpected has keys to your property.

Installing an effective home security system is also key for securing your property and deterring potential intruders. Most criminals rely on the cover of darkness, so installing outdoor lighting may dissuade offenders by increasing the likelihood of their crime being seen. The same principle applies to burglar alarms; the loud noise will alert neighbours and ensure that the perpetrator doesn’t leave the scene unnoticed. In the unfortunate event that a burglary does take place, CCTV cameras can provide valuable evidence to the police and help to identify the offender. The installation of CCTV can even result in lower insurance premiums, offering long-term savings.

Securing your perimeter is also an important aspect of home security, and installing gates and barriers provides an additional layer of protection. You can even add access control systems to your gates, to provide precise control over just who is allowed entry to your property.

What to do after a burglary

A burglary is a very distressing time and amidst the chaos, it can be difficult to plan your next steps. If you’ve been burgled, we advise:

• Contact the police: As soon as you discover a burglary, contact the police on 101 and they will give you a Crime Reference Number. If you suspect the person is still inside, dial 999 instead and do not enter the property.
• Don’t touch anything: Whilst your first instinct may be to clean, leave everything exactly as you found it to preserve vital evidence.
• Create a list of missing items: Make an inventory of missing items for the police to include in their investigation.
• Inform your insurance company: Call your insurance company within 24 hours and provide the Crime Reference Number. Inform them of the stolen items and any other damage incurred.
• Consult a security professional: Get in touch with a trusted security professional, like Astra Security, for advice on how best to resecure your home. We can recommend the best security systems for your needs and carry out the necessary installation and maintenance work.

If you’re looking for help protecting your home in Maidstone, Medway, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and beyond, contact the professionals at Astra Security Solutions today. We supply a huge range of home security solutions — including CCTV cameras, access control systems, burglar alarms and gates and barriers — that are sure to deter any potential intruders. To discuss your needs with one of our SSAIB-approved team members, get in touch with us today.