Summer Home Security Tips to Protect Your Property
When the mercury rises and fun in the sun begins, it can be easy to forget about basic summer home security. With holidays on your mind and BBQ shopping lists in your back pocket, thinking about closing windows and upgrading locks might be the least of your concerns. But it’s important not to put yourself at risk during the warmer months. Even if you live in a ‘safe’ community, you can still fall victim to an unexpected break-in, so here are some home security tips that’ll help you to enjoy those beautiful summer days with friends and family.
Why Summer Can Increase Security Risks
Home security measures are needed during the summer months due to changes in routine that can result in increase in security risks. For example, many people go on holiday when the kids finish school, leaving their homes empty and potentially vulnerable to break-ins.
Similarly, people spend longer periods in gardens or public spaces away from their property. You might pop out for a short walk without locking doors and windows, for example, only to end up taking a detour or meeting friends. A simple distraction or reroute from the original plan could mean lax home security presents an opportunity to thieves.
Common Summer Security Mistakes
With a relaxed schedule, kids running around, temperatures on the up and everyone making plans, summer security mistakes are inevitable. But knowing the most common slipups can mitigate risk and help you to stay sensible this summer. Mistakes to avoid include:
- Leaving Windows and Doors Unsecured
When it’s hot outside, the natural temptation is to throw open doors and windows for the day. This can become an issue if you forget to close them when heading upstairs for the night, or you leave them unlocked when you pull them shut. Even the smallest window of time can tempt an opportunistic burglar. This is particularly true if you leave valuables such as laptops, phones and keys next to open windows. While you want to enjoy adequate ventilation this summer, just take extra care to make sure rooms with windows and doors open aren’t left unsupervised.
- Outdated Locks
Older locks might not provide sufficient protection against a break-in, so it might be worth thinking about a lock replacement. Simple home security upgrades such as investing in better quality or more up-to-date locks will give you greater peace of mind while enjoying the weather. Locksmith services include full lock upgrades and replacements, with experts recommending the right security measures for your home.
- Visible Signs of an Empty Home
Going away can be one of the best parts of summer, but leaving your home looking visibly empty can increase security risks. Signs that you’re not at home include uncollected post, opened bins or obvious absences such as curtains not opened for days. It might be worth speaking to a friend or family member to see if they can look after your house while you’re away.
Moreover, avoid making it obvious on social media that you’re away unless your accounts have restricted access. Criminals can use social media to target their next property. Even if your accounts are restricted, try to avoid posting anything until you’re home for increased security.
- Neglecting Garden Access Points
Side gates, sheds, garages and outbuildings can all become vulnerable if you forget to lock them. Burglars often look for weak points as a way to steal tools, electronics or to find ways into other parts of the house. If you’re heading out for a long time or going away on holiday, be sure to lock up properly.
- Forgetting About Patio and uPVC Doors
Patio and uPVC doors can be easily forgotten about, providing easy access to burglars. Always double check all entry points when leaving the property. uPVC door locks can also become worn with time, so if you’ve noticed they’re not locking properly, be sure to seek out locksmith services.
How a Locksmith Can Help Improve Summer Home Security
If you want to make sure your property is as secure as possible this summer, contact your local locksmith today. They can help with:
- Home security assessments – during an assessment, they evaluate how secure your home is and recommend improvements based on any vulnerabilities they find.
- Lock upgrades – wear and tear is inevitable over time and with newer locks now available, an upgrade might be just what’s required.
- uPVC repairs – from misalignments to broken locks, uPVC repairs are common.
- High-security cylinders – high-security cylinders are advanced lock components designed to provide greater protection than standard locks. They use specially engineered internal mechanisms and restricted keys to make them much harder to pick, while also preventing unauthorised key duplication.
- Security recommendations for vulnerable entry points – sometimes we all need an expert eye to tell us how to improve home security and this is what a locksmith can offer.
Why Is It Important to Address Problems Early
With so much to do on a daily basis it can be easy to put off sorting a worn lock or a misaligned door until later. After all, if you can close it eventually, it’ll be OK for a while longer – right? Well, that’s not necessarily the case. Faulty locks often worsen with time and can make unauthorised access that bit easier.
When your home is left empty, such as during a summer holiday, existing lock problems can become even more of a risk – especially if you’re the only one who knows how to lock a specific door because the lock is old and your house sitter has repeated problems. uPVC doors also tend to drop further during summer which can cause misalignment and difficulties locking up. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to seek professional advice from a locksmith.
Peace of Mind While You’re Away
With the right home security in place, you can get out and about without worrying about your property being vulnerable. This will reduce worry, protect valuable possessions and ensure you come home to a house that you can secure properly.
At Absolute Security Locksmiths, we specialise in security, helping homeowners to ensure they’re not leaving their property vulnerable to break-ins. Contact us today to find out about our locksmith services and summer home security upgrades.