Domestic break-ins are unfortunately a common occurrence in the UK. The consequences are not just financial; dealing with a burglary of your home can be time consuming as well as psychologically distressing. It is the place where you, your family and your pets and possessions should be protected and secure at all times.
Therefore taking proactive measures to review and if necessary update your home security can bring you peace of mind and minimise the chances of a costly and disruptive break-in. Here is a guide to conducting a security audit of your home.
- Carry out a risk assessment
When assessing potential threats to your home security, start by researching the crime statistics in the area, and if you have experienced any previous intruder incidents or attempted break-ins. Homes in isolated country areas or urban neighbourhoods with high crime rates may be particularly at risk.
Homes which appear to be unoccupied or are in a dilapidated state are also more likely to be targets for criminal activity, as are homes that are not easily visible from the road.
- Identify key access points
The next step is to identify and evaluate all the potential entry points, including doors, windows, cat flaps, and perimeter gates. Check the condition of the locks and the integrity of doors and window frames. Consider replacing unlockable windows and installing double or deadlocks on doors if you do not already have them.
- Inspect existing security systems
If you already have existing security measures in place, such as intruder alarms, outdoor lighting, and CCTV cameras, inspect and test them to assess their effectiveness. Check that the cables are connected and the siren is in working order and can be activated and deactivated.
Check that CCTV cameras are fully functional and integrated with your current digital devices for remote access to surveillance footage. If they do not cover all areas of your property and particularly key access points, consider installing additional cameras.
If you do not already have motion-sensor activated lights installed, consider having your current outdoor lighting system upgraded to include them. This is not only an excellent deterrent, but also alerts you to potential intruders, and is a useful feature when you arrive home in darkness.
It is also possible to integrate CCTV and lighting with a floodlight camera, which can pick up any dark and shadowy areas and record useful clear footage of any intrusions.
- Make any required updates
Now it’s time to take action to rectify any weaknesses that you have identified. It may be preferable to seek some professional advice from home security experts if there is any aspect that you feel uncertain about. They will be able to discuss all the available options with you and offer tailored solutions.
If you are looking for CCTV installers in Slough, please visit our website today.
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