Ensuring that your house is protected during the darker months

Keeping your home safe and secure is always important, but never more so than in the winter. More hours of darkness means there are more opportunities for break-ins and burglaries. It’s also easier for intruders to tell when homeowners are out, as it’s more noticeable when the lights are on or off. 

As the days get shorter and colder, there are some key things you should take into consideration in order to keep your home protected. 

Check your windows 

All of your windows, especially those at ground level, should be lockable with a key from the inside. Most home insurance companies require all your ground-floor windows to be lockable, but beyond that, it can provide peace of mind that your windows are secure. If your windows aren’t currently lockable it’s a good idea to get some durable and good-quality locks fitted sooner rather than later. 

Check your exterior door lock 

Your main exterior door is often the door which is targeted by intruders. If the lock isn’t secure enough it can leave your home vulnerable. Installing a double lock or upgrading your current lock is a great way of adding to your home’s security. 

Exterior lighting 

Exterior lighting provides a good deterrent to potential burglars as they can easily be seen as they approach and leave the house. Obviously, leaving exterior lights on all night isn’t ideal, especially when energy costs are rising. Having your exterior lights come on with a motion sensor means you can save energy and also be immediately alerted to the fact someone is approaching your home.

UPVC doors and windows

UPVC doors and windows are brilliant and very common throughout the home, but they undergo a lot of wear and tear over years of use. This wear and tear can lead to breakages and mechanism failures if left unnoticed. Getting your uPVC windows and doors repaired means you can inexpensively make sure they’re good quality without having to replace entire windows or doors.

Check your outbuildings 

Garages and sheds are often afterthoughts when it comes to home security, but ironically they are often where some of the most expensive equipment in your home is kept. Garden tools, lawnmowers, barbeques and even cars can be accessed in your outbuildings if your security isn’t up to scratch. 

Get a spare key

Locking yourself out is too easily done! When it’s cold and dark and you find yourself locked out, the last thing you want is to be stuck waiting outside. Getting a spare key to give to a trustworthy neighbour will bring peace of mind and help keep your home accessible in an emergency situation. 

Close the curtains 

As it gets darker earlier, it gets easier for onlookers on the street to have a good look through the windows without being seen. Keeping your curtains closed when it gets dark is a simple way of making your home less tempting to potential thieves and harder to judge whether it’s empty. 

For more help in keeping your home safe and secure this winter, get in touch with us today. Whether you’re just looking for more information or to get your locks updated for added protection, we’ll be happy to help you improve the security of your home.