Below are 10 tips from the Master Locksmith Association of Australasia to help maintain the security of your home during the holiday season.
1. Lock up
While this may be obvious, locking up your home is often overlooked.
Deadlocks and window locks operated with a key not only make it much harder to break into the home, but also can prevent an easy exit, making it harder for burglars to remove large items from your home.
Also, don’t make it easy for criminals – don’t keep a spare house key under the front door mat, over top of the door, in the mail or metre box, under a fake stone or in the nearby garden bed. Keep your keys safe and secure.
2. Don’t forget to lock up the shed, garage and side gates as well
Sheds and garages can be inviting to thieves as they are not regularly used and often unlocked. If you can, store valuable items inside your home or in a locked shed.
More information about garage security »
3. Visibility increases security
Keep your property tidy! Landscaping around your home should not only be attractive, but also effective for security. Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed so a clear view of your property is maintained.
Restrict bushes that could block the view of doorways, access paths and hiding spots under windows. Sensor lights that are activated by movement are an inexpensive and excellent deterrent for burglars.
4. Install a security alarm system
We strongly recommend consulting us when considering the installation of an alarm or home security system. There are many features that can enhance the security of your home and make you feel better when you go on holidays.
More information about alarm systems and CCTV security »
5. Don’t advertise that you are out or away
Don’t announce to the world that you’re going on holidays or overseas for an extended period on Social Media. Facebook and Twitter may alert a thief to a potential burglary opportunity.
6. Don’t provide temptation
Move valuable items so they can’t be seen from the windows. If you bought a new big screen television or home theatre system, don’t leave the packaging outside where its visible.
This is also a great rule for items kept in your car when it’s parked either at home or away.
7. Make it look like you are home
A letterbox full of mail, catalogues and junk mail is a sure sign that a house is unattended. Whether it be a vacated property or a family on vacation, it will spark an interest from thieves.
Ask a family member or neighbour to collect your mail whilst your away. Additionally, making sure the bins are out for rubbish collection (and subsequently put away), turning lights on, occasional watering of the garden or mowing of the lawns (if you’re lucky) will give the impression that someone is home.
If you have the paper, bread or milk delivered – don’t forget to have these suspended.
More information about lockable security letterboxes »
8. Peace of mind – Insurance
Identify your belongings, both at home and at work. Take photos of your valuable belongings or keep a register of important items (make, models and serial numbers). A walk-through of your house with a video camera, detailing items in cupboards will keep your insurance company very happy indeed.
Just remember to keep your photos, video tape or register secure – locked away in a safe is the ideal place.
Finally – be insured!
9. If it’s expensive, lock it up
If you have expensive jewellery, cash or other items that can’t be replaced at home – store them in a safe.
There are many cheap inferior products out in the market that are sold through hardware and retail outlets. If you’re investing in a safe then ensure the safe is right for and most importantly, it is installed correctly. Most burglars will attempt to take the safe with them so they can break into it without pressure of time. If a safe is incorrectly installed, security of its contents is compromised.
Remember, the installation is just as important as safe itself! Call us to discuss your needs.
More information about window and door locks »
10. Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood watch is a group of community residents who keep a lookout for suspicious activity in their neighbourhood and report it to the police. Does a neighbourhood watch group exist in your suburb? It may be well worth finding out.
If you have a good relationship with your next door neighbours, kindly ask them to keep an eye on things whilst your away! Britlock Locksmiths Sydney is hear to help with your security.
Need home security advice?
Security is no laughing matter; we know it deserves serious attention. There’s no need to worry for your safety or security, our mobile locksmiths can be onsite to most Sydney homes and businesses within 30 – 60 minutes of receiving your call – sometimes even quicker if we’re close by!
Our team of dedicated locksmiths will respond to any job immediately and with the best tools. We put all our efforts in providing clients with the security they need and can trust. Britlock Locksmiths provide a prompt and expert emergency service and our fully equipped mobile workshops will ensure that we secure your property quickly and efficiently. Our locksmiths undertake regular training to ensure they are up to date with the latest security technologies. This means we provide our customers with the best security advice in the marketplace. Our expertise is your assurance that your home and business are safe and secure.
Our mobile locksmiths service all Sydney suburbs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SPEAK TO A HOME SECURITY EXPERT
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Our dedicated and highly trained emergency locksmiths appreciate every job we receive and respond to every one with one thing in mind – you, our customer.
It goes without saying that we think we’re the best locksmiths in Sydney but, don’t just take our word for it, read the 200+ 5 star Google reviews we’ve received from happy customers.
Complete locksmith and security services
24 Hour Lock-out Service: Lost keys or damaged locks? From deadlocks to bike locks and everything in between, we can open them all in no time.
Alarm Systems: Wired or wireless, motion detectors or cameras. We can come and inspect your property to help you decide what’s right for your needs and budget.
CCTV Systems: The right camera in the right location. Our technicians can come and help you design a CCTV system that’s perfect for your building or property.
Garage Locks and Accessories: We supply and install a range locks and accessories for garage and roller doors. Repairs, installations or turning your old manual garage door into a fully automatic one.
Key Cutting & Restricted Keys: Our mobile workshops are stocked with the widest range of keys and accessories. Doors, garages, letterboxes, padlocks and windows and our secure Restricted Key System.
Keyless Entry: From pin-code access, fob, key card or even your fingerprint, digital access solutions will make your security more convenient and put a stop to lost keys and lock outs.
Padlocks and Accessories: We supply and install a range padlocks and accessories such as bolts and hydraulic door closers. We can also open and rekey padlocks.
Safes: From floor and wall safes to filing cabinet or jewellers’ safes. We stock, install or even crack a wide variety of safes.
Security Doors & Entrances: We can supply and install a range of security doors, front doors and internal doors, 24/7. We also repair all kinds of doors and entrances.
Window Locks and Screens: A range of window hardware including handles, security locks, latches. Plus Amplimesh security window screens and accessories.