It’s hard to put a price on the importance of keeping your home safe and secure. The good news is there are a lot of simple things you can do to help protect the people you love and the things you value. Here are some easy tips to help you stay safe, both when you are and aren’t home. Time for a Timer One of the simplest precautions you can take is to use an electrical timer when you know you’ll be away. You can pick up a relatively inexpensive timer in many places these days, including hardware stores such as Bunnings and some supermarkets. Hook up a lamp or two and set the timer to mimic your usual routines. You can also set a timer on your TV, so your home looks and sounds like someone’s in there. This simple action can be a big turn-off for a would-be intruder. Pinch your neighbour’s car Well, not really. A good trick that won’t cost you anything is to ask your neighbours to park in your driveway while you’re not home. Even if it’s just for a weekend away, spotting a car in your driveway could be enough to make a crim think twice about breaking-in. Maintain your garden An overgrown or unruly garden can be a sign of a hectic household, but it can also be a sign of an empty household. And that’s not good when it comes to home security! An overgrown lawn and a garden in need of pruning can be a surefire way of telling bad guys that nobody has been home for a while. So why risk it? Who let the bins out? Leaving your bins out on the street when it’s not bin day can send a message that nobody is home. Similarly, having hand-delivered newspapers build-up on your lawn for days, or a mailbox overflowing with uncollected mail can also help make your home a target. Line of sight Don’t give burglars a place to hide by obscuring the view of your front door from the street. This might mean trimming or relocating any trees and shrubs that block the view. Remember, having a clean line of sight also makes it easier for you to keep an eye on what’s going on outside. Someone else’s shoes Here’s an alternative to the tried and tested ‘Beware of the dog’ sign. Invest in some Size 13 boots and leave them in a visible place near the front door. If an intruder senses there could be a big burly bloke in the household, it may be enough for them to give your house a wide berth. Keep your garage closed It’s amazing to see how often people secure the doors and windows of their home but leave the garage door wide open, inviting intruders in with little deterrence. If you’re in your home or backyard, it’s a good idea to keep your garage securely closed for added safety. Implementing a few of these tips can really make the difference in deterring possible intruders from attempting a break in at your house. If you are looking for extra security and peace of mind, one of the best steps you can take to secure your home is with Crimsafe’s security screens. Check out our full range of security doors and windows.
