The Home Security Tips Southampton Homeowners Should Know

When crime rates seem to be on the rise, ensuring the safety and security of our homes is crucial. Your home should be your sanctuary, where you and your loved ones can relax and feel safe and protected. However, without proper home security measures in place, your haven can be susceptible to various risks.

There are many home security practices you can take care of that significantly enhance the protection of your property and provide peace of mind. By understanding the common vulnerabilities that burglars exploit and implementing proactive security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and protect your home, belongings and family from potential threats.

Whether you are a complete novice when it comes to security for your home, or an experienced homeowner looking to enhance your existing security measures, we are here to provide you with our valuable tips and expert insight into practical ways you can keep your home and loved ones safe and deter potential intruders.

Our essential home security advice

Burglar alarm installation

It may seem obvious, but an intruder alarm system should be a central component in any home’s security plan. It acts as a deterrent to make potential intruders think twice before targeting your home. It also provides a vital layer of protection that alerts you (and the authorities, depending on the alarm system you choose) in the case of a break-in.With modern smart burglar alarm installation, intruder alarm systems also provide you with peace of mind when you are away from home, as they can be monitored remotely and send you notifications of any suspicious activity at your home. Modern wireless systems are also designed to be tamperproof, so there is no need to worry about intruders potentially disabling your alarms.

Invest in a home security camera

Whilst security alarm systems sound the alarm in the case of suspicious activity at your home, CCTV or smart home security camera systems allow you to monitor events in real time, as well as collecting video evidence in the event that your home is targeted by burglars. From smart doorbell cams to sophisticated multi camera systems, home security cameras help provide a clear picture of anyone visiting your home, whether you are there or away.

For homes equipped with smart technology, security cameras can also be integrated with intruder alarm systems and other smart security devices in the home, providing a comprehensive, easy to use security system.

Keep your keys safe

We have all seen TV programmes and films where spare keys have been left under a doormat or plant pot, and while this can be useful should you forget your key, it is also an open invitation for burglars to enter your home. In some cases, you will need to leave a key for someone, however, we would recommend keeping keys in a lockbox so that no one else but the intended person can access them.

It’s also important to keep keys safe when you are at home. Whilst it can be tempting to hang keys up next to the door to help stop you from forgetting them, this can make them accessible to burglars. Always keep keys away from sight or easy access through a letter box or window. 

Don’t share too much online

Whilst it is tempting to post online about your latest purchases, or the things you are doing whilst away from home, it’s important not to advertise too much to potential intruders, making your home more vulnerable. It’s also important not to post photos of your home with a visible address plaque, or to share your address publicly online. A large percentage of burglars use social media to find information on potential targets.

The simple solution is to never post your address where it is publicly viewable, and never advertise details or expensive property, or travel plans.

Install motion activated security lighting

Whilst many burglaries happen in the day, when lighting isn’t usually a factor, it’s important to install security lighting to act as a deterrent. Research shows that motion detector activated lighting deters burglars due to the sudden nature of lights turning on, and can also help notify homeowners or their neighbours when there is suspicious activity outside.

Consider access control systems or smart locks

Access control systems and smart locks provide an additional layer of security for your home. Whilst traditional locks can be picked and keys can be lost or duplicated, smart locks allow for keyless entry and encryption to ensure only authorised individuals can access your home.

With smart locks and access control, you can use a key fob or even your smartphone to unlock doors. You can even remotely control and monitor your lock, so you can grant access to trusted individuals if you are not at home. Another benefit of access control systems is that they provide an audit trail, recording all entries or access attempts, allowing you to keep track of who has entered or exited your home, which can be extremely valuable information in the event of a security incident.

Smart locks and access control can also be integrated with other home security and automation systems, helping you further enhance your home security, and to create customised scenarios. For example, you can set your smart lock to automatically lock the door when you leave home and unlock when you arrive.

Change your locks when you move into a new house

When you move into a new home, it’s always important to change the locks, as you never know who might have a key for the existing locks, leaving your home vulnerable to potential intruders.

Secure your garage, shed or any other outbuildings

As people don’t actually live in their garage or shed, they are often an afterthought when it comes to home security, even though they often house valuable possessions. It’s important not to assume your home is the only aspect of your property that may be targeted by burglars. As well as adding extra locks, garages and sheds can also be fitted with sensors that are linked to your home’s intruder alarm systems.

Intruder Alarms Southampton

If you are seeking professional help to secure your home and are looking for an intruder alarms Southampton specialist, then you can contact First Contact Fire & Security. 

In addition to modern burglar alarm systems, we also specialise in all residential security systems, including security cameras and access control systems. With many years of experience in providing home security services in Southampton and Portsmouth, we are here to provide our advice on the right security solutions for your home, as well as providing ongoing maintenance services to ensure your security systems are working 100% following installation.