How to Protect Your Valuables At Home

Home invasion incidents may have decreased during the pandemic, as movement restrictions forced most people to stay at home. However, as infection rates have ebbed and rules are easing, more people are likely to leave their homes unoccupied to work, enjoy the holidays, or spend time with their loved ones.

These situations are perfect for burglars to break into your home and steal your valuable items. Properties in the most vulnerable countries, including Peru, Seychelles, and Australia, should seriously consider improving home security. It’s imperative for residents of these areas to choose a trusted locksmith Perth. (1)

By getting one step ahead of these criminals, you can protect your home, family, and prized possessions. Find out how to ensure your property and assets remain safe at home with these tips.

Replace old locks

Surprisingly, most burglary incidents occur during the daytime. That’s because an unoccupied home means fewer chances of getting caught. Thus, upgrade your locks if no one’s home for most of the day. Modern door locks are equipped with advanced security features that make them more challenging to open manually.

Changing your locks is also imperative when moving into a new home. Failing to do this will expose you and your family to potential break-ins, as you don’t know who may have the keys apart from the previous owners. Contact reputable companies that offer 24 hour locksmith service to have your locks upgraded even before your move in or as soon as possible.

Reinforce passive and active security

Passive security tools refer to devices that prevent a threat or delay the commission of a crime. These pieces of equipment aren’t reactive and couldn’t respond to any activity. Inversely, active security comprises reactive tools and reacts when something isn’t working well.

Burglar alarms and exterior lights with heat and motion sensors are essential parts of an active security system, while locks and vaults are considered passive security tools. Besides doors, ensure that your windows are securely locked at all times. Privacy films may also be installed on your glass walls and windows.

Besides tangible tools, passive security also includes preventive measures to prevent burglary. One of the best ways to ward off potential criminals is to keep your valuables in a safe area. Placing pieces of jewelry, expensive gadgets, and other assets close to the windows is an open invitation to criminals who spy on your windows to look for items to snag. (4)

Invest in a home security system

Taking your security seriously means the willingness to spend for it. Besides upgrading your locks, installing security cameras and an alarm system are major crime deterrents, and it’s a great idea to have these installed.

Burglars are less likely to break into a property with a home security system, including security cameras, exterior lights, and burglar alarms. To make these devices more effective, connect your security cameras to your mobile phones to view what’s happening around your property in real-time. Your alarm system must also be connected to the local police system or loud enough to be heard by the neighbours. (2) In addition to these measures, ADS Systems is advising you to consider investing in motion-activated outdoor lighting to further enhance your home security.

Find out the best places to hide valuables at home

Avoid hiding keys under the mat, as this is one of the first hiding spots burglars check on. In addition, former thieves identified drawers and dressers, pots, and locked but unmounted safes as the worst places to hide valuables. (2)

On the contrary, most home looters avoid going to children’s rooms, so this might be one of the best spots to hide small assets instead of the living room. Toy boxes, pasta packs, and cereal boxes also make it to the best places to hide valuables in your home. (2)

Libraries, where a hollowed-out book can be placed alongside a wide array of regular books, also make a great hiding spot. As burglars want to make a quick exit, they won’t have time to waste going through each of these to get what they want.

Be careful who you allow inside your home

Before letting people into your home to work on something, verify their identities with the company first. Whenever guests are around, input your security codes discreetly, and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Change your codes and passwords once they go.

Some criminals will try to win your trust before doing the unthinkable. If you don’t know the person, avoid oversharing personal details about your family, especially holiday plans. Similarly, don’t post vacation details or photos online, as they’re valuable information for criminals eyeing to snatch valuables away from your home. (2) (3)

In conclusion

Protecting valuables at home demands you invest in tangible security devices and practice precautionary measures to prevent them. Changing locks, investing in a home security system, knowing where to keep valuables, and staying vigilant help safeguard your family and property against burglars. Failure to take heed of these tips may increase your assets’ vulnerability to a costly home invasion.

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