If you want safer living in your Northern Territory home there are a number of steps that are recommended by home-security experts. Most security measures will mean spending money on reinforcing entry points in your home. However, it is money well spent when you consider the benefits.
Check your Door Security
You should make door security a top priority. 35% of break-ins occur through the front door – often without force. Carry out an inspection of all your doors, frames and hinges to determine if they are strong and protected. Burglars may also use an ill-placed mail slot to gain entry to your home.
There are a few relatively cheap ways to secure doors. You can install a deadbolt, strike plate, and consider switching to smart locks. A video doorbell adds an effective layer of security that could deter would be burglars. Reinforcing sliding glass doors is also a must. Window bars or dowels are effective reinforcement. A glass break sensor is also a good idea if you are concerned about burglars entering by breaking a door window.
Keep Windows Locked
Keep your windows locked when you are out. If windows are fitted with weak latches, it is time to consider upgrading. Locks and key-operated levers will make gaining entry difficult. The stronger your window defences the better. The harder you make it to enter through a window, the more likely the burglar is to give up or get caught.
You can strengthen windows with security film. Glass break sensors that are hooked up to an alarm or other type of alert system are a worthwhile deterrent. Windows bars will usually put a burglar off even attempting to break into a property. Prickly bushes are not a pleasant encounter for burglars, so plant them under first-floor windows.
Outdoor Lighting
Don’t give burglars anywhere to hide on your landscape. Use motion-activated lights that work on solar power. You can also put outdoor lights on a timer to ensure they shed light on the places that burglars like to use for cover. Make sure the backyard light is on at night.
Garage Entry
Although it’s not the most popular entry point for burglars, the garage is becoming more attractive as homeowners reinforce doors and windows. It is both a gateway to your home and a potential stash of valuables. Make sure you take your garage door opener into the house with you. If you use coded entry to the garage, do not share your pass-code and treat it like you would your ATM pin – cover the keypad when entering the code.
Install a Security System
It may sound like an extravagant cost but security systems have become more affordable for the average homeowners. You can purchase a DIY system for next to nothing that links up to your phone or provides monitoring through a website or app. Alternatively, you can blow the budget on a professional security system installation. There are numerous benefits to the latter option, including installation provided by seasoned security specialists, access to hi-tech monitoring features, and customer service agents who respond quickly to attempted entry.
Leave Burglars out in the Open
Keep your lawn, trees and shrubs trimmed and tidy to eliminate any hiding spots. Burglars like to creep through yards undetected. An overgrown landscape provides ideal cover for safer living. Keep your landscape tidy in general by storing items that could provide cover for a burglar attempting to creep up to your home.
Security Cameras for Safer Living
If you are thinking about a security system and think your budget can stretch to it, consider including security cameras or installing your own. Burglars don’t like seeing security cameras – especially if the technology has remote access. If you go the professional route you will benefit from specialist installation, with a team of security experts monitoring your home.
