Top Home Security Tips to Protect Your Home

It’s often said that an Englishman’s home is his castle – but in today's world, moats and drawbridges have been replaced by locks and alarms. With over 770,000 burglaries reported in 2008, it's clear that home security is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable, practical steps you can take to safeguard your home and give yourself peace of mind.

Why Home Security Matters

Good home security does more than protect your belongings. It can:

• Deter opportunistic burglars

• Lower your home insurance premiums

• Give you peace of mind when you're home or away

In fact, many insurers require a minimum level of security before they'll even provide a quote – and better security often leads to better deals.

1. Fit Sturdy Door Locks

The simplest way for burglars to enter a property is through the front or back door – two-thirds of break-ins happen this way. Common methods include:

• Lock picking

• Forcing the door open

• Breaking a window panel to reach in and unlock the door

What to Do:

• Fit deadlocks (preferably 5-lever mortice locks that meet British Standard 3621)

• Look for the Kitemark symbol to ensure quality

• Speak to a locksmith or hardware expert if you're unsure

2. Secure Your Windows

Around one in three burglars gains entry through a window. Adding locks to all ground-floor windows makes it harder to break in – and harder for thieves to escape with your belongings.

Quick Tip:

• Window locks are cheap and easy to install

• They also make glass-breaking entry noisier and riskier for intruders

3. Keep Doors and Windows Locked

According to the Home Office, 35% of burglaries happen because of unlocked doors or windows. It’s an easy fix that costs nothing – just get into the habit of locking up, even when you're at home.

4. Be Careful with Your Keys

Avoid the classic mistakes:

• Don’t hide keys under doormats or plant pots – burglars know where to look

• Never leave keys in door or window locks

• Keep keys out of sight and reach, especially near letterboxes (thieves can fish them out with wire and magnets!)

Instead, leave a spare set with a trusted friend or neighbour.

5. Install a Burglar Alarm

A professionally fitted alarm system is one of the best deterrents. Most burglars will skip a house with a visible alarm.

Pro Tip:

• Use an installer approved by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI)

6. Add Security Lighting

Most burglaries happen at night. Motion-detecting lights are inexpensive, easy to install, and can scare off would-be intruders.

Place them near:

• Entrances

• Pathways

• Dark corners around your property

7. Just Moved In? Change the Locks

It’s impossible to know how many people have keys to your new home – previous owners, estate agents, tradespeople...

Make it a priority to get your external door locks changed by a reputable locksmith like ACQ Locksmiths Ltd.

8. Going on Holiday? Make It Look Like You’re Home

• Use timer switches for lights and radios

• Ask a neighbour to open/close curtains

• Cancel regular deliveries (milk, newspapers, etc.)

Burglars often scout neighbourhoods for signs that a house is unoccupied.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Skip Home Insurance

Of the 2.5% of UK homes that were burgled in the last year, a large portion were uninsured. Home insurance not only protects your finances but can also act as a deterrent.

Final Thoughts

Many of these security upgrades are affordable and easy to do – and they could make all the difference. From better locks and alarms to smarter habits and lighting, it’s all about making your home a harder target.

Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, taking a few simple steps today can protect your castle for years to come.