Home Security

Top tips and advice on protecting your home with alarms, locks, CCTV systems and security upgrades.

Staying Safe Part Two: Additional Home Security Measures

31st March 2023

Whether you have possessions that are of high monetary worth or not, being burgled can be inconvenient at best and distressingly life-impacting at worst.

If you want to make sure that you keep your home as a safe space, not a place of anxiety, there are a few things that you can do. Last week we looked at some basic security measures that every member of your family should do as standard. Here, we look at some resources that you can use to make your home more secure.

Invest in a security system

It may seem like overkill to get home security, but if you live in an area that has had a spate of burglaries, you live somewhere that is relatively isolated, or you just want to be extra safe, then a basic security system will be worth it for the peace of mind it gives you. It doesn’t have to be super high-tech. Start with a few motion sensor lights and consider an alarm system that will alert you and your neighbours of any intruders, while most probably scaring the intruders away at the same time. To find out about the range of home security options available, speak to a local home security specialist; they will be able to recommend the most suitable level of security for your needs, without going too OTT.

Get a camera doorbell

Video doorbells are becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people installing them as standard. It is very common for burglars to use the most simple method imaginable to check if someone is home: knocking on the door. If you have a video doorbell, you will not only have a record of who knocked at your door, but with some systems, you are able to talk to them, intercom style, regardless of whether you are home. This is a win-win; even if the burglar doesn’t believe that you are home, they will now know that you have their image saved, so are likely to leave your home alone.

Stay safe

Safes aren’t just for millionaires. If you have any valuables that are worth a lot of money (that can be a lot of money to you, not a multi-billionaire) then it may be worth investing in a small safe to store them in. External security is, of course, the most important element, and should make sure that your home is protected from burglaries. However, in the unlikely and very unlucky event that a burglar does get into your home, you want to make sure that your most precious items are as hard as possible for them to find and take. There are a range of safes available, ranging from less than £50 to tens of thousands of pounds. Speak to a security specialist to find the most appropriate one for you, and to get advice on where you should keep it.

These relatively small investments can help you to feel safe whether you are at home, at work, or on holiday. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the final in this series: tips for security while you are away.

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Looking for more home security advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common home security questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What home security measures do insurance companies recommend?

Most insurers want to see five-lever mortise deadlocks on external doors, key-operated window locks, and ideally a monitored alarm - some require these as a condition of cover. CCTV and smart doorbells are increasingly valued too.
Check your policy documents or speak to your insurer directly - inadequate security can affect both your premiums and whether a claim gets paid out.
Should I get a CCTV system or a smart alarm installed professionally?

Off-the-shelf systems are sold as DIY-friendly, but professional installation gets you proper camera positioning for actual coverage, everything integrated correctly, and reliable connectivity.
If your alarm needs to meet insurer requirements or NSI/SSAIB standards, professional installation is usually a must. A good installer will also assess your property's specific weak points rather than just fitting a standard kit.
Does having a visible alarm box actually deter burglars?

Yes - consistently, according to research. A dummy box offers some deterrent, but a working monitored system with a visible bell box is significantly more effective. Burglars mainly target properties that look easy to enter quickly and quietly - anything that signals risk or delay helps. Combine a visible alarm with motion-activated lighting and CCTV and you're covering the main things that make a property look like a harder target.
What is the most effective burglar deterrent for a UK home?

A combination of things working together is what really makes the difference. A visible alarm, motion lighting, and CCTV remove the cover burglars rely on.
Strong door and window locks matter too - most break-ins involve forcing a door or window, not anything sophisticated. When you're away, timer-controlled lights that make the house look occupied are simple but genuinely effective.
What should I do immediately after a break-in?

Don't touch anything until the police have been - you want to preserve the scene. Call the police and get a crime reference number, which you'll need for your insurer. Report it to your insurer as soon as you can.
Photograph any damage before anything gets moved. Once the police have attended, get a locksmith or security professional out to make the property secure - especially if any doors or windows were damaged.
Should I upgrade to a smart lock and are they more secure than traditional locks?

Security-wise, it depends more on the lock's mechanism than whether it's smart or not. Most smart locks use the same deadbolt mechanisms as conventional ones and just add keypad, fingerprint, or app control on top.
The real benefits are practical - you can give temporary access without cutting keys, see who's come and gone, and set it to auto-lock. Look for Sold Secure or BSI Kitemark accreditation, and make sure it's properly installed - a good lock fitted poorly doesn't offer much.
How often should I change the locks on my home?

There's no set schedule, but there are clear triggers: moving into a new property, losing a set of keys, a relationship breakdown where someone had a key, or after a break-in. Outside of those situations, a quality lock will last many years without needing replacement unless it's showing signs of wear.
Stiffness or keys becoming difficult to turn are worth getting looked at rather than ignoring.
Can uPVC door locks be repaired or do they need replacing?

Often repaired, actually. The most common problem - a multipoint lock that won't engage properly with the frame - is usually down to the door dropping slightly on its hinges. Adjusting the hinges often sorts it without touching the lock at all. The euro cylinder (the part the key goes into) can be replaced cheaply and quickly on its own if that's the issue. A full mechanism replacement is only needed if the internal gearbox has failed. A locksmith can work out which part's the problem and fix just that.

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