Aurora Master Locksmith: Signs Better Home Security is Needed

    Protecting your property is highly important. Aurora Master Locksmith strongly recommends all homeowners, whether you live in Aurora, CO, or anywhere else in the world, to regularly keep all of their security in check.

This is just basic home maintenance. You would re-paint your walls when there are obvious signs of chipping, so why not replace security systems that are no longer up to standard?
The trick is identifying when you need to enhance your security. Which is exactly what we hope to explain to you today. Read on to find out everything you need to know about reaching optimal security levels.

When to improve your home security

We will start by looking at the best times to do a security audit. The situations we are listing here tend to occur when properties are at their most vulnerable. Remember, burglars are opportunistic – they will always be on the lookout for an easy loot. So don’t make your property look exposed or easy to access, and you will save yourself from much bigger problems.
Without further ado, here are our recommendations.

1. Make a full security audit when you move into a brand new home

This is by far the very best time to improve your home security. You don’t know how many people the previous owner gave keys to, nor do you know whether the security systems in place are otherwise reliable. Install new locks and security systems as soon as you move into a new property to get full peace of mind over who can access your home at any given time.

2. Going on vacation? Time to take precautions 

Remember what we said about thieves being opportunistic? It doesn’t matter how long you’re away for, burglars always keep an eye out for properties that look empty. Make sure all your alarms are working and lock everything up, but also find a way to make sure that your property looks occupied while you’re away. We’ll provide you with some tips on doing this later in this blog post.  

3. If you’re making renovations, you need to be cautious

People will be coming in and out of your property, day in and day out. Builders’ tools may be left outside, someone could forget to close a door behind them, or you may just get distracted while tending to numerous deliveries. As you can probably guess, all these factors could make your property more vulnerable to a break-in. Be as vigilant as you can in this situation, and make sure that all valuables are hidden in a safe place.  

4. Check everything when the clocks go back after daylight savings

Summer is out, fall is looming in, and with the seasonal change come darker evenings. Incidentally, that tends to be the time where some places may experience a slight increase in burglaries too. So take care during the seasonal change to ensure that all your locks and security systems are in good working condition. 

5. Stay put during Christmas/the holiday season

With people rushing to buy presents, heading out of town to visit their families, or otherwise socializing and celebrating the end of another year, properties become even more vulnerable. Not only because you are out of the house more frequently, but also because of the allure of newly-bought gifts. This is where you need to make sure that nothing in your property is left in full view of thieves.

Now you know the when, let’s focus our attention on the how.

How to ensure your property is protected

Having the right locks, hardware and security systems is only the beginning. In order to cover all bases, we will focus on a combination of basic checks as well as additions that will keep your home secure. 

1. Check your insurance

This is crucial for identifying your current protection demands. It’s worth checking whether your insurance offers that right levels of cover in case your valuables are stolen. Read the fine print, phone up your insurance company to clarify anything you are unsure about, and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.

2. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors

Suggest them to take turns helping each other out. Think small gestures like watching their property while on vacation (and vice versa), collecting their mail, and so forth – basically, things that would make the house look occupied while they (or you) are away.

3. Protecting the outside

 Put any ladders, bikes, or tools away in a locked shed or garage; make sure your front and/or side gates are locked; and install outside lights with motion sensors. Very simple gestures like these can make a deal of a difference.

4. Protecting the inside

If you’re going to be away for a few days, set lights to a timer so it looks like there are people inside; keep any valuables out of sight and away from windows; make sure to close curtains and blinds in the evening. Again, simple precautions that really go the distance.

Reviewing your security

Now, we get to the specifics. When it comes to increasing your home security, you can readily rely on a licensed and insured locksmith to provide you with everything you need to keep your property protected. Among the various features they could install into your property, you will find these popular – and highly effective – security components:

Locks, deadbolts, and other types of hardware

• Not only for your doors, but for locking up your windows and garages too

Keyless entry systems and CCTV surveillance

• Often these two go hand-in-hand. They are also highly recommended for more control over who can access your property as well as reducing any stress caused by a loss of a house key.

Intercom and alarm systems

• Again, very good deterrents that will help you closely watch over your property

Safes

• Whether you need to protect a gun or some valuables, these are guaranteed to do the job. What’s more, because thieves are looking for a quick getaway safes offer a greater sense of deterrence too.

This is just a very brief overview of the different things to look out for. Consult your local locksmith for more information as they can guide you on how to best protect your home. Locksmiths are highly knowledgeable about these things, and may even suggest some ideas which you may not have previously thought about.