Whether by choice or circumstance, living alone comes with security risks, especially if you live in an urban setting. In this blog, we discuss 10 tips approved by an expert locksmith at Lock & Key to ensure that you always come home to a place where you feel safe, secure, and at peace.
1. Be friendly with your neighbours.
Establishing good neighbourly relationships brings several benefits. Not only does it offer a sense of community, but it also strengthens your level of security as a solo resident in your home. And it works both ways – if you are on friendly terms with your neighbours, they’re more likely to feel safe and comfortable living next to you. Locksmiths say that this simple tip alone will significantly increase the degree of natural surveillance around your home. Having good rapport with your neighbours will likely encourage them to keep an eye out for safety-related or suspicious activity around your home – just as you would for them.
2. Equip yourself with a personal safety device.
Before high-tech devices, keeping a list of emergency contacts by the phone was a key emergency preparednesspractice. Although this is still applicable today, modern personal emergency devices allow immediate and convenient connection with those in your emergency list, such as relatives, emergency services, and even neighbours. These devices can be worn like a wristwatch or pendant, or placed in an easily accessible spot as a standalone device.
3. Keep your valuables out of sight.
Most of us hide our smaller valuables such as money and jewellery, in a safe place. However, expensive electronic gadgets and consoles, fitness and sports equipment, and power tools are usually bulkier and harder to conceal. Placing them in areas where they can be easily seen from outside – or by strangers such as home service providers working inside your home – compromises your security.
Locksmiths suggest placing your larger valuables in a separate room that cannot be seen from the outside. If possible this room should be secured with a high quality lock. If you live in a studio apartment or open-plan home, position them in areas where they are not immediately visible from the windows or entryway. You can use furniture with built-in storage to hide them or room dividers and even lush plants partially obscure them.
4. Install additional locks on your exterior doors.
When breaking in, burglars typically check exterior doors first before attempting windows or other entry points. This is why it is extremely important that all entrances from the outside are fitted with more than one high-quality lock. Our trusted locksmiths explain that installing additional locks and other security enhancements – such as security bars or metal grill doors – can deter intruders, or at the very least, make their attempt more difficult, causing delays. If the homeowner is alerted, this may provide time to seek help. Additionally, a highly-secured external door will give you peace of mind while you’re out of the house, whether for a short errand or an extended vacation.
Choosing the right main and secondary locks or security booster and having them properly installed will provideyou with a high level of protection. Consider hiring a professional locksmith to assist you in carrying out these crucial tasks.
5. Install a peephole on your front door.
Peepholes are a simple but very effective way to protect yourself from danger as they allow you to see whoever is standing in front of your door before opening it. Lockmsmiths also recommend installing a security camera that provides a good view of anyone in the same spot. In most cases, unwelcome visitors leave upon noticing the camera, and any footage captured during criminal activity can be extremely useful to investigators.
6. Keep all your doors and windows locked.
Even with the best locking hardware in place, without taking the necessary action to put them in use, your home will still be a sitting duck to burglars and intruders. Always keep your doors and windows locked. This is a very basic but effective security measure. By maintaining this practice, you will also always remember to lock doors whenever you leave.
An expert locksmith can help you select the lock that suits each door type in your home and ensure proper installation. However, it is also important that you have exit or escape routes in case of emergency.
7. Secure your garage.
Burglars often use home garages to break into a house through the garage as it’s relatively easy to open a roll-up garage door using techniques like the coat hanger method, or by simply sneaking in when it’s open. In addition, basic locks are typically used on the door leading from the garage into the house. Sometimes homeowners leave these doors completely unlocked for convenience, assuming the garage gate lock is sufficient to keep intruders out.
Another reason why garages are frequently used as entry points by intruders is that many people use them as storage areas. Without even entering the main house, thieves often find many valuable items in the garage to steal. In addition, garages usually contain tools that can be used to open not only the door to the house but also locked rooms and cabinets.
Because of the security vulnerabilities of most garage gates and the internal door used to enter the main dwelling, it is wise to invest in the services of professional locksmiths. They can not only recommend the most suitable lock for your garage gate and do the installation, but also carry out a thorough security inspection of your entire house. Through this assessment, they can pinpoint weaknesses that compromise your home’s security and offer practical solutions to address them.
8. Ensure your home has a reliable security system.
A home security system is an easy and effective way to ensure that you’re promptly alerted when an emergency safety situation arises. There are systems designed to specifically detect smoke, fire, as well as gas and carbon monoxide leaks. Also available are systems that can sense the presence of intruders.
It is essential to choose systems that are reliable and high-quality. Because the hardware on such systems can be complex, it is best to have them professionally installed. Skilled locksmiths can assist you in selecting the security systems that best meet your needs and have the know-how to install them properly.
9. Install motion detector lighting.
Bright lights and well-illuminated spaces can make it hard for intruders to carry out their activities. With fewer places to hide in, their movements are restricted. Motion detector lights are an upgraded version of basic security lights. These lights automatically switch on when movement is sensed nearby. The sudden brightness is designed to startle intruders which may cause them to leave or hide whilst alerting the homeowner to their presence.
Locksmiths recommend installing motion detector lights that are weather resistant, energy efficient, and equipped with a wide detection range and adjustable sensitivity. They should also be installed properly in the most strategic locations. Although DIY versions are available, professionally installed, high-quality motion lights provide better coverage and reliability. If you’re considering motion detection lights for your home, consult an experienced locksmith for expert guidance and installation.
10. Don’t share personal and sensitive information online or over the phone.
Being active on social media can seriously compromise your personal security. Identity theft, cyberbullying, and reputational damage are just some of the risks involved. Burglars may also monitor their targets’ posts to plan break-ins. People who share photos that reflect wealth or a luxurious lifestyle are more likely to attract the attention of criminals – both online and offline.
Always be mindful not to post anything that could suggest that you live alone. Likewise, avoid sharing details that indicate you’re away from home – such as you being on a cruise or attending a week-long seminar. Doing so is practically giving burglars the green light to ransack your home whilst you’re away.
Another basic no-no is revealing your residential location, whether subtly or explicitly. This is almost like labelling yourself as prey to predators such as burglars, rapists, scammers, or worse.
There is also the threat of online criminals who target victims for financial gain. Be wary of individuals asking for sensitive, personal, and confidential information about yourself or any financial accounts. Never disclose such details over the phone or online unless you have verified the caller’s identity and are 100% certain that the request is legitimate.
Conclusion
There are certain risks involved in living alone, especially for women and the elderly. The level of danger increases if the home is located in an urban setting. It’s crucial that you take proactive measures to ensure your safety. Use the ten security tips as your guide. To ensure that the security devices and systems are appropriate and properly installed, consider working with a trusted locksmith. When it comes to security, it’s best to let professionals handle the job. Prioritise your safety – reach out to a qualified locksmith today.
