Home Security Facts You Will Find Surprising

Did your grandparents boast about leaving their front door unlocked and gone are the windows ajar when they weren’t home? Earlier generations even went a step further by leaving the door ajar, especially on a hot day. Today, your insurance would be invalid with such disregard to home security. Plus, no longer are we so neighbourly. Our busy lifestyles have all but removed the regular friendly banter over a cuppa with the neighbours.

Most homes are now empty for many hours during the day, which is prime time for criminal activity. We all know that home security is essential for keeping a residential property and its occupants safe from crime – but you may be surprised to learn just how much home security plays a part in our lives.

Take a look at the six shocking burglaries and home security facts that will have you reconsidering your security efforts.

Most burglaries take place during the day

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of burglaries actually take place during the day. As mentioned earlier, a home is less likely to be occupied during the day, with the tenants out at work or school. It’s also easier to pull off a burglary in the daytime when it is common to see people walking around a property. Not that there’s anyone around to see them in the first place!

Who Has A Spare Key?

Technology is moving us towards lock options like keyless entry pads, but the standard door lock with a key is still the norm for most homes.

Homes outlast occupants with most people moving as much as 10 times over their lifetime. Therefore you want to be sure the previous occupants, their friends, neighbours and anyone you don’t know can not get into your home with a key! Don’t take the risk – always change your locks when you move into a new property.

What makes key entry secure and affordable is the ability to swap out the key chamber of a door lock which is quick and cheaper than the costly replacement of locks. Then with the new master key you can use a key duplicating machine with key blanks for residential use to get the right profile so the keys you hand out to your family work. There’s nothing more frustrating than using a key that’s not a perfect match. A poorly cut key can also weaken the lock’s integrity so avoid cutting a key from a key that’s not the master.

Home Security Systems

One of the most impressive features of a security system is its ability to remain operational even when there’s a power cut. Its batteries can often run for long periods without a mains connection. Plus, newer security system models use solar power, so there’s no risk of any downtime.

Plus, the presence of the system can ward off unwanted attention from opportunistic burglars. According to a report released by the University of North Carolina, 60% of convicted burglars admitted that they were deterred from targeting homes with a security system so it makes sense to reduce your risk by 60%!

Plus your insurance premiums are often reduced due to the install and active monitoring of video and alarm systems. With some insurance providers, you can expect to knock between 2 and 15% off what you currently pay for insurance if you have a monitored alarm system and discount more with video surveillance.

We mentioned technology improving door locks well it’s also playing a role in how we access and use home security and surveillance systems. Just when you thought technology couldn’t get cleverer, smart device apps provide features at your fingertips wherever you may be, and you can be alerted to any untoward activity in your home. Receive updates and alerts, view CCTV footage, and programme features remotely as well as change your monitoring preferences.