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Secure doors and windows
Whether mid- or post-build completion, it may seem obvious but the first place a burglar will look for an entry point is open doors and windows. You’d be surprised by the number of people who admit to leaving these unlocked when they’re out of the house – it’s easily done but a huge factor in increasing your risk of burglary! Always check you’ve closed and locked windows and doors and don’t leave keys under doormats or in plant pots – another obvious place that burglars look.
Don’t keep valuables on show
During the construction process, make sure there are no tools or valuable equipment left outside the house or in eyesight of windows and doors. Thieves will have no issue with breaking a window of a house that is half built if they think there are valuable tools inside – and a hammer left outside provides the perfect method of entry.
The same logic goes for when you’re moved in; keep electricals and other high-value items away from windows – this could prove too tempting and an easy win for brave burglars.
Invest in smart home security
Smart home security has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Like with modern heating and lighting, many security products are now designed specifically to be controlled from the comfort of your smartphone. Smart alarms can be set up as part of a network of products which detect motion, activate silent alarms and notify you when triggered – some even send you a video recording to your phone so you can see exactly what’s caused the disturbance.
Avoid posting your location and photos on social media
Many of us are guilty of over-sharing on social media, but tech-savvy burglars will keep their eyes on social feeds for any easy opportunities. Be mindful of sharing too many photos and location information of your self-build in progress – or if you do, keep your profile settings strictly private.
Lock away small possessions in a safe
Small items such as cameras, jewellery and passports should always be kept in a safe, ideally upstairs or in a hidden area that’s not easily detectable upon entering the house.
Motion detection security lights
Homes are less appealing to burglars if there are security products visibly installed. A security light that comes on when motion is detected is a traditional way of deterring burglars and when combined with a noisy gravel drive or pathway, the chances of a burglar being brave enough to approach the house are hugely reduced.
Fire and flood protection
Not all dangers to security present themselves through burglary. Would your valuables be safe if a fire or flood swept through your home? It’s worth thinking about how best to protect important documents, large sums of cash and sentimental keepsake items safe from fire and water damage. Fireproof safes come in a range of sizes and can offer up to 120 minutes of protection. Likewise, waterproof safes come in varying sizes and can be submerged for up to 24 hours in eight inches of water, with no damage occurring to the contents inside.