Moving into a new home is an exciting time for everyone concerned. There is so much to do, like picking out new furniture, and deciding on colour schemes and décor are just some of the tasks that we all look forward to. While we understand that having your home looking exactly as you want when you move in is important to you, there are some other factors that must not be overlooked. One of the most important of these is to ensure your home, belongings and family all remain safe and secure. As a result, when you move into a new home one of the first things you should do is review the security of your home. So, within this article, we thought we would give some security advice to anyone moving into a new home.
Upgrade and Update Your Locks
This may seem obvious but one of the first things you should do is to employ the services of a professional locksmith in Linlithgow or wherever you are based to change your locks. While this may seem an unnecessary expense there are certain reasons why we believe this is really important. When you take possession of a new property you can never be sure the keys you are given are the only ones in circulation. Quite often previous owners will have given spare sets to family members, friends or workmen. There is no guarantee these keys have not been mislaid and fallen into the wrong hands putting the security of your home at risk. By installing new locks for doors and even windows you can be secure in the knowledge that the only people who have keys are the ones you want to.
Fit a Security System
There are a wide range of options when it comes to security systems. From basic intruder alarms all the way up to integrated smart systems that link to the local police station. The main thing is that there will be something to suit every need and budget. If your new home does not have a burglar alarm our advice would be to install one immediately. One of the main benefits of a burglar alarm is that it provides your new home with a visible deterrent. Most burglars will walk straight past a home with a burglar alarm in search of a property that is less well protected.
Don’t Forget the Garage
If you move into a home with a garage it is important to include it in any security plans. With the majority of garages now fully integrated into the house, they have become a popular entry point for thieves. Take time to ensure your garage door is fit for purpose with a strong and effective locking mechanism and if possible link your garage to your security system.
Make Sure Your Wi-Fi Network is Well Protected.
With many security systems now fully automated and linked to your wi-fi it is imperative that your internet security is as effective as possible. Burglars are now extremely resourceful and if they get into your wi-fi network there is a chance they will be able to access your home. There are a number of things you can do to protect your wi-fi such as using a firewall, installing anti-virus and malware protection, making sure you have strong and varied passwords and hiding your home network.
Get Rid of Hiding Places in Your Outside Space
Would-be thieves love to operate under the cover of darkness or in places where there are a lot of places they can hide. For example, things like large shrubs and overgrown trees and bushes offer burglars perfect hiding places from where they can check out your property or wait until the coast is clear. Now we are not advocating removing all plants from your garden or have a completely bare outside space, but it is important to keep it well maintained by cutting back bushes and other plants. You could even help avoid hiding spots by adding outdoor lighting. If your new property has any outbuildings like sheds, make sure they can be locked as they are perfect hiding places for would-be thieves.
The tips outlined above are just a few of the things you can do when you move into a new home to help ensure that your home remains safe and secure and gives it the best possible protection against intruders.