Have you recently been looking for ways to up the security of your home? 

We’ve put together a great list of 9 ways to make your home unattractive to intruders, keeping your family and your belongings safe.

Install a security system

Installing a security system is a great way to have your home covered. It can however be a big decision as you need to decide on what kind of security system you want and what your budget is – security systems can vary quite a lot when it comes to pricing. 

There are generally two types of security systems – wireless systems that you can install yourself, and wired systems that will require a professional to install for you. If you are only needing something basic, a high-definition wireless security camera is a good choice. You should consider if these systems have:

  • Night vision
  • Microphone
  • Speaker
  • Movement
  • Storage
  • What kind of power it needs
  • How it’s mounted
  • Whether it works via ethernet or Wi-Fi
  • Software requirements

A mains-powered security system is a good idea for those with high-value belongings or who spend a lot of time away from home. You have a standard alarm system which will sound and alert those around you if someone breaks in, or there is a back to base system which alerts a security company should the alarm be sounded. 

Get a dog

A dog can be a great addition to your family, and they can also be a great guard dog, alerting you to someone in your property who isn’t meant to be there. The best guard dogs will also react if someone is prowling through your property when you aren’t home. 

The best guard dogs in Australia include: 

  • German Shepherds
  • Staffordshire Bull Terriors
  • Dobermans
  • Cattle Dogs
  • Giant Schnauzer 

It is vital to remember that a good guard dog is one that is well-trained, and best suits your family. You will need to spend a lot of time building a bond and ensuring their health and well-being, as well as training is up to date.

Keep your home clean and organised

This may seem like an odd one, but keeping your home clean and organised means that you will notice if something is amiss. Whether it is something knocked over in the backyard, an item in an unusual spot in the garage or a door open that isn’t normally open, having a clean and organised home will help you quickly recognise if someone has attempted to break into your home. 

Don’t leave valuable items in plain sight

This one is mostly common sense, but whether you are at home or leaving the house for the day or for holidays, you shouldn’t leave any valuables –  bags, devices, wallets, keys etc – in plain sight. Either take these items with you or lock them into a secure safe or place within the home that cannot be seen from a window. 

You may like to consider having a safe bolted into the floor of a wardrobe in a room other than in the main bedroom, or in a storage cupboard in a home office. 

Use window locks  

Window locks come with a few benefits – they keep your home safe, and they could see you with a discount on your insurance. On top of this, they can stop the small members of the family falling from open windows. 

There are several varieties of locks that you can install on your windows with wing knob closure locks, restrictor locks and mini bolt locks popular choices. These locks all work in similar ways in that they lock the window in one or multiple positions, making them difficult to open once locked in place. One of the best parts of a mini bolt lock is that you can drill holes at various points on your window frames to allow air to flow through the house while the window is locked. 

It is important to remove the keys from the locks and keep them safe and out of sight. 

Plant thorny bushes around your property

Almost everyone loves a great-looking garden, but did you know that there are plants that can act as a defensive measure against intruders? The great thing is that some of these plants can look fantastic, and if you plan out your garden well, they don’t need to look out of place. 

So where should you plant these defensive plants? Thorny climbing plants are great for perimeters making it difficult to climb a fence while spiky hedges offer a natural barrier. Low growing spiky plants are great for under windows – just make sure they don’t grow too large if you want to keep your view. It is essential to trim any trees or plants that provide access to upper level balconies or windows. 

Here are some of the best options to plant:

  • Agave
  • Japanese Barberry
  • Cacti
  • Bougainvillea 
  • Giant Rhubarb
  • Roses
Make sure your windows are well-maintained

Maintenance is important when it comes to the home, but ensuring your windows are maintained is essential when looking to protect your home from intruders. This means ensuring that your windows close and lock correctly, that they cannot be accessed from the outside, that window mesh is securely in place and that window frames are not bent. 

Have a backup plan in case of an emergency

Whether it be a fire or simply trying to get out of the home quickly due to your safety, having a backup plan or an emergency exit plan is essential. Every family member should be aware of this plan, and for children who are too young to understand, you need to have a plan in place for who will be responsible for getting the children out of the house. 

 

Have a meeting point in your yard, know where the exit points are and look at installing a Safe-S-Cape window or two if required – these windows can allow you easy exit from your home in an emergency. 

Install security screens

Of course, on top of everything else, security screens are a great way to keep your family and belongings safe. Crimsafe screens are manufactured to fit your home, so even if you have unusual or uncommon-sized windows and doors, you can get a security screen to fit. 

We hope these 9 tips have given you some food for thought when it comes to protecting your home. 

Considering security screens? Contact Securelux for a free consultation and quote.