📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Ditch the Obvious Hiding Spots for Spare Keys
- 2. Reinforce Your Door Frames – Not Just the Locks
- 3. Make Your Home Look Occupied at All Times
- 4. Don’t Forget About Second-Floor Security
- 5. Keep Expensive Items Out of Sight
- 6. Install a Smart Doorbell for Instant Awareness
- 7. Invest in Anti-Snap Locks to Prevent Easy Break-Ins
Burglars think differently than homeowners. They look for weaknesses and patterns—so understanding how they operate is key to better security. At Unique Locksmiths, your trusted Locksmith Loughton, we’re revealing 7 unexpected ways to make your home an unattractive target for thieves.
1. Ditch the Obvious Hiding Spots for Spare Keys 🔑
Many burglars check common hiding spots for spare keys, including:
- 🚪 Under the doormat.
- 🌿 Beneath a flowerpot.
- 🏡 Inside fake rocks or garden ornaments.
Better alternatives:
- 🔐 Use a key safe with a secure combination.
- 🤝 Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member.
💡 Tip: If you must hide a key, choose a discreet, unexpected spot—far from entry points.
2. Reinforce Your Door Frames – Not Just the Locks 🚪
Even with a strong lock, a weak door frame can be kicked in within seconds. Improve security by:
- 🔩 Installing reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws.
- 🛡️ Adding a horizontal door brace for extra strength.
- 🔐 Using multi-point locking systems on uPVC and composite doors.
💡 Tip: Upgrade to a solid-core door for extra resistance against forced entry.
3. Make Your Home Look Occupied at All Times 🏡
Burglars prefer empty homes—reduce risk by creating the illusion of activity:
- 💡 Use smart timers for lights, TVs, and radios.
- 🚗 Park a car in the driveway (or ask a neighbor to).
- 📦 Pause mail and deliveries if you’re away for long periods.
💡 Tip: Leaving a single light on all night can be a giveaway—use varied timing instead.
4. Don’t Forget About Second-Floor Security 🪟
Burglars often climb fences, trellises, or drainpipes to access upper-floor windows. Secure them by:
- 🔒 Installing window locks—even on small windows.
- 🏠 Using window restrictors to prevent full opening.
- 🛡️ Applying security film to reinforce glass against breakage.
💡 Tip: Lock garden furniture and ladders away—burglars use them to gain access!
5. Keep Expensive Items Out of Sight 💰
Burglars look through windows to spot valuables. Reduce temptation by:
- 🚗 Keeping car keys away from doors and windows.
- 📺 Rearranging furniture to block direct views inside.
- 🔐 Using curtains, blinds, or reflective window film.
💡 Tip: When getting rid of TV or laptop boxes, break them down before placing them in bins.
6. Install a Smart Doorbell for Instant Awareness 🔔
Burglars often knock first to see if anyone is home. A smart doorbell lets you:
- 📹 See and speak to visitors remotely via your phone.
- 🚨 Get motion alerts when someone is near your door.
- 🔄 Record footage to share with authorities if needed.
💡 Tip: Position your smart doorbell high enough so it can’t be easily removed.
7. Invest in Anti-Snap Locks to Prevent Easy Break-Ins 🔒
Lock snapping is a fast and silent break-in technique used on standard Euro cylinder locks. Prevent it by:
- ✅ Upgrading to anti-snap locks that meet British Standard BS TS007 3-star rating.
- 🔐 Using a multi-point locking system on patio doors.
- 🚪 Installing a security handle for extra protection.
💡 Tip: If your lock protrudes more than 3mm from the door, it’s vulnerable to snapping.
Conclusion 🏡
Thinking like a burglar helps you stay one step ahead. With these 7 unexpected security upgrades, your home can become a harder target for intruders.
For expert lock upgrades, security installations, or a home security check, trust Unique Locksmiths, your reliable Locksmith Loughton.
📞 Contact us today to strengthen your home security like a pro!
