In many cases, as the nights grow darker, there is an increase in opportunistic burglary. As a result, I've put together a checklist that contains some straightforward steps you can take to improve both your home and your personal security.

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Make sure your locks are in good working order.

 

Check to see that all of the exterior doors and windows are properly locked. If you experience any difficulties, contact a locksmith who will either service or replace your locks.

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So, how do you go about checking your locks to see if they are in proper working order?

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Testing it — Maybe you don't use a lock in your home on a regular basis, such as your back garden door. It's a good idea to check it every now and then to make sure it's still functional and in good condition.

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Make a habit of checking your most frequently used locks on a regular basis and calling a locksmith if anything seems unusual. Besides preventing burglaries, it may also enable you to detect a problem before it becomes irreversible, potentially leaving you locked out or trapped inside!

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Cleaning your lock– thoroughly cleaning your lock to remove any dirt can be essential in order to prevent the inner mechanism from becoming stuck or jammed.

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Increase the security of your home by replacing worn or damaged locks. Locks can become damaged due to weather conditions, burglary attempts, or general wear and tear. It is always preferable to have them replaced in any of these situations.

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Increase the number of locks on your door — in addition to the basic lock, why not add some additional security to your doors and windows, such as an additional chain or sash jam? If you have a wooden door, having both a Yale type lock and a mortise lock will help to increase the overall security of your door.

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Call a Professional Locksmith — There are some steps you can take to check your locks. If you are at all concerned about them, or if they are not functioning properly, it is always best to contact a professional locksmith for assistance.

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Check the status of your outdoor lighting.

 

Outdoor lights ensure that there are no dark areas where unwanted visitors can hide, and having outdoor lights that are fully functional will help deter a burglar during the darker hours of the day.

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There are many different kinds of outdoor lighting. One of these is smart lighting, which uses motion sensors, and it is highly recommended. Aside from convenience, smart lighting has a number of other advantages in terms of security:

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• Save money on electricity — instead of having to leave lights on all night when they aren't needed, a smart light only turns on when someone walks by, allowing you to conserve energy.

• Burglars will be deterred from breaking into your home because it will draw attention to your property, and they will be unable to hide under the cover of darkness.

• With a long life span, these lights are typically a good investment because of their durability.

 

The fact that the majority of burglaries occur during the day is a well-known statistic. What the majority of people are unaware of is that these statistics only apply to break-ins and do not account for thefts that occur outside the home.

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When it comes to outdoor burglary, this typically occurs between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., so I recommend investing in some type of security lighting to help prevent this from happening.

 

Security lighting will go a long way toward protecting your belongings, even if the majority of burglaries take place at night and are under cover of darkness.

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Arm your home or business security system.

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It is critical to have your home protected at all times in order to protect both yourself and your belongings. So make the investment in a high-quality home security system, or at the very least ensure that your existing system is in proper working order.

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In addition to protecting your valuables and deterring crime, a home security system can also lower your home insurance premiums while also providing overall peace of mind when it comes to your personal safety and security; not forgetting your belongings.

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Examine the exterior of your home.

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By trimming shrubs and bushes, you can make it more difficult for burglars to hide. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn, and generally keeping the front of your house tidy will give the impression that someone is home, even if you are not there yourself.

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Protect the contents of your shed.

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Once summer is over, it is likely that your garden equipment will be put away for the winter. It is critical to ensure that it is properly and securely stored so that it cannot be used by burglars to gain entry to your home. There are a variety of ways that you can contribute to the security of your shed.

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Windows — I recommend that you avoid having windows in your shed because they may allow whoever is looking to determine whether it is worth breaking into. If you already have windows, it may be worth your while to apply a film or spray to them to prevent people from seeing through them.

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Position — don't put your shed in a place where you won't be able to see it. If your shed is located in a secluded area of your garden, a burglar will almost certainly consider it an easy opportunity to break in.

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A smart lighting system is also recommended for a shed to serve as a deterrent to potential burglars.

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The installation of an alarm system in your shed can help deter burglars, while also alerting you if someone attempts to break into your storage facility. Even a dummy alarm can be beneficial in these situations because most burglars will refrain from attempting to steal the contents in case the alarm is a genuine one.

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First and foremost, safety!

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It is critical to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are still operational as the colder months approach.

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Do you require a locksmith?

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There is nothing that can guarantee that your home is completely secure, but by taking a few simple precautions, you can keep thieves at bay. Make certain that your doors and windows are strong, and if they are old and worn, consider replacing them with new ones.

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Changing the locks in your new home is one of the most important things you can do to protect your belongings.

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Only by hiring a professional locksmith to install these can you be certain that your locks are compliant with insurance regulations.