Ah, home sweet home. Home is the place where you’re supposed to feel safe from the rest of the world. It’s the place to go back to recharge your batteries at the end of a long day. It’s the place you call your nest. So, for many new homeowners, the fact that you are not relying on a landlord’s desire to renew the tenancy agreement provides a new sense of security. You are at home, and nobody can change that.
But, regardless of how free from harm and danger you feel, you shouldn’t feel too confident. Your home might be less safe than you think, especially if you’re making any of the following mistakes:
I never leave the door unlocked
Of course, you wouldn’t dream of leaving your door unlocked when you’re not at home. However, you need to know that all locked doors are the same. The first thing a burglar is going to do is to try to snap your lock by using simple tools such as a hammer and a screwdriver to damage the cylinder. The best way to protect your home against lock-snapping is to upgrade your cylinders. While under pressure, most cylinders will break, a sacrificial snap line can ensure that the lock mechanism stays intact, leaving the attempting intruder out of your home.
It’s a modern home; nothing to worry about
When you’re in the process of identifying and building the perfect home, you might consider additional commodities such as a smart home system. Indeed, can there be anything more convenient than being able to set your heating system directly from your phone. In a matter of clicks in winter, you can turn the heating up to make sure the house is cosy when you get back from work, for instance. Additionally, you can let your fridge order your groceries, while the blinds are automatically rolled down to keep the sun out. A smart home sounds like the best thing in the world! Except that smart home hubs can be vulnerable to hackers if they are left unprotected. Indeed, an experienced hacker can find out when you’re away from home.
Do you have a good relationship with your neighbours?
Most people don’t know their neighbours. Nowadays, most people keep to themselves. As a result, your home might become less safe than it would have been if you were on friendly terms with your neighbours. Indeed, a neighbour can alert the police if they notice suspicious activity around your property. But to do so, they need to be familiar with your routine, such as knowing when you leave for work or who else has a key to your place.
Are you tempting burglars?
Last but not least, public social media posts can attract the attention of burglars. If you’re posting pictures of yourself on holiday, you’re ultimately making people aware that your home is empty. Check your privacy settings before sharing your vacation selfies! A useful rule of thumb is to refrain from sharing your photos in real time.
Holiday selfies are putting you at risk
While you shouldn’t feel unsafe, it’s essential to know that your choices and behaviours can expose your home to unnecessary risks. When you can’t afford to take risks, you need to be savvy about identifying the weaknesses in your home. Feeling safe begins with you.
