Updated on 12th December, 2022 by Martin Astley

Our home emergency cover service contract protects your home in the event of security incidents, so if someone breaks your window or damages your locks, you simply have to call our 24/7 claims line to receive emergency assistance.

Naturally, however, you will want to take steps to protect your home and discourage criminals from targeting your belongings; the following tips should help you make your home as secure as possible.

1. Take care with keys and locks

Some people have a nametag on their keys, and in some cases, this even features their address. Clearly, this is dangerous; if a thief finds these keys, then it is incredibly easy for them to break into the property and steal items to their heart’s content. Therefore, don’t put a nametag on your keys!

Be careful who you give your keys to, and don’t leave them in “strategic” places around your home, such as in plant pots or under the doormat. Criminals are aware of these hiding places, and it may be the first place they check should they decide to target your home.

If someone contacts you saying that they have found your keys, be aware that this may be a scam and that they may intend to burglarize your home when you leave to meet them.

And when you move into a new house, change the locks! Don’t trust the former owner if they say they have handed over all the keys; it is very simple to get a key copied!

2. Make driveways and gardens unfriendly to burglars

Criminals frequently say they are discouraged from striking at homes that have gravelled driveways, as the noise walking across this surface creates could alert neighbours or the homeowners themselves that someone unexpected is attempting to reach their home.

A wide range of garden features can make your home less appealing to burglars: spiky garden plants, large fences, and security lights are real deterrents that have been proven to reduce the likelihood of domestic burglaries.

3. Think ahead before holidays

Take steps to prevent burglaries when you go on holiday. Cancel milk and post deliveries, ask a neighbour to push any flyers and junk mail through your letterbox (or pull it out and dispose of it), and set up a timer to switch lights on and off sporadically.

If possible, ask a trusted friend to stay in your home for the duration of your holiday or to make regular visits there; this may be necessary if you have a pet!

4. Mark your valuables

Your local police force will almost certainly offer a valuable-marking service – make enquiries to find out if this is the case. Alternatively, use a UV pen to mark your house number and postcode on any expensive items.

Admittedly, this won’t discourage burglars from stealing your goods, but it will help the police to prove that an item was stolen from you should they recover it and may see you receiving your stolen property should it be found in pawn shops or in a burglar’s possession.

5. Secure your shed

Sheds can be a goldmine for criminals; the power tools, ladders, A-frames, and other equipment within the garden shed can be used to break into a house.

Even relatively inconspicuous tools, such as spades, can be used to jimmy windows open. If you make it hard for thieves to break into your shed, then you will make your home considerably more secure. Use sturdy locks to secure your door, keep your hinges and frames in good condition, install window locks, and replace your glass windows with polycarbonate sheets.

Want to save money? No problem.

If you’re having trouble with any aspect of your boiler, home appliances or if you’re suffering from a home emergency such as an electrical breakdown, plumbing problem or security issue then be sure to get in touch with us.

You can face a hefty bill if something goes wrong at home so eliminate the possibility and speak to us today.

247 Home Rescue accepts no liability for any injuries or damages you sustain following the advice on this website. If in doubt, seek professional assistance.