Important Security Tips To Keep Home And Family Secure

According to recent statistics, there were over 270,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales in 2022-2023. This means that nearly every two minutes, someone's home was broken into.

If the thought of a stranger intruding into your home without your knowledge, particularly where your loved ones live feels unsettling, there are lots of ways you can increase your home security and peace of mind. This article will explore important home security tips to help keep your house and family safe from intruders and other dangers. We'll cover how you can secure entry points, how to enhance outdoor security, protect indoor spaces, safeguard children and valuables and monitor pets.

With some vigilance and our expert tips, you can help increase your chances of deterring burglars and give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind - knowing your home is as secure as can be.

General entry point security

A home’s entry points are key areas of vulnerability that need proper security measures in place. There are several simple yet super important steps homeowners and tenants can take to better protect all entryways into their homes.

1. Lock all doors and windows

Whilst this seems obvious, you’d be surprised how this can go amiss, even if you live in a high-rise, this is still an incredibly important step to take. Ensure all exterior doors and windows are locked at all times, even when at home. Get into the habit of double-checking that all doors and windows are locked before going to bed and before leaving the house too.

Want to bolster your reminder to do so? There are various Alarm Sensors you can install, such as Entry Sensors that are tiny magnets to detect when a door or window opens; if the magnet moves more than two inches from the sensor, an alarm will sound!

2. Consider installing a deadbolt on your doors

For that extra peace of mind, particularly on your front and/or back door, consider upgrading them with heavy-duty deadbolt locks. Deadbolts are known to provide enhanced security, as they cannot be disengaged from the outside.

3. Install motion sensors

Motion Sensors are highly effective for improving visibility and safety around the interior of your home. Strategically place motion sensor lights by all entry doors, overlooking walkways, and near garages. The lights will automatically turn on when movement is detected, illuminating potential threats. Choose a motion detector with a wide range for maximum coverage - ours comes with a 90º field of view and 35 ft. range to protect the entire room.

There’s the added benefit of our motion sensors detecting the difference between pets and humans. So if you leave a pooch at home for a while, rest assured they won’t accidentally trigger any alarms.

Outdoor home security tips

Burglars are likely to assess your home from the outdoors. Here are some tips to eliminate hiding spots, increase visibility and deter unwanted attention.

1. Install motion light sensors

Porchlight security is one such way you can increase visibility when someone approaches your home. Burglars may want the least amount of attention drawn to them, and while this is a silent way of doing so, if you couple your porch light security with a Video Doorbell or Outdoor Camera, their identity can be shown to the police in the worst case scenario.

2. Reinforce your garden security

Garden security should be on your list of things to reinforce the safety of your home and protect your loved ones. Tall fences or bushes at the front or back of your houses could make it difficult for burglars to get onto your properties, but can also provide the perfect hiding space for potential intruders. You don't want to provide anyone a chance to lurk without being noticed! Keep your garden maintained and consider the best option for the style of your property.

3. Consider gravelling your pathways

Even though a sleek, paved driveway looks appealing, it's quiet and doesn't make a noise if someone sneaks up at night. Gravel driveways and paths are a budget-friendly option that makes it difficult to walk silently on the stones. This simple feature could discourage anyone looking for a quick break-in attempt.

4. Secure garden features

Sheds, gardening tools – all of these things should be locked up away and securely. Having tools lying around can help a burglar potentially break into your home.

Our guide to shed security covers everything you need to know, but in a nutshell - ensure windows are intact and locked, all locks are secure and working, and have some form of surveillance set up.

5. Point security cameras at your garden

If you have little ones that love to play in the garden, you’ll want to ensure you can keep watch at all times, even if you’re close by. By pointing an Outdoor Camera in blind spots, as well as broadly to scope your whole garden, you can keep a close eye on them whilst they play.

Indoor home security

Protecting your home from intruders involves more than just securing the exterior entry points and your outdoor space. There are several precautions to take inside your house as well to keep your loved ones, visitors, and belongings safe from harm. 

1. Hide valuables from view

Hiding valuables at home should be one of your first points of call. Avoid displaying expensive items like jewellery, electronics, and cash openly in your home. This includes things like your kid's laptops, PCs or tablets that they may play on near a window. Lastly, keep valuables out of sight in locked drawers, closets, or safes so they are not visible to anyone from the outside looking in. You can also install curtains or blinds to limit views into your home.

2. Build a bespoke home security system

No home is the same. Build a home security system that covers the unique layout of your home, including any potential hiding spots. Sync up our Smart Wireless Indoor Security Cameras alongside our sensors and Bell Box to our central Base Station. Assuming you opt for Professional Alarm Monitoring, you can expect to be notified of your alarm going off by our professional monitoring team, who can request police dispatch upon visual verification. 

Why professional alarm monitoring?

If you want additional protection for you and your loved ones, then professional alarm monitoring is something you should definitely consider. Professional monitoring works by (as the name suggests), monitoring your security systems 24/7 and being alerted in the event of an emergency. This has many advantages over self-monitoring systems, as it doesn’t rely on you solely checking your own security system and potentially missing alerts.

3. Invest in an alarm keypad

Arming and disarming your system with a Keypad is important when you’re moving home securely or want to configure new additions to your home security system. It’s something you should regularly update too - we recommend changing your passcode every few months.

4. Shred important documents

Paper shredding helps with home security by ensuring documents with sensitive data are hard to put back together. This means you can protect yourself and loved ones from potential identity theft, as well as maintain their privacy.

Teach children about home security

Children are vulnerable members of the household who need extra security precautions. As parents, it's critical to teach kids how to stay safe at home when you're not able to supervise them. Here are some tips to help you get started

1. Teach kids not to open the door or talk to strangers

Children should never open the front door or speak to anyone they don't know when home alone or playing in the yard. Teach them to notify a trusted adult if someone knocks on the door or tries to engage them in conversation.

2. Make use of baby monitors

Baby monitors with video capability or standalone nanny cams allow you to see and hear what's happening in a room when you can't be there. Place them in areas where kids play so you can check in and monitor for any unwanted visitors.

3. Create a family safety plan

Have an action plan in place for emergencies and go over it regularly with kids. Show them how to call 999, identify safe rooms/hiding places, and evacuate the home if needed (a Panic Button may help here too). Make sure they know their family contact information and designate a meeting spot outside. Practising safety drills will help ensure they understand what to do by gamifying the process in the initial stages to ensure they stay engaged. Check out our post on educational home safety activities for kids to get inspired with other ways you can teach your kids about home security.

Ready to protect your loved ones and reinforce your home’s security? Contact SimpliSafe to learn more about our home security products, and be sure to follow the SimpliSafe blog for more tips and tricks on keeping your home and loved ones safe.