Protecting Your Valuables at Home
All of us want to keep our homes safe, we lock the doors and windows in hopes that no one breaks in. But are we doing enough to make sure that our homes aren’t being broken into and our valuables aren’t being stolen? In this Keytek® Locksmiths blog, we’ll be going through the ways to keep your valuables secure, as well as how to help claim on your insurance in the case of a burglary.
What is the Best Way to Secure Valuables at Home?
Avoid Leaving Your Windows Open
The majority of burglaries are opportunistic, so an open window is an open invitation for someone to take a chance and break in. Making sure that your window locks are secure as well is an important security measure to take in order to protect your valuables at home. Open windows and doors can also invalidate your home insurance so keeping them shut and locked can be really important.
Install Security Cameras
Security cameras can provide you with the peace of mind that you need when you’re not home as you can remotely monitor your home when you’re not there and are one of the best burglary deterrents that you can implement.
Install Motion Lights
Installing motion lights on the front and back of your property are a great security deterrent as it means that no one would be able to sneak up on your property undetected. Placing lights at the corners of your home so that motion detectors can detect someone arriving from the side, making it a good security measure. Additionally, making sure the lights are placed at a height where no one could easily reach up and remove the bulb is a good idea for peace of mind.
Keep Things Hidden
Keeping valuables hidden decreases any motive that a burglar has as they haven’t got their eyes on an expensive item. What a burglar can’t see straight away, they can’t take.
How to Get the Most on Claiming on Insurance in the Case of a Burglary
Take Photographs
If the worst is to happen and you suffer a break in, it’s going to be useful for the police and your insurance company to know what the stolen items were and what they looked like by already having photos of them in your house, in order for you to receive the correct compensation.
Check Your Things are Valued Correctly
Your insurance company will only let you claim on what your item that got stolen is valued at. So, for things such as jewellery, have them valued regularly, so you can be sure to claim on their correct value.
Mark Your Valuables
You can purchase items such as UV marker pens that will visibly mark your high value items, making it easier to identify if stolen and recovered.
Security Fails in the UK
18% of people don’t have any security measures in place.
This means that a lock is the only form of protection for people, they don’t use burglar alarms, security cameras or door chain etc. Installing a burglar alarm will help deter any potential burglars and can also alert neighbours if there is a break in.
21% of People Never Hide Their Valuables
This means that people are leaving their jewellery, devices and other expensive items within easy reach; the kitchen table, the coffee table or on the cabinet by the front door. Places that a burglar would see them straight away. By simply putting things in a draw or cupboard, putting them out of site, might mean it’s more difficult for an intruder to find.
37% of People Leave Their Devices on Show.
This would involve people leaving devices such as phones, tablets, cameras etc in view of a window. So, anyone looking to break in to you home can see from outside that there are items of value in easy reach. Items of show can encourage someone to break in. intruders like to be in and out as quickly as possible, so items on show are tempting for them.
40% of People Say ‘Leaving The Light on’ When They Go Out is Their Main Security Measure.
This is an age-old tactic of making it seem like someone is in your house, even when its empty. While this can be an effective way to deter burglars, it can also make it easier for them to see in. Burglars are clever, if your light is on from 6am-9pm every day in the same room with no other movement, they are going to figure out there is no one actually in the home. The more modern version of this is to have your lights on timers, so that your lamps can come on and off at set times in the day. This is more likely to deter a burglar as its more convincing that someone is in the home.
Kim Freeman
Kim is Keytek’s longest-serving security blogger, with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the security industry. Over the past 9 years, she has built trusted relationships with locksmiths and security professionals across the UK, giving her exclusive insight into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in home security.
From traditional burglary prevention methods to cutting-edge smart home solutions, Kim covers it all. As part of her role, she regularly reviews the newest home security gadgets on the market—including smart doorbells, security cameras, and more—bringing readers honest, practical advice on how to protect their homes.
Kim’s passion for security was sparked during her time at the University of Chester, where she learned first-hand how vulnerable student housing can be to break-ins. That early experience inspired a lifelong interest in home protection, eventually leading her to join the team at Keytek.
Today, Kim combines her deep industry knowledge with a love for writing to deliver helpful, accessible content for homeowners across the UK. You can read all of her expert advice and top security tips at Keytek.co.uk, where she shares everything from seasonal safety guides to reviews of the best security products on the market.
