What are Locksmith Tips to Secure a Home?
We all want to know how to stop someone from breaking into your home and how to make it as secure as possible. Locksmiths attend hundreds of jobs over their careers that deal with the aftermath of a break in. So, you’d be right in thinking that they may have some insider knowledge on how to secure your home. We asked one of our Locksmiths Leigh, what his tops tips would be for avoiding a break in.
Advice From an Experienced Locksmith
Originally from Yorkshire, our Locksmith Leigh has over 14 years of experience in the Locksmith Industry, helping to not only secure homes but also is a fully trained Auto Locksmith! He’s worked with The Metropolitan Police helping to secure homes and properties after burglaries and crimes, so it’s safe to say he’s got all the tips and tricks which can help to secure your home!
“Make it Look Like Someone is Home”
Leigh says that burglars very rarely break into homes that they believe are occupied. Burglars want to be in and out with their loot with as little fuss as possible. So, if they believe someone is in the home, they are less likely to break-in. There are a few ways that you can make it look like someone is home. Having lamps on timers, that come on and off is a good place to start.
For those who are away from home a lot, there are other devices you can use to mimic activity, some people use electric curtain runners which means your curtains can open and close on their own at set times. Not only should you make it look like someone is in, but you also need to make sure that is DOESN’T look like someone ISN’T there. If you get a milk or newspaper delivery, then stop it while you are away, nothing attracts a burglar more than a build-up of milk or post.
“Make it Look like You have a Security Camera”
Like we said before, a burglar does not want to be caught, so if they see a security camera, or a sign indicating there is a security camera, they are less likely to break in. It’s thought that over 60% of burglars will choose another target if the home has a security camera or alarm system!
There are many cameras on the market for a reasonable price, as well as high tech smart cameras that you can access from your phone. However, if you don’t want to splash out in an actual camera, you can either get camera signs or dummy cameras.
“Don’t Leave your Keys Near your Front Door”
Leigh tells us that he’s seen a rise of a burglar technique called ‘fishing’ this is where a burglar will use a long piece of wire, through your letterbox and try to grab your car or house keys, if they are in reach. They will then wither use your own keys to gain entry to your home, or if they are after the car keys, make off with your car. Now, Leigh’s tip is a good way to prevent fishing burglars, the fire brigade advise that you leave your keys within easy reach of the front door, in case of fire. One way to have the best of both worlds is to install a letterbox guard or have a separate post box on your wall and have no letter box in your door. This way you can keep your keys close to the door but eliminate the risk of a fishing attempt.
“Invest in an Anti-Snap Lock”
Leigh has told us that one of the most common ways for a burglar to break in, is to use a technique called ‘Lock Snapping’ this is where a burglar will attempt to break the lock face off your door, this exposes the mechanism and means the burglar can pick your lock. However, the anti-snap lock has been developed to break at a certain place, when pressure is applied, leaving the mechanism hidden, meaning it can’t be picked.
These do tend to be more expensive, but if it saves you from a break in its well worth the money.
“I have one on my own door” says Leigh “lock snapping is so common these days, I won’t take the risk of someone doing it to my lock. I’d recommend an Ultion Lock, they’ve got a few different security levels and are a great lock brand”
“Make Sure your Door and Lock are in Good Working Order!”
It might sound simple but as leigh says, “the amount of burglary jobs I’ve gone to and the person has said about the lock playing up for a while or that they’ve been meaning to get it looked at, is so high”.
As previously stated, a burglar wants to be in and out as quickly as possible and if your front door is not locking correctly, it’s going to be easy for a burglar to get in. A robust, correctly working door is going to put up a fight to be opened without a key, an old, neglected door is going to yield to force and tampering, pretty quickly. Not only can a broken door let in a burglar, but it can also mean your insurance policy might be invalid.
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.
