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Home security tips

Become a creature of habit with your home security. Check out a few of our top tips below:

Locking up your home:

1️⃣ Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes.

2️⃣ Set your burglar alarm.

3️⃣ Lock your shed or garage.

Find out more: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Surrey Police

Keeping car keys safe:

🔑 Do not keep your car keys by the front door. This is the first place a burglar will look, and sometimes keys can be extracted through a letterbox without even needing to set foot inside your home.  

🔑 If you sleep with the windows open at night, please keep your keys out of sight and reach, preferably on the first floor or above depending on the property you live in.  

🔑 Consider storing your keys in a signal blocking pouch or box to prevent keyless theft.  

Window security 🪟: 

Make sure that all levels of your property are fully secure - not just the ground floor.

When looking at what security to install in your house, use a combination of window sensors throughout your property and place motion detectors in strategic areas like landings.

Distraction burglary:

This is when burglars pretend to be someone they are not, in order to gain entry to a home. 

There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary, including: 

✔️ Use your door viewer to see who’s there.

✔️ If you open the door, put the chain on first.

✔️ Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home.

✔️ Remember that genuine callers won’t mind checks. If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there.

✔️ For pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up.

Read more advice here👉 Keep burglars out of your property | Surrey Police 

Weekend getaway: 

Here are five tips to help you keep your home and belongings stay safe while you’re away: 

1️⃣ If you’re off on holiday and wish to post anything on social media, make sure your posts aren’t public and that they’re only seen by your friends.

2️⃣ Leave lights and a radio on a timer to make the property appear occupied.

3️⃣ Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property or join a Neighbourhood or resident Watch Scheme.

4️⃣ Consider asking your neighbours to close curtains after dark and to park on your drive. 

5️⃣ If you’re expecting any deliveries ask them to be placed in a secure location.