Home Security DIY

Improving your home security needn't mean spending a fortune on flash burglar alarms (although that's not to say that alarms are a bad idea!). There are numerous steps you can take to make your home more secure that cost just a few pounds, and some that will cost nothing but a bit of your time.

Act Now!

I personally know several people who have very expensive burglar alarms, reinforced window locks, dead-bolts, etc. There is nothing wrong with this of course, except for the fact that they only had these measures fitted AFTER they were burgled. Here are 5 steps you can take right now to reduce the risk of your home being broken into.

1. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you only plan to be out for a short time. This may seem obvious, but around 22% of burglars gained access through an open or unlocked door or window in 2005 (British Crime Survey).

2. Leave a light on if you are going out at night, or do not plan to return home until after dark. Some people even leave a radio on when they go out as a clear sign to a burglar that someone may be home.

3. Privacy is great, but having 20ft high hedges all the way around your house will also provide privacy for burglars. Consider trimming hedges in very secluded areas.

4. Secure tools etc out of sight. Most burglaries are opportunistic, so leaving your toolbox in the back garden just makes it easier for the burglar. This also applies to ladders.

5. If you are going away, ask a trustworthy neighbour or a friend to look after the house. Get them to remove mail from in front of the door, etc. Also remember to cancel things like milk deliveries.

DIY Security

So you can see that there are things you can do for free, that will reduce the chances of your house being targeted. However, these methods alone still may not deter the persistent criminal. Your next step is step physically stop them (no, not by standing outside you house 24/7 with a baseball bat).

Alarms

Alarms are a great deterrent. Burglars would rather just go to a house without an alarm; it's as simple as that. You can get an alarm system, including fitting for as little as £250-£350. Alternatively, you can buy an Alarm Kit and fit it yourself. This can be a tricky task, but you will certainly save money.

Doors

Forced door entry is one of the main methods burglars use to enter properties. A flimsy door with one locking point will open with a good kick or shoulder. If your budget will stretch to it, replace doors with a Solid Wood or Block Board door at least 44mm thick.

Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors are a favourite point of entry for burglars. Older styles are easily lifted from their tracks, even when locked. You can buy anti-lift devices fairly cheaply from most DIY stores.

Locks

Replacing standard locks with Mortise Deadlocks or Cylinder Sash Locks will add immediate strength to a door. Locks such as these can be fairly expensive, but so could not having one! See Fitting a Mortise Lock for an in-depth guide to DIY fitting, so you can at least save the locksmith costs. For extra security, you can also fit Rack Bolts to both doors and windows. This is simple, quick and cheap to do.

Windows

You can buy self-fit window locks for as little as £5 (per window). They are very easy to fit and come with full instructions. Try to fit them so they are plainly visible from the outside. This will act as an immediate deterrent. Window locks are particularly important on rear windows (one of the main entry points for burglars). You can also buy Window Alarms for individual windows.

Glass

Although replacing all the glass in your house with reinforced or laminated glass would be very expensive, it is worth thinking about replacing the glass in vulnerable areas such as the rear/secluded windows.

Lighting

Exterior spotlights with motion sensors will act as a major deterrent. A burglar really won't want to flooded in 500watts of light as they prowl around your house. These can be bought very cheaply, and can be fitted by the competent DIY-er, although you might have to pay to have it wired in. A simple in-line timer switch is also a good idea if you are going away overnight. These simply plug between the socket and a table lamp, for example, and can be set to switch on or off several times a day.

Sheds

Buy a good quality Hasp and Staple and a heavy-duty Padlock for wooden sheds or outbuildings. Hasp and staple locks are great because when the lock is closed, the screws holding it in place are hidden. Make sure shed windows are secure and if possible fit mesh over them. Metal Sheds can offer a far more secure option if, for example, you have an expensive pushbike.