ADT Home Security Checklist: Experts Share How To Protect The Home

Michelle Bennett, Managing Director, ADT UKSubscriber says: “With burglary rates rising during autumn and winter time, and especially during the holidays, it’s advisable to take some good measures to keep your property safe in the next few months."

"For instance, remember to check that both windows and doors are locked at all times and, considering that many burglars make their way into a property through the windows, you could also install some sash jammers to feel even safer. Remember to avoid hiding an extra set of keys outside of your house as well - someone might notice your secret spot and try to break in."

Home security camera

Bennett added: “Consider installing motion-activated lights outside of your property as well-lights can represent a major obstacle for burglars who will get scared off by the idea that someone’s home or someone might see them breaking in."

A home security camera makes your home 30% less likely to be targeted by intruders"

"Even displaying a sign that shows that a dog lives inside the property could be an effective deterrent for burglaries! Getting a security system with an alarm and cameras will also contribute to your safety, making you feel like you’re in full control of your property at all times, even when far away from it. A home security camera makes your home 30% less likely to be targeted by intruders." 

Essential winter checklist

Bennett concluded: “Consider also moving your valuables to a built-in safe, in case of a break-in, and make sure that they cannot be seen from the windows - leaving valuable items in plain sight might capture people’s attention. Don’t forget about your garden, as it is the easiest target. All these measures are easy to put in place: they will make you and your family feel safer and put your worries to rest when you’re out enjoying the festivities.”

• Check the windows and doors

Security flaws in the property could include things like unsecured windows, garage doors and hidden keys. Ahead of the winter months, double-check that the locks are working on both the windows and doors. 

The door for the pet is also more likely to assist an intruder if it is too big, so make sure to keep its size to the minimum required for the pet to enter and install a lock for further protection. In addition, simply never keep the key in a secret place outside. While convenient, this way of storing a key poses a significant risk. 

• Outdoor Lighting 

Check that the outdoor lighting is in working order. If any of the outdoor lights are not working properly, this is the time to fix them - having the areas outside of the property well-lit makes it a lot harder for burglars to get in discreetly, thus making the house a less likely target.

• Light up the home 

Smart plugs can be used like a traditional timer switch, but they can stagger the times they come on and they can operate the lights in the home remotely, no matter where they are. Also, the video doorbell and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs so when they detect motion outside, the system can switch on lights. 

• Keep valuables in a safe place 

If possible, move the most valuable items in their home to a more secure place, such as a safe. Remember that safe boxes can be lifted and carried out, so ideally, the safe should be built into a wall. If they don’t have a safe or their items won’t fit, make sure they store them away so they can’t be seen through the window, as this might encourage burglars to try and break in. Burglars most frequently target the following items, so make sure these items aren’t on display in the home:

• Secure the home with cameras and an alarm

Consider investing in security cameras. Teamed with a good intruder alarm, security cameras make the chances of the home being broken into really slim. While it is perhaps the most obvious, it is also one of the most effective - a home security camera makes their home 30% less likely to be targeted by intruders.

For even better security of the home, consider a monitored home security system. The advantage of monitoring is that in the event of a burglary, the alarm is never ignored, as an alarm receiving center will be notified to inform them and those they designate in the event of an activation. Depending on the level of monitoring they opt for the police can even be alerted.

• Do not neglect the garden 

Keep the garden in check - don’t forget that the garden is an extension of the property and a garden can be seen as an easy target by burglars - more than half a million garden thefts are reported across Britain every year.  Remember to keep the gate shut at all times, and make sure to put the furniture and tools away.

•  Don’t forget to set the alarm 

This may seem obvious, but many people with alarm systems forget or choose not to set their alarm when they go out. If they already have a home alarm system, remember to set it up before leaving their home, even if they are away for a few hours. But don’t worry, with an ADT home security system they can be sent arming reminders if they haven't set the alarm.

Video doorbells not only allow them to see and speak with whoever is at the front door, wherever they are, but they also act as the first line of defense as a visual deterrent, notifying them immediately when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected.

• Install lockable sash jammers

Often burglars use a crowbar to wedge the window mechanisms out of place and gain access to the targeted properties, therefore, sash jammers could represent a very effective security measure.

• Rely on the furry friends

Dogs can also be an effective weapon against break-ins. Getting a sign that indicates that a dog is in the house, even if there’s no real dog, could discourage burglars from targeting the property.