In today's world, keeping your valuables safe at home is more important than ever. Whether it's sentimental items, expensive jewellery, or important documents, protecting your valuables should be a top priority. Here are some top tips to help you keep your prized possessions safe and secure:
When burglars break into homes, they often have a keen eye for items they can quickly grab and sell for profit. Understanding the most commonly stolen items during home break-ins can help you take proactive steps to protect your belongings.
What are the top stolen items during home break-ins?
Cash and Wallets: Easy to grab and valuable on the black market, cash and wallets are often among the first items taken during a break-in.
Watches and Jewellery: These small, high-value items are easy for burglars to conceal and can fetch a good price when sold.
Electronics: Items like TVs, gaming consoles, and stereo systems are attractive to burglars due to their resale value.
Laptops and Computers: Portable and valuable, laptops and computers are frequently targeted by burglars for their ease of resale.
Cameras and Mobile Phones: Compact and expensive, cameras and mobile phones are popular targets for thieves looking to make a quick profit.
Prescription Drugs and Medications: Surprisingly, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are often stolen during break-ins, either for personal use or resale on the black market.
Clothing and Accessories: Designer clothing, handbags, and accessories are often stolen for their high resale value.
Furniture: While larger items like furniture may seem less likely targets, burglars may take valuable or antique pieces if they can easily transport them.
Financial and Personal Documents: Burglars may search for financial documents, passports, and other personal information that can be used for identity theft or fraud.
Bicycles and Motorbikes: Easy to grab and sell, bicycles and motorbikes are common targets for thieves.
Ways to protect valuables at home
1. Invest in a home safe: A home safe is a great investment for storing valuable items such as jewellery, cash, and important documents. Make sure your safe is securely bolted to the floor or wall to prevent thieves from easily stealing it.
2. Install a home security system: Of course we may be a little biased on this one but a home security system can provide you with immense peace of mind by monitoring your home and alerting you to any suspicious activity. Look for a system that includes motion sensors, door and window sensors, and a visible and loud alarm.
3. Use high-quality locks: Make sure all of your doors and windows are fitted with high-quality locks. Deadbolt locks are especially effective at preventing break-ins.
4. Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid leaving valuable items such as laptops, tablets, and jewellery in plain sight. Store them in a safe place when not in use.
5. Get to know your neighbours: Building a good relationship with your neighbours can help keep your home safe. They can keep an eye on your property when you're away and alert you to any suspicious activity.
6. Install security cameras: CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent to potential thieves. Place cameras in strategic locations around your property, such as near entrances and in your driveway.
7. Be cautious with social media: Avoid posting about expensive purchases or upcoming holidays on social media. This information can be used by criminals to target your home.
8. Consider insurance: Home insurance can provide you with financial protection in the event of a burglary or other loss. Make sure your policy covers the full value of your valuables.
9. Safe deposit boxes: For extra security, you can consider storing your most valuable items in a safe deposit box at your bank.
10. Keep an inventory: Keep a detailed inventory of your valuables, including photos and serial numbers. This can help you recover stolen items and file insurance claims.
Benefits of Installing Home Security System
Deterrence of Intruders: The mere presence of a visible home security system, including alarms and cameras can deter potential intruders from attempting to break into your home. Criminals are more likely to target properties without visible security measures.
Protection of Property: A home security system helps protect your home and valuables from theft, vandalism, and burglary. In the event of a break-in, the system can alert you instantly straight to your mobile phone, increasing the chances of apprehending the intruders and recovering stolen items.
Tamper Alerts: Protecting your property from the perimeter of your home is essential if you want to stop the intruder BEFORE they get into your home! The systems we install for our customers include sensors that detect tampering with doors, windows or vulnerable entry points. If any attempt to access these areas is detected, you'll receive an alert, allowing you to take action immediately.
Immediate Notification: If a break-in is attempted, you want your home security system to immediately alert you wherever you are. This rapid response increases the likelihood of getting a police response and potentially recovering stolen items before they can be taken.
Where is the safest place to keep valuables?
The safest place to keep valuables is typically in a home safe that is securely bolted to the floor or wall. Home safes provide protection against theft, fire, and water damage, making them an ideal storage solution for valuable items such as jewellery, cash, important documents, and electronic devices. Additionally, storing valuables in a safe deposit box at a bank can offer an extra layer of security, particularly for items of high monetary or sentimental value.
How can I hide valuable things at home?
Hiding valuable items at home can help protect them from theft or damage. Here are some clever hiding spots to consider:
Wall Safe: You may feel like you’re living in a James bond film but you look at your options to install a hidden wall safe behind a picture frame or mirror. This provides easy access while keeping valuables out of sight.
False Bottom Drawer: Create a false bottom in a drawer to hide valuables underneath everyday items. Use a thin piece of wood or a false bottom tray to conceal items.
Book Safe: Hollow out a book to create a secret compartment. Place the book on a shelf with other books to blend in.
Air Vent: Install a false air vent with a hidden compartment behind it. This can be a discreet way to hide small items.
Overall, there are many ways you can protect your valuables at home but investing in a home security system is most definitely a proactive step towards safeguarding your property, belongings, and loved ones. By following these tips we’ve outlined you can help protect your valuables and keep your home safe and secure. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry and by understanding what burglars target and taking proactive measures, you can keep your prized possessions safe.
If you want to talk to us about burglar alarms or CCTV systems for your home then please get in touch for a free, no obligation quote and our small, helpful team would be more than happy to help!
Σχόλια