OK it doesn’t sound as exciting as the Summer of Love or the Summer of Disco (for older readers) but it could be as equally important. The summer is a time when opportunities for criminals, thieves and the downright dishonest seem to increase in direct proportion to a rise in the temperature. But a few precautions, such as a buying (and using!) some basic home security items will go a long way to ensuring everything is safe and secure.
Kids possessions
One of the biggest causes for concern is our kids’ possessions. As the long summer school holiday arrives, kids want to spend time out of doors with friends – playing sport in the local parks, camping under the stars and sleepovers at friends– but they will increasingly want to take an increasing range of gadgets and electrical items with them, items such as mobile phones, Nintendo DS, tablets, iPads and iPhones. All of these need to kept secure and padlocks are a great way to do this – they are cost-effective, lightweight as well as easy to carry around but they can be used on rucksacks, holdalls and bags to make sure the items are kept safe and secure. Padlocks are low-cost and one of the staples of home security – and there are increasingly sophisticated padlocks with ever tougher material, combination locks and lots more features.
And it’s not just about kids – all the above applies to holiday bags whether for a trip abroad, a staycation or just a day trip upstate.
Summer events
Another reason why 2014 should be the Summer of Security is that, if we are lucky, most of us are away from home more often. Yes, there are the two weeks in the Bahamas (we hope) but there are also weekends at friends, BBQs with work colleagues and loads of days out with the kids. All these events make for a summer to remember – but make sure it is memorable for all the right reasons. The effects of burglary or theft will soon wipe out the memory of a great summer. Thieves love summer as much as the rest of us but not necessarily for the same reasons – criminals see a few months of empty homes, open windows, unsecured items and poorly secured sheds, outbuildings and lots more.
So perhaps before your great summer of fun begins you should carry out a quick audit of your security.
Carry out a security audit of your home
As well as your home, don’t forget to check vulnerable areas such as sheds, garage doors, storage areas as well as ensuring access doors to the house are completely secured. Simple security features like bolts and padlocks can make a big difference – quality items will last and are very cost-effective. If the kids are out and about, male sure they are keeping items secure. Are the items locked away securely in rucksacks and bags? Have they been security marked? Do you have a list of serial numbers? Simply taking photos of items will be a big help to the police and insurance companies if the worst does occur.
As part of your security audit, try asking your friends or family to try to access the home or get into the boundaries without your permission. It can help you identify the weak links in your home security that you overlook due to familiarity. Once identified, do something – again it is all too easy to put security off. If you are finding too many weak spots, there are lots of professionals who can help and of course loads of online support at Security World News.
