How to choose a burglar alarm contract Keeping your home secure

Home security

Follow our tips to ensure your doors, windows and garden are secure.

Apart from getting an burglar alarm system there are a range of ways to make your home safer. You can look at each possible entry area of your home, such as doors and windows, to see how they could be improved.

Window security

  • Windows should be fitted to required British Standards for security.
  • Laminated glass is harder to break, so consider this for easily accessible windows.
  • Windows with key-operated locks on show may put burglars off.

If you're considering buying new windows, you can find out which are the best double glazing companies in our guide to buying double glazing.

Door security

  • Make sure the doors of your home are fitted to required British Standards for security.
  • Wooden doors can be made stronger with steel strips fitted to the frame and around the lock. 
  • Make sure all doors have deadlocks.
  • Fit a chain or a latch to the door, and opt for a viewer so you can check who’s there before letting them in.

See more advice on securing different types of doors and windows at Which? Local.

Burglar-proof your garden

  • Do some defensive gardening – plant shrubs with thorns at the borders of your home.
  • Put in strong gates or fences to any part of your garden accessible from outside.
  • Make sure hedges are trimmed back so your property is not hidden from any view.
  • Use padlocks on sheds and consider getting a battery-powered alarm.

Visit Which? Local for more advice on keeping your garden secure.

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Visible burglar alarm

  • If you have a burglar alarm system, make sure ‘bell boxes’ are visible on your property to let potential burglars know you have an alarm system.

CCTV cameras

  • You would probably have these installed only as a last resort after completing other measures.

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