Do you make these common home security mistakes?

5 September 2023 – 6 Minute Read

A locksmith fitting a new internal door lock.

Home security is important, wherever you live. You might think your home is secure, but are you making mistakes that could leave you vulnerable?

In the UK, home burglaries have been declining steadily for the last 20 years. Don’t let that fool you, though, your property is still at risk. 

Hundreds of thousands of burglaries still occur annually, and if you don’t prepare your property, you could become another statistic.

For the first time since 2017, burglaries have increased from the previous year – so it’s time to be extra careful.

Here, we’ll explore some of the most common home security mistakes people make, and look at how to avoid them.

Most people think their properties are secure, and yet burglaries still happen. With these security warnings, you’ll have a well-guarded property – and peace of mind.

1. Not locking your doors and windows

It sounds hard to believe, but many people fail to lock their doors and windows before they leave their homes. This obviously leaves the building much more vulnerable to trespassers.

Even if you’re only heading around the corner, leaving a window ajar can lead to a burglary. Since many burglars are opportunistic, taking away an easy entrance is a powerful deterrent. 

Of course, you need to be careful about leaving doors and windows open when you’re at home, too. 

In the heat of the summer, it’s normal to leave windows open, but over half of all burglaries happen when someone’s at home – so take care.

Dealing with faulty components? You can always repair or replace them.

For example, if you have a misaligned window, check out our guide for how to replace a window handle.

2. Displaying your house keys

People often have a hook or bowl near their front door where they store keys. This is convenient for when you’re leaving the house but could lead to a break-in.

If your keys are within reach of your letterbox, thieves can simply reach in and grab them. Even if they’re not that close, burglars have tools that can grasp keys from further away.

With keys, thieves can take from your home without any sign of forced entry. This could make an insurance claim shaky, at best. 

The best defence here is making sure your keys and valuables are not on display.

Get yourself some security by installing a solid front door and keeping those keys hidden!

3. Hiding your spare keys outside

There are times when you might need to enter your home but haven’t got your keys. For situations like these, many people hide keys somewhere near their home’s entrance.

Unfortunately, thieves are aware of this habit, and they’re good at squirrelling out hiding places. Even using exterior lockboxes – which is becoming more and more popular – isn’t safe, since many lockboxes can’t withstand much force.

Again, if they get their hands on your keys, they can get inside without a forceful entry. You can avoid this by leaving a set of keys with a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member.

4. Using low-quality locks

Many people assume that if they have locks installed on their doors and windows, they’re safe and secure. Unfortunately, that often isn’t the case.

Some locks only use cheap materials, making them more vulnerable to blunt force or lockpicking. If you have these locks, insurers might refuse to pay out after a burglary. You can check your policy to see which types of locks your insurer accepts.

You can avoid these issues by only using British Standard (BS3621) locks. These are thief-resistant locks, approved by the British Standards Institute (BSI), that you typically install on front and back doors.

Not sure whether you have British Standard locks? Check the faceplate of the lock (the metal plate on the edge of the door, next to the latch). The British Standard kitemark should be visible, as should the standard number (like BS3621).

When you don’t have British Standard locks installed, you should act quickly. Hiring a locksmith is the fastest way to secure your property with additional security.

Some people do attempt to replace their own locks, but unless you're an expert this is surely a mistake. It's best to pay up for a reliable professional.

You can learn more about what you'll need to pay with our guide on the cost of locksmith services.

5. Not installing burglar alarms

Some people debate whether burglar alarms are worth the price, but statistics put that argument to rest. The majority of burgled homes do not have any home security systems in place. That suggests thieves see them as weaker targets.

If you can afford to, installing a burglar alarm can help secure your property. If it’s not in your budget, avoid using a dummy. When burglars can tell you’ve not invested in home security, your property becomes a more attractive target.

6. Careless social media posting

Social media can be fun, but using it the wrong way could lead to a burglary. 

You could mistakenly help thieves by posting content that shows your whereabouts, your home's valuables, or current security measures.

You never know who might be watching. Think carefully about what you’re showing online, and lock down your privacy settings for good measure.

7. Forgetting to use security lights

The dark can make it easier for thieves to enter your home without being noticed by neighbours. If your home doesn’t have any outdoor security lights, burglars will feel more confident attempting to enter the building.

For this reason, timed security lights are essential. Lights triggered by movement can lower the likelihood of a thief attempting to break into your home drastically. 

Remember to reset the timer throughout the year, making sure this security feature is working when it’s really needed.

8. Not keeping your tech updated

There are many ways to boost your home’s security with technology. Alarm systems, security cameras, and other types of 24-hour surveillance can all help.

But they also introduce potential weaknesses, too. What happens if your system relies on a battery that dies? Or a Wi-Fi network that fails? Do you need to regularly update software for your tech, too?

When you forget to take care of these requirements, your home becomes vulnerable. You can stop this from happening by setting yourself regular reminders.

9. Not using timers when you’re away

If you’re away from your home for an extended period, it’s extra vulnerable. Burglars will notice the lack of activity at your property.

Luckily, there’s a workaround. You can set up timers that turn on your lights and other electrics when you’re away from home. This will give the appearance that you’re still there.

This can be a worthwhile deterrent once we remember that many thieves are opportunistic.

10. Not locking sheds and garages

Most of our valuables are kept in the main part of our homes, but there’s plenty worth stealing in garages and sheds, too.

You might be storing cars, bicycles, power tools, and all sorts of other items that thieves would love.

Without thinking, some people forget to keep these spaces secure.

You should install a solid garage door and seal your property with door locks that meet BSI standards.

Keep in mind that some garage doors, like automatic garage doors, may need specialised locks to keep them secure.