Whether you are going on holiday or trying to keep your home cool during the summer months, you could be leaving your property open to thieves.
The summer months and holiday should be a time to really de-stress and get away from the pressures of modern life. Unfortunately, when we wind down and relax we leave ourselves exposed to and vulnerable to being burgled.
Opportunist thieves are on the look out for easy pickings such as a window left open to allow air to circulate or items left unsecured in your garden.
However, there are things that you can do, as visible security measures such as an alarm or CCTV system can be sufficient deterrent to burglars.
We recognise that budgets are quite limited at this time so here is our entry level pick of the best value home security items .
If you’re unsure where to start with home security, read the information below first.
CCTV
Senient Nightvision Colour Bullet Camera (£34.99 from Maplin) is a powerful camera for indoor and outdoor use and has a built in microphone so you can see and hear what is going on outside your home, even during darkness. Simply change the channel on your TV to see the camera image and check who’s near your property.
Alarms
Fit an alarm to act as both a visual and physical deterrent to potential intruders. The Yale Standard Alarm (rrp £129 from Homebase), can give peace of mind whether you’re home or away. The kit includes 2 x door and window contacts, 2 x PIR movement detectors, 1 x wireless keypad and 1 x siren. The alarm is ideal for DIY installation and its budget price makes it an economical solution to home security concerns.
Security Lighting
Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look, you don’t have to compromise on style or pay through the nose to get effective security lighting. Consider the graphite styled Nova Sensor Twinspot Graphite Effect (RRP £34.98, B&Q). Easy to install Polycarbonate 60w lighting system, complete with motion sensors and mains wiring. Very easy installation with 180 degree detection range that switches on the light when anyone approaches at night.
Timers
A simple but very effective measure when looking to protect your home is the small investment of installing plug-in timers that can be set up to turn lights, radios and TV sets on and off, either randomly or at regular intervals – giving the impression that your home is occupied when it’s empty. Seven day Digital Timer from Wickes start from as little as £13.26.
Don’t be caught out by burglars and sneak thieves. These low cost security products can make all the difference and could save you and your family a lot of anguish and upset. Stay safe.
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
