There has been a spate of burglaries on our estate over the last few months, and at first, it didn’t really worry me, as we don’t have anything worth stealing, and our home security is good. But then a few things have happened to make me change my mind, and think we ought to get a burglar alarm.
Ryan pointed out that burglars don’t know we don’t have anything of value, though a quick look at our ancient cars would be a tip off! He also quite right said that we wouldn’t ever feel comfortable in our lovely home if someone did break in.
Then I saw a post on Facebook, where a mum was asking for advice on how to help her five year old come to terms with their home being burgled, and it made my blood run cold – I had never considered what effect it would have on the girls if it happened to us. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
So we have been upping our home security.
Our garden overlooks a beautiful field, and though that is the main reason we bought the house (it was really hideous on the inside when we moved in) it is a double edged sword as we are a bit vulnerable with fewer neighbours.
3 Ways to Improve your Home Security
There are lots of ways to improve the security of your home – these are some of ours:
A security light that floods the garden with a really bright beam whenever it senses movement. This has the added benefit of scaring off the annoying cat that keeps pooing in our veg patch. We got a wired in one that an electrician fitted, but you can get plug in and solar powered ones too. Strips of plastic spikes that run along the tops of the fence, to put people off jumping over it. We got ours from Amazon and they were cheap and easy to fit. They come with a warning badge to put on the other side of the fence so that wannabe burglars know they are there. We put ours sidewise so they don’t harm the birds. Install an alarm. This is next on our list, so we’re investigating which one is right for us. I hate the idea of those ones where you have to type in a code and then rush out of the house before you set it off – far too stressful! But it seems like those are old hat now, as technology has moved on, luckily for me!
I want something simple, and Ryan wants something multi-purpose like a Panasonic Smart Home System, that can also do other things, like switch on lights from his phone. He loves a gadget! As long as it is user friendly, I am on board.
As I work from home most of the time, I am normally in the house, which is a good thing as apparently most burglaries happen during the day. Our windows have locks and we always double lock our front door when we’re in, but I think the more we can do to put off potential burglars, the better.
I think it’s interesting how our priorities have changed since we have had children. My overwhelming instinct is to protect my babies, whatever it takes, and by making some small changes to our security, I think it will give me added peace of mind, which can only be a good thing.
What ways have you improved your home security? Is it something you’re worried about?
*This is a collaborative post, and all words and opinions are my own, as always.