While we’re all familiar with locking our doors, and shutting our windows, particularly at night, what else can we do to make our homes safer?

Here at Nightsafe Glass, we’ve worked alongside security experts to put together vital advice when it comes to keeping our possessions (and our families) safe from the threat of burglary.

1/ Examine your front door for potential weaknesses

As the main arrival and exit point, a solid front door is essential. You should have a hardwood or steel door, as opposed to a lightweight hollow core door. To prevent intruders breaking, or kicking your door open you can secure it with a heavy-duty four-screw deadbolt strike plate, or consider a doorway reinforcement kit which can fortify your front door’s weak spots. 

2/ Use timers

Intruders target homes that are unoccupied for long periods of time, or that are dark in the evenings. Setting timers to turn on your TV, radio, and lights can fool them into thinking your home is occupied.

3/ Be mindful of windows and sliding glass doors

Intruders can easily lift older sliding windows and doors off their tracks. Installing a window sensor alarm, means you will be notified when a window of your home has been opened. 

To ensure your safety, we would recommend high standard security windows. Don’t worry about the shape or size of your space, as our professional glass bending services allow you to have perfectly fitted high quality windows in any space.

4/ Ensure your exterior is well lit

The outside of your home should be well lit to discourage burglars from targeting your home. Motion sensor lights along entrances and doorways, or lights set on a timer make for great security lighting. 

5/ Be vigilant about vacations

A holiday is your time to relax and unwind, not to worry whether your home is safe while you’re away. Intruders will look for signs you’re away. Resist the urge to announce your break online, you don’t want to tempt a burglar with the promise of an empty home. Try and wait until the holiday is over before you post photos.

6/ Change up hiding your valuables

Make sure your valuables are out of sight, especially looking in from external windows. Inside your home be creative with your hiding holes, instead of dresser drawers keep valuables inside secure boxes in less obvious places. 

7/ Put your phone down and pay attention

It can be easy to become complacent when you're familiar with your surroundings. Awareness and mindfulness of your surroundings is key for keeping you and your home safe. Take note of changes in your street, new people walking or driving through the area. 

8/ Make security improvements

Pay attention to your home's entrances, lighting, locks and fire escapes. Ensure all your window locks work, and if you’re renting, existing locks are re-keyed. Consider deadbolt locks on your front door as well as chain lock, if you don’t have one already.

We also offer 24/7 emergency glazier and repair service throughout the Leeds and Wakefield region, so you can depend on us any time or day.

Emergency Freephone: 0800 371 742