Home security: Why less can be more

Home security is important, but too much can result in your home feeling more like a prison or some ridiculous homage to Macaulay Culkin. However, as well as the aesthetic downside of increased security, think potentially-obtrusive CCTV systems or dreary metal bars, less home security may not actually mean less safety.

It’s all about finding the right balance, here’s how you do it.

What makes your house safe?

In a 2013 survey, Which? asked its members what extra security measures they have in their home. 38% of members had extra locks on doors (these will be a different type of door lock to the regular one) and 43% have extra locks on windows. Perhaps surprisingly, 57%, have security lighting, and 32% only have a simple door chain for added security.

However, what people believe makes them safer, doesn’t necessarily make people safer. Interesting, in a Reddit thread on the issue, burglars revealed what really influenced their decisions when targeting homes. They were much more likely to be put off by dogs, properly locked deadbolts, CCTV and motion sensors. It’s worth pointing out that silly tricks such as leaving the lights on permanently when you’re away, just don’t work.

Obviously, home security is something every homeowner needs to think about. And although increasing security may not be a bad thing, too much security might make your home less aesthetically pleasing, and, more importantly, it may be an unwarranted expense. You want to spare yourself both the emotional and financial cost of burglary, but by turning your home into a high-security prison, are you actually making it more secure? Instead of focusing on more security, find the right type of security.

How much is too much when it comes to protecting your property?

ACME Locksmith wrote a blog on home security overkill, complete with a photo of just how far some people will go to keep people out of the door. The photo in question is a door which includes not one, but two additional deadlocks. The company claim that installing more locks isn’t as silly as it seems, as it would make the door much harder to kick in. However, do people really want a door that is far more reminiscent than a White House panic room than a comfortable homely setting?

When it comes to door locks, it’s quality over quantity. Security experts Banham have a wide range of different types of door lock. They suggest that for those looking to improve home security, it’s important to ‘get the right locks fitted’, and this can differ depending on your property and the type of doors and windows you own.

Whichever lock you choose, it’s important to choose a lock accredited by Secured by Design, the official UK Police flagship initiative, and have the lock professionally fitted.

Exterior security measures to consider

CCTV cameras can be an extra security measure to put burglars off, but they’re not for everyone. Just how useful are they for the home? The Telegraph suggest that although the camera systems cost surprisingly little and do help deter pre-planned crime, there are downsides.

Of course, CCTV can be useful in the unfortunate event that a burglar does successfully breach your home. However, depending on where your security camera is pointing, the data recorded by your camera may be admissible in court and even break the law.

The Police advise that better lighting, alarm systems or locks are more important to security than security cameras for private homes. Considering the complex laws surrounding installation of CCTV, it may be better to concentrate on which type of door lock and alarm you should use instead.

The editorial unit