Home security should be a priority wherever you’re based, but it becomes even more of a vital consideration if you live in a busy area with high levels of foot traffic right outside your house.
Unlike on a quiet suburban street, where strangers or people watching your property would be immediately noticeable, the anonymity of a city or other bustling area is a real plus point for thieves. And, if you aren’t careful, it can significantly increase the risks of a break-in.
This is an obvious problem, and basic home security measures might not buy the peace of mind you need. That’s why you should take particular security precautions with your area in mind. Keep on reading to find out how you can stay safe at home, even with people all around.
# 1 – Reinforce all Entry Points
Thieves might be able to get a better feel for your property undetected in a busy area, but that won’t help if they can’t physically gain access. So our first piece of advice is to simply reinforce your entry points.
Deadbolts on your doors are an absolute no-brainer when you have a lot of people passing by. Equally, remember that your windows are a real weak spot, especially if they’re at street level or located directly alongside a public walkway. Protections here could involve security films or, if there are high levels of crime in the area, you could speak to a riot glass supplier about reinforcements that would stop even the most determined thieves in their tracks.
# 2 – Focus on Layered Defense
Once your entryways are safe, it’s time to start layering your defenses. This is the best way to ensure that your home is secure at every level, and also makes it generally harder for thieves to easily break in with everyone watching.
A good layered defense system should include smart lighting, set boundaries (fencing or hedges where possible), and a visible alarm system. At the very least, each of these elements will act as a deterrent. Even if someone does try to break in, they’re less likely to find a way through all of those layers before discovery.
# 3 – Perfect the Illusion of Occupancy
Thieves are most likely to strike when they deem your property to be empty, which is why it’s also worth building on something called the ‘illusion of occupancy’. This simple theory involves purposefully giving the impression that there’s always someone at home.
This is especially useful in a busy area, because it means that your habits will be very difficult to track, even if thieves remain unnoticed for long enough to watch you for a while. Top tricks within this technique include using timers for your lights, keeping a car in your driveway, and picking up any parcels or mail as soon as you can.
Living in a busy area can feel like an additional break-in risk, but that needn’t be the case if you stay safe in these ways.
