Tips for protecting your home while you're away
Whether you're going on holiday or just away for the day, it's essential to secure your home against intruders. burglaries, This is particularly true in a city like Paris, where burglaries can occur in any neighbourhood. Burglars often take advantage of prolonged absences to target homes, so it's crucial to take steps to protect your home when you're away. In this section, we'll look at practical and effective advice for securing your home and deter burglars while you're away.
Why secure your home during a prolonged absence?
When you're away, your home becomes more vulnerable to intruders. Burglars often spot unoccupied houses or flats by observing clues such as the absence of lights at night, a full letterbox or windows left open. By taking simple but effective precautions, You can reduce the risk of burglary and protect your property.
1. Simulate being at home
Burglars generally avoid homes that appear to be occupied. Simulating a presence in your home can therefore be an effective way of deterring any break-in attempt.
a) Using lighting controllers
Install light programmers so that your lights go on and off at different times of the day. This gives the impression that someone is at home, even when you're away. Timers can be set to turn lights on and off at different times of the day. interior lights and outdoor at specific times.
- Additional tip You can also programme the television or radio to come on at set times, adding another dimension to the illusion of presence.
b) Ask a neighbour to drop by regularly
If you're going away for a long time, ask a trusted neighbour or a friend to visit your home regularly to check that everything is in order. They can open and close the shutters, collect the mail, and make the house look lived in.
- Collecting mail A pile of uncollected mail is a clear sign of prolonged absence. Ask someone to pick up your mail regularly or set up a collection service. temporary forwarding with La Poste.
c) Don't publish your absence on social networks
It's tempting to share your holiday plans or long weekends on social networks, but this can attract the attention of malicious people. Burglars sometimes scan social networks to spot unoccupied homes.
- Council : Wait until you get back to share your holiday photos and avoid indicating that you are away on your public accounts.
2. Reinforcing the security of access points
The doors and windows are the main points of entry for burglars. It is therefore crucial to strengthen their security before you leave.
a) Installing a multipoint lock
The multipoint locks are much more resistant than simple locks, because they lock the door at several points (top, middle and bottom). This makes the door much harder for burglars to break into.
- Choosing an A2P-certified lock : For maximum security, opt for a multipoint lock A2P certified (Assurance Prévention Protection). These locks are tested to withstand attempted break-ins for a set period of time.
b) Installing an armoured door
A armoured door is an excellent investment to protect your home. It is designed to resist attempted break-ins, whether by picking, forcing or drilling. Armoured doors also come with reinforced locks and strong hinges.
- Council If you can't install a complete armoured door, you can reinforce your existing door by adding a door armouring.
c) Securing windows and patio doors
Windows, especially those on the ground or first floors, are vulnerable points. Here are a few tips on how to make them more secure:
- Security locks for windows : Install security locks on your windows to make them harder to open from the outside.
- Safety bars : If you live on the ground floor, you can install safety bars on windows to prevent intruders. This can also be useful for windows overlooking low-traffic areas, such as a garden or courtyard.
- Burglar-proof films The safety films can be applied to windows to make them more resistant to attempted break-ins. They slow burglars down and often deter them from continuing.
3. Installing advanced security systems
The installation of security systems Modern security systems, such as alarms and surveillance cameras, help to deter burglars and intervene quickly in the event of an attempted break-in.
a) Connected security alarm
A connected security alarm is a great way to monitor your home remotely. Modern alarms can be linked to a mobile app, allowing you to receive alarms from a remote location. real-time alerts in the event of an attempted break-in.
- Motion detectors : Alarms equipped with motion detectors inside the house can trigger a siren or send you a notification as soon as any suspicious movement is detected.
- Opening sensors : Install sensors on doors and windows which detect attempted opening. These sensors are linked to the alarm system and trigger an alert in the event of an intrusion.
b) Video surveillance
The surveillance cameras are increasingly accessible and easy to install. They can be used to deter burglars and protect your home. monitor remotely your home via a mobile application.
- Outdoor cameras Place cameras outside, particularly near easily accessible entrance doors and windows. Opt for visible cameras, They have a deterrent effect on burglars.
- Indoor cameras The indoor cameras are useful for recording evidence in the event of an intrusion. Some cameras are equipped with motion detection functions and send you alerts in the event of suspicious activity.
c) Presence simulators
In addition to light controllers, some more sophisticated security systems include presence simulators which can turn lights on and off, open and close shutters, and even switch on the TV or radio to simulate normal activity in the home.
4. Taking simple steps to improve safety
In addition to safety equipment, some simple gestures can improve the security of your home while you're away.
a) Close the shutters
If you're going away for a long time, make sure you close all shutters of your home, especially those opening onto easily accessible windows. This makes it more difficult for burglars to gain access to the windows. However, it may be a good idea to leave some shutters partially open so as not to give a clear indication that you are away.
b) Do not leave keys hidden outside your home
It's tempting to leave a hidden key under a doormat or in a flowerpot in an emergency, but burglars are familiar with these common hiding places. It's best to avoid this practice and entrust a duplicate keys a trusted neighbour or relative.
c) Avoid outward signs of prolonged absence
A untended garden, If you are away from home for a long time, this may be indicated by permanently closed shutters or uncollected rubbish. If possible, ask a friend or a neighbour from looking after the garden or taking out the bins in your absence.
5. Call in a professional locksmith for a security audit
If you have any doubts about the security of your home, it is advisable to call in a professional locksmith to make a security audit. An experienced locksmith, like those at ASAP Serrurerie, can assess the vulnerabilities in your house or flat and advise you on the measures you need to take to improve security.
- Reinforcing doors and windows : A locksmith can offer you solutions to strengthen your doors and windows, such as the installation of multipoint locks, of safety bars or roller shutters reinforced.
- Personalised advice Every home is unique, and a professional locksmith will be able to recommend solutions tailored to your configuration and neighbourhood.
Conclusion: How to avoid burglaries in your absence
Protecting your home while you're away involves a combination of preventive action, d’modern safety equipment, and a increased vigilance. Simulating a presence, reinforcing access points and installing advanced security systems are all effective ways of deterring burglars and protecting your home or flat in Paris. If you need to reinforce the security of your home before you leave, or if you would like a full security audit, ASAP Serrurerie is available to advise you and intervene rapidly.
