Brits Urged to Stop Making Home Security Mistake that Could be Devastating
When it comes to home security, there is one very common habit that can be disastrous. If you are in the habit of hiding a spare key near your home, you need to stop immediately.
It increases the risk of break-ins and theft, can cause your insurance claim to be denied, and gives easy access to criminals. Although the habit is convenient for busy families, it needs to be left in the past.
Burglars look for the easiest way into a home, and an easily acessible spare key gives them a simple way to get into your home unnoticed by neighbours or passersby.
Police strongly urge against leaving keys under a doormat or flower pot as these are the first places thieves will look.
If you need a spare key near your home, make sure to invest in a safe and secure key locker instead as this will stop criminals being able to use it to gain access to your home.
As well as it being dangerous because it leaves you open to crime, having a poorly hidden key can also mean your insurance becomes invalid. If a thief uses one to enter your home, your insurer may argue you didn’t take reasonable care and could refuse your claim.
If you have already been robbed, that can be a “devastating setback”, according to security experts at Online Spy Shop.
The experts said: “Don’t leave spare keys in ‘convenient’ places, and keep all keys-house and car-out of sight from doors and windows. It sounds simple, but it’s based on how burglars really operate.”
They also recommend that if you’re heading away for the weekend or going on an extended holiday, don’t advertise your absence on social media. It’s also a good idea to cancel any deliveries that might pile up outside, showing anyone on the street that you’re not in.