In Dorset we are fortunate to be ranked as the 13th safest county in the country, however, it’s still good to be aware of what precautions you can take to make your home safer and how you can keep your belongings secure as we go into the new decade.
Did you know that in 2018, domestic burglaries in Dorset had gone up by more than 300% when compared to the previous 12 months?*
In this article, we are going to touch on some of the steps you can take to make your home safer, which will include smart technology, Dorset storage options and small changes you can make to your lifestyle to err on the side of caution.
Technology that will outsmart anyone who tries to get into your home
With home automation all the rage at the moment, it’s now easier than ever to get your hands on the gadgets that really can make a difference to your home security. Unlike 10 years ago, they won’t break the bank either, so you can have peace of mind for just a small price. Here are just a few we would recommend…
Smart home security systems
Security systems used to only be seen outside huge homes, they were expensive, hard to install and weren’t exactly ‘smart’. Nowadays, every home deserves this level of security and it is much cheaper than you may think to set up.
A smart home security system may include some of the following features:
- Alarm system
- Motion detection
- Controlled through an app on your phone
- Live video feeds
- Sensors
Wireless video doorbells
Technology now allows you to see exactly who is at your door or even near your home through a video doorbell app without the need for fiddly installation and wiring. Notifications will alert you when someone is there and will even record the action which you can save to your phone. If any suspicious activity is happening, they will immediately be caught on camera, regardless of where you are.
You can even pick one of these up for less than £100!
Smart lights
Most outdoor lights will activate when motion is detected, but you could also link up your interior and exterior lights with your smartphone.
Take a few extra practical security measures
Put up deterrents and signs
Even if you don’t have extra security in place, burglars won’t know this, a simple deterrent sign could be enough to make them move on.
Check windows, doors gates & garages
It can be easy to just assume that you won’t be one of the unlucky ones, but a quick 2-minute check before you lock the front door can really help keep your possessions protected.
Don’t leave expensive goods on display or in your front garden
This one is more important if you are going away on holiday for a period of time. Pack away your BBQ, and outside furniture and potentially close curtains or blinds into rooms such as your lounge so your TV is out of sight.
Store away some of your belongings
We are always looking to make extra space in our homes, and if you are guilty of having belongings in your home that you know would be better placed in a storage unit, then get in touch with Hogleaze Storage today to discuss your Dorset storage options. If you don’t want to risk leaving your valuables unattended when not in use, have you thought about a dedicated self storage unit? Popular items our customers choose to store with us include:
- Vintage and antique pieces
- Furniture
- Luggage
- Collectables
At both our Dorset storage options, we offer various sized units to suit your budget and requirements, so whether you are looking for a short-term solution whilst you complete a home project, or a longer-term solution, you can rely on your local Weymouth storage or Dorchester storage site to keep your belongings safe.
Here are some quick links to some useful pages:
Get in contact with our storage experts today by calling us on 01305 830000 (Weymouth) or 01305 889777 (Dorchester). We can discuss all your Dorset storage options, as well as helping you to find a unit that is perfect for your needs.
*https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/17599366.crime-stats-show-offences-up-in-dorset/