Thursday, August 27, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
The August bank holiday is rapidly approaching, and many Brits will use the long weekend as a chance to get away.
Therefore, Tescocompare.com has offered some tips for protecting vacant properties from unwanted intruders:
- Ensure that all external doors and windows are locked prior to leaving the house.
- Try to avoid leaving curtains and shutters closed during the day as this can indicate that nobody is home.
- Be sure to turn on any burglar alarms, and consider investing in one if needs be. Also remember to have them serviced on a regular basis.
- Time-operated lights, or switching the television or radio on via a timed clock, could give the appearance that the property is occupied.
- Refrain from leaving expensive possessions, such as laptops, in view of those outside as such items could prove tempting to burglars.
- Leave a house key with a trusted neighbour so that they can move any post, and regularly open and close curtains. Contact details should also be left with the neighbour in case of an emergency.
- External motion sensor lights could be fitted as a deterrent for would-be burglars.
- Store outdoor possessions, such as expensive garden furniture and bicycles, securely and out of sight.
- Ask a neighbour if they could park their car on the driveway every now and then. Having the lawn cut, and having the wheelie bins taken in and out, can also assist in making a property appear as though it is attended.
- Ensure that the home is adequately insured, and review the policy details to confirm that all internal and external contents are covered. Also, when going away for a significant length of time, be sure not to breach the policy details.
Debra Williams from Tescocompare.com remarked: "Whether going away on a day trip, for a long weekend, or for longer periods of time, avoiding any tell tale signs of your absence is essential and following these simple tips should help to keep any unwanted visitors at bay. In addition, make sure you regularly review your home contents policy to ensure you have the right level of cover for all your belongings, both in and outside the home, and check that you understand all the small print on your policy. If you're not sure about the level of cover you have in place, put a call in to your insurer to discuss it, and make sure you take a copy of your insurance documents with you to help should the worst happen."
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Homeowners who are not currently satisfied with the level of security in and around their home could consider rectifying the situation with a secured loan. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could allow the borrower to invest in a range of equipment, from burglar alarms and closed circuit television to motion sensor lights. Weak doors, windows, and locks could also be replaced with stronger counterparts if necessary, funded by a secured loan for home improvements.
