Top Security Tips for When You’re Living Alone

It’s a good idea to let close family or trusted friends know of your normal routine and whether you’ll be deviating from this. Though you don’t have to give all the details, keeping someone informed may help you if you become injured or detained at home and they’ll be able to check in on you. Getting to know your neighbours is a sure way to improve your safety and home security, as they may be able to spot any suspicious activity and alert you or the police.

Avoid letting people know that you’re living alone, whether to an acquaintance or through social media. Thieves may be on the lookout for single homeowners and you could become a target without you even suspecting anything. If you are in an apartment setting or in a communal area, we’d recommend removing any sign that displays that you’re living alone. This could be not leaving your name outside your door or where you receive mail; instead it’s best to use your last name followed by ‘residence’.

Although it could be difficult to manage as a single owner, getting a dog can deter potential burglars and they can guard your home when you’re at work or out. You don’t have to get an aggressive dog, just one that will bark if strangers approach your property. Your dog will not only be a companion, it’s an alarm that can’t easily be turned off. If you can commit to having a pet dog and have the living space to take care of one, you may feel more secure as a defence against a break in.

If you have a friend who can spend a couple of hours or so in your home when you’re out or away, you’ll be decreasing the opportunities thieves have of entering. Burglars will be deterred by someone occupying a property, as they’ll more likely be caught and may not want to risk any confrontation.

If you’re in a rented property, check with your landlord to see if you can get your locks upgraded. A secure lock will not be easily picked or broken by a burglar and is a good line of defence if you’ll be in on your own. A security door, or composite door, will also provide additional protection should anyone try to force and enter.

You should keep windows locked as much as possible to ensure no one can gain quick access to any of your rooms. Keeping your curtains open at night with the lights on may also invite people to look inside your property and try their luck if they notice that you’re absent. Make sure that you keep your curtains closed when you’re out or at night.

Get into the habit of locking your door as soon as you get home, as well as when you’re popping out. You could even create your very own panic room with a secure bolt lock, which you can go to should anyone break in. You could always keep a spare mobile and charger in there, so that you can alert the authorities if anything should happen.