Remember that obtaining house clearance quotes after the loss of a loved one is advertising the fact that the property may be empty for some time.
There are alot of ways that you can protect your house from being targeted for crime. Below are some tips for a few ideas.
Remember to always lock the door and close the windows when you go out, even if you'll only out for a very short time.
All external doors should have three locking points. Mortice locks will add considerable strength to your doors, you can buy them at your local DIY store or contact a company to fit them.
Window locks should be used, they can help to stop unwanted people getting in, especially in older windows and windows without modern double glazing.
Use deadlocks if you have them, they make it harder for thieves to get out again.
If you are thinking of PVC or metal framed doors/windows, make sure they come with good built in locks and a fitted chain, as these can be expensive to add afterwards.
Patio doors should have special dead locks fitted to the top and bottom – ask your DIY store aor security company for advice.
Don't leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed. Keep garden sheds and garages locked and think about using a battery-operated alarm
Keep car and garage keys out of sight in the house
Don't leave window and door keys in their locks
Always draw your curtains at night and make sure valuable items cannot be easily seen from outside
Did you know...?
58% of burglaries take place in the evening or night and 34% occur at the weekend.
The use of timers for lights and radios are a deterrant if you will be out of the house overnight. They create the impression that someone is at home.
Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and security lighting can be deterrents. Particularly ensure that recessed areas and doorways have good security lighting. Make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbours and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
Walls and solid fencing around your house may let a thief break in without being seen. Trees and shrubs can also be hiding places. Chain-link fencing or trellises with prickly shrubs can be a better compromise
Make sure that garden tools or ladders that could be used to force entry into your home are not left lying around
Fit a ‘spy hole' so that you can see who is at the door. Also have a door chain so that you can open the door a little way to talk to visitors
Mark your belongings with a property-marking product.
Neighbourhood Watch and other ‘watch' schemes are excellent ways for communities to fight burglary.
NB. Make sure that any security improvements you make to your house don't stop you getting out as quickly as possible if there is a fire or other emergency.
Warning
Industry Alert!
Remember. You are publicising the property may be uninhabited for sometime.
Before you chose a house clearer, ask to look at their documentation, Environment waste carriers licence, Insurance and Formal business documents.
The cheapest quote may not always be the cheapest quote in the long run.