WITH spring arriving at last, comes a chance to drop bad habits and reflect upon your choices for the year ahead.

Many will focus on health, happiness and ambitions but one new leaf that should be on top of everyone’s list is how to improve their home security.

The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) – the leading trade association for the locksmithing profession – has issued a few useful tips which will help to keep you, your family and your home safe throughout 2018 and beyond.

Dr Steffan George, Managing Director of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), commented; “It takes no time at all to look at your current routine to see where you can apply a few simple changes to improve your home security. The latest statistics on reported crime cases show a six per cent increase in burglaries compared to the same period in 2016 [1] - which is why there’s no better time to stamp out any bad habits that could attract would-be thieves.”

He continued; “Home security is rarely at the top of ‘to do lists’ but these simple steps can make a big difference in preventing a burglary. After all, when it comes to your home, you can never be too safe.”

The MLA recommends that homeowners follow these simple steps to help improve their home security:

1. Make sure it looks like someone is in.

During the working week a lot of houses are easy targets for burglaries.

Use simple (safe) devices such as timer lights or a fake TV - which emits multi-coloured LED lights similar to that of a real television but uses less power than a standard lamp - so your property appears occupied at all times.

Just ensure these devices are used away from the windows in upstairs rooms.

This is especially important during the winter months with longer, darker days.

2. Always ensure your house is properly secured and all doors and windows are locked.

30 per cent of burglaries occur via unlocked front doors whilst 26 per cent via open or unlocked windows. [2]

Take time to review your locks.

Have they been changed since you moved in?

Are they up to insurance standard and correctly fitted and functioning?

A local expert locksmith, such as an MLA approved company, will be able to check your locks and advise on the best products to use.

And for extra peace of mind, consider fitting an alarm or CCTV system – homes with alarm systems are 300 per cent less likely to be burgled. [3]

3. Secure your letterbox.

Burglars are often known to use devices through letterboxes to hook keys or open locks.

Look at where the letterbox is positioned on your door frame (make sure it isn’t too close to the lock), and consider getting a letterbox cowl or letter basket fitted to restrict any unwanted access.

Also ensure you don’t keep your keys near the front door.

4. Secure your keys.

If you have a so called “keyless” vehicle, ie one where you don’t physically use a key to open and start it, then consider storing your keys in a specially protected bag or box (acting as a Faraday Cage) so as to not enable thieves to capture the signal from outside and be able to steal your vehicle.

5. Out of sight, is out of mind.

If you haven’t drawn your curtains or blinds then remember your possessions are on display for the world to see.

Be vigilant and make sure items such as small electricals, handbags and car keys are out of sight to avoid temptation.

Lock high-value gadgets and items in a professionally specified and installed safe.

6. Keep on top of things.

Home maintenance is vital - any kind of visible disrepair like broken window frames, rusty locks, damaged garden gates and cracked panes of glass all act as red flags to thieves as they suggest your property is an easy target, so it’s essential you perform regular and thorough maintenance checks.

7. Seek trusted advice.

The MLA is recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by the police and all of our members undergo strict vetting, including criminal record checks, so you can be confident they have the knowledge, experience and integrity to keep you and your family safe and secure.

For further advice, contact your local MLA-approved locksmith who can give you advice on bespoke security solutions for your property and help with installation.

Many will also carry out an initial security assessment free of charge.

To find a locksmith in your area visit the user-friendly MLA website at locksmiths.co.uk

[1] Crime in England and Wales: Year ending June 2017, Office of National Statistics, 19th October 2017

[2] Yale summer security campaign, 2016

[3] Home Security Month, 2017 (Yale)