Locksmith resolutions for 2020

As we say farewell to 2019 and welcome in 2020 it’s worth taking a second to calmly reflect on the passing of time. Before shrieking “TWENTY TWENTY!? How the blazes did we get here? It was only 1987 a few minutes ago… make it stop. MAKE IT STOP, no, don’t lock me up again…” and then escaping into the woods, a blubbering mess. But maybe that’s just me.

Now that we’re further ahead than the original Blade Runner was set, and far beyond how far they travelled to in Back to the Future, science fiction would have us believe that we should all be jetting around on flying skateboards with our android-human hybrid pals. We may have to accept we face a touch of disappointment on that score but hey, at least we have the ability to play Candy Crush no matter where we are in the world.

New Year resolutions

As any opportunist gravy thief knows, the turn of the year is an excellent time to take stock. And also to look forward to the year ahead, perhaps making a resolution or two. Resolutions are always a tricky beast – make them too difficult like resolving to solve climate change in 2020 and you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. But going the other way and making them too easy, like resolving to eat a tube of fruit pastilles per day, and where’s the challenge in that?

So if you’re struggling to strike the right balance with your resolutions, fear not, for I am here to provide some suggestions. And whilst you might suspect they’ll all be around the subject of making your house more secure, I’m going to surprise you and say they’re not. Nah, only kidding, they are really. But they ARE useful, so here we go.

“In 2020 I’ll ask the expert”. Okay, I have a vested interest in this, but for a proper review of your security arrangements, who better to ask than your local locksmith? I’m not saying exactly who will fit the bill there, but look at the contact details on this site and that might be your answer. Experts have taken a lot of stick in recent times, but there is still a place for them, honestly. We know what works and what doesn’t in terms of which locks will meet the requirements of insurance companies, and also give additional tips on steps you can take to beef up your home security.

“In 2020 I’ll protect my shed and garage”.  Not quite as pithy a resolution as “I’ll give up smoking” admittedly, but a reminder that no matter how well you protect your main residence, remember not to neglect any outbuildings. These often contain expensive tools or equipment yet are left unprotected. Ensure that you have sturdy locks fitted to the doors of all buildings containing anything of any value.

“In 2020 I won’t be a security liability”. This one won’t cost you anything – it’s a resolution to look more closely at your own behaviour and how this can affect the security of your home. Don’t leave your house unlocked or any windows open, remember to set the house alarm, and ensure your house or car keys are not left where they can be easily grabbed by a passer-by.

Invest in a burglar alarm

“In 2020 I will invest in a burglar alarm”. If you’ve been promising yourself a house alarm for years yet never got round to it, why not make this the year? I won’t pretend that it’s a cheap investment, but it is the best deterrent against burglars, meaning it can easily repay its cost many times over. Add this to the fact you’ll probably see your house insurance premiums reduce too, and the cost does not seem so prohibitive.

“In 2020 I shall become omnipresent”. This is a bit of toughie if taken literally, admittedly. However, here I’m just referring to trying to make it LOOK as if you’re at home even when you’re elsewhere. 99% of the time burglars will pick an unoccupied house to target rather than risk attempting a break-in at an occupied house. So if you’re away for an evening or longer, consider leaving lights on, perhaps via a timing system. For holidays, please don’t advertise the fact you’re away by posting on social media – leave that until you’re back! – and don’t arrange for any parcels or newspapers to be left whilst you’re away. If you’re lucky enough to have a drive, consider letting your neighbour park on it, giving the impression someone is at home.

“In 2020 I’ll get a safe”. Safes aren’t just for the very rich or for gangsters in 1930s films. If you have valuables of sentimental or monetary value it’s worth thinking about getting a safe.  This also goes for things such as passports which would be a real hassle if they were stolen. Popping these in a safe gives a dual level of protection, as long as the safe is of sufficient quality and firmly fixed in the house. It can be a false economy getting a cheaper safe not fixed to a wall or floor as this will simply act as a convenient box in which burglars can carry away all your valuables to break into in their own time.

Review home security

“In 2020 I will take ten minutes to review my security” – This is for those of you that weren’t keen on resolution number 1. If you don’t want to do that, then at least take a while to physically inspect your property around the perimeter, checking for any weaknesses or easy points of access. Rotten frames, broken locks or latches, gaps in fences.. find anywhere that a burglar would target, and make arrangements to have these remedied.

“In 2020 I will bring light to my house” – Lastly, this isn’t about improving your mental outlook, but rather understanding that darkness is the friend of burglars. Given we have more darkness in winter than summer, it’s a particular problem at this time of year. Take away this advantage for the burglar by installing a motion activated security light to shed light on the actions of any trespassers. It’ll also help you get the key in the lock when you arrive home in the dark evenings.

So there are 8 resolutions that you can mull over. Putting one or more of these into action will have the effect of making your house less attractive to any burglars, thus increasing the security of your home.