Only let the good things in this winter with our top 3 outdoor security tips
Winter is fast approaching. The season of dark nights, onesies and red wine is infamous for an increase in criminal activity. A key consideration over these winter months should be the exterior of your home. Make sure you only let the good things in this winter with our top three outdoor security tips.
1. Tidy up your garden
For those born without a green-thumb, gardening can seem like a bit of a chore. But maintaining a well-kept garden is not just about impressing your neighbours. Neglected tree branches and hedges provide welcome hiding spots for unwanted visitors. Prune trees and hedges back to ensure a clear outlook over your garden from inside your house. And if you're not keen on getting your hands dirty, why not hire a gardener for a few hours to get the job done. Your landlord will thank you.
2. Store your bikes indoors or out-of-sight
Many cyclists go to great lengths to ensure their favourite ride is safe when they're out and about. But when they get home, they leave it on the veranda without a lock in sight! If you have space, we recommend you store your bike indoors. Bicycles are a popular target for thieves. Remove the temptation of an easy steal, and your home becomes less of a target. If you don't want to keep your bike indoors, ensure you keep it around the back of your home, ideally in a secure shed. Otherwise, make sure it is locked to an immovable object, such as a grate, gate or ground anchor. [externalhotoffer group="Winter Bike"]
3. Upgrade your shed and gate locks and security
Sheds are an excellent storage solution for bikes, tools and other knick-knacks. Unfortunately, many of us are guilty of neglecting to ensure that our shed security is up to scratch. One of the easiest ways to improve your shed security is to invest in a better padlock. We recommend you go for a closed shackle padlock. These padlocks feature a protective shroud around the shackle. This helps to limit the ability for a thief to cut the shackle using a bolt cutter. For ultimate protection, ensure the shackle is hardened steel in construction. If you live in a coastal area, you may want to consider choosing one that has a corrosion resistant cover. That way, you won't have to replace it anytime soon. [externalhotoffer group="Winter Shed"]
All three of our top outdoor tips are inexpensive and easy to put in place. So, no excuses! Finish up your security chores before dinner you hear? Then you can enjoy a cozy winter night of Netflix in your jammies, we promise.
