Home security: doors, alarms and cameras that actually protect you

In a crisis, from long power cuts to evacuations, the risk of burglary from empty homes goes up. But even on ordinary days, most burglaries are opportunistic: the burglar picks the home that looks easiest to break into and least watched. Your aim isn’t to make your home impregnable, but harder to break into than the others.

1. Doors and windows, before anything else

Police crime prevention advice everywhere repeats it: many burglars come in through the front door, by forcing the lock, or through windows left open.

• Front door: solid-core or steel, with a frame firmly anchored in the wall, and ideally a security rating.
• The lock cylinder: the cheapest and most effective upgrade. Standard cylinders can be snapped or picked in seconds; a high-security one resists far longer.
• A security escutcheon protects the cylinder from being pulled out.
• Ground floor and top floor windows: security hinges, locking handles, safety film or grilles.
• Ground floor balcony or patio doors: a security bar or extra lock.

2. The alarm

An alarm deters and alerts you quickly. What to look for:

• A cellular communicator, not just Wi-Fi: if the internet or power goes down, the alarm still has to send its notification.
• A backup battery in the hub for hours or days without mains power.
• Sensors: motion in the hallway and rooms with windows, contacts on doors and windows.
• A siren indoors and, for a house, outdoors.
• Monitoring: either phone notifications to you or a professional monitoring center with a response team.

Wireless systems install without building work and move with you.

3. Security cameras

Cameras help mainly after the event, for identification, but also as a visible deterrent.

• Choose cameras that record locally, to a card or NVR, not only to the cloud.
• Outdoors, battery and solar cameras keep working when the power goes.
• Mount them high, out of reach, facing the entrances.
• Respect privacy law: film only your property, not the street, shared hallways or neighbors’ gardens, and display a sign.

4. The free things that matter most

• Know your neighbors and ask each other for help when you’re away.
• Make your home look lived in: someone to collect the mail, timers for lights, blinds not left down for days.
• Don’t announce on social media that you’re away on holiday.
• Don’t leave keys under the mat, in a plant pot or in the mailbox.
• Always lock up, even when you pop out for a few minutes.
• Don’t open the door to strangers claiming to be from the gas, water or council company without checking by calling the organization yourself.

In a crisis

If you have to leave home (evacuation, flood), shut off gas, water and electricity, lock doors and windows and take your documents and small valuables with you. Photograph your valuables in advance for insurance. During a long power cut, look out for your neighbors and report suspicious activity to the police.

See also house and apartment fires for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, just as important for a safe home.