In the UK, statistics suggest that over four million women live on their own. In fact, statistics also suggest that more women live alone than men, and a growing number of these individuals are older. As specialist locksmiths at Doncaster Lock & Key, we regularly assist women who live alone in making their homes feel more secure.
With hundreds of thousands of reported burglaries each year, it makes sense to be proactive. How can women make sure that they feel suitably safe when living at home on their own? At Doncaster Lock & Key, we wanted to put together a quick, simple guide that any woman who lives alone could use to help bolster home security and feel a little safer.
Safety Steps To Make Living Alone As A Woman Feel Safer
In our experience, there are some actionable steps that any woman can take to feel safer when they live on their own. Whether you’ve finally moved out of student accommodation into your own place or you simply enjoy your own independence in living alone, we recommend that you consider:
Improving Home Privacy
The first step we recommend is to make sure that your home isn’t an easy target. Criminals are likely to do a bit of reconnaissance before they try break into your home. That’s why boosting home privacy makes so much sense: the less a criminal can see, the better!
So, start by investing in curtains and blinds that provide proper darkness when closed. Avoid those cheap blinds and curtains that remain almost transparent when closed. This is especially true for any bedrooms and front room areas, such as your living room and/or kitchen.
Creating A Constant Presence
Criminals also tend to look for homes where there is likely to be little resistance. That includes looking for any homes where nobody is there – so, making sure your home looks busy is recommended.
We suggest installing smart lights or lights that are on a timer. These can be set to come on and off at certain times, which is especially useful when you are out of the house. That means criminals would see a light on and assume someone is home, making them less likely to take the risk.
We also recommend that you add other little signs that make it clear that you’re not living alone (even though you are). That includes silly things like a pair of workman’s boots at the door, a second coat by the door, or even a “Beware The Dog” type sign. Don’t worry, you won’t need to start barking just to keep up the illusion!
Changing Your Locks ASAP
The next step we recommend is to get your locks changed. Even if you have bought/rented your new home from a well-trusted source, you never know how many spare keys are out there for your current locks. Nor do you know when the locks were last changed.
Lock replacements are a simple, easy to carry out process for any locksmith. At Lock & Key, we can change your locks for you to make sure your home is a little more secure. Peace of mind comes from having new locks for two reasons.
One, you get the satisfaction of knowing that nobody has a spare key to your door. Two, you now know that your locks are up-to-date and are equipped to keep criminals out due to being new, high-security locks that meet modern standards.
In the Leeds area? Call us – we can carry out a quick and easy lock replacement for you! Otherwise, call a local locksmith in your area to get a lock replacement sorted ASAP.
Add A Secondary Lock Mechanism
Even the best locks in the world are not impervious to break-ins. That’s why we recommend you get a secondary lock source, such as a door chain, night latch and/or door restrictor. A locksmith – like us – can fit this for you, so it can be paired with the above lock replacement for a one-and-done service.
When paired with the below suggestion, this gives you invaluable protection that ensures your home is far less likely to be targeted. Even if it is targeted, these security solutions should keep you safe.
Install Perimeter Security
We also recommend that you invest in a video doorbell. These are great to have, not only for security but for convenience. At work and got a parcel coming? These make it easy to arrange a redelivery or tell the delivery driver where to put your parcel.
They also make it easy to see who is at your door, which can be invaluable to giving you peace of mind. Has your door been chapped late at night? A video doorbell helps you to see who is there before you open the door.
Criminals are put off by video doorbells and perimeter security, such as Yale security alarms and CCTV systems. While a little costly overall, perimeter security packages like this can be an invaluable deterrent to criminals.
Tell Someone You Trust Your Location
Whether it’s with a GPS sharing app or you just text someone you trust to tell them where you are, it’s good practice to tell someone where you are going.
A close friend or someone in your family who you trust should be made aware if you’re going out on a night out or a date. Tell them where you’ll be, and you can even use temporary location sharing to make it easy for them to verify where you are.
Always Double-Check Your Security Before Leaving Home Or Bed Time
Make sure that before you go to bed, you take the time to look closely at your security. Is your door locked? Did you close all the windows? Are your doorbells and security systems working? Did you put your lights on timers? Have you unplugged everything that should be unplugged?
All these little checks make it much easier to stay safe and avoid taking any needless risks.
Keep An Eye Out For Local News
We also recommend that you take the time to look into local news. Look out on social media and local news websites about things like spates of break-ins, vandalism, etc. – it makes it easier to prepare.
Also, it might be worth joining things like a local neighbourhood watch group. These kinds of groups are great for making sure you can stay safe and reduce the risk of getting into an uncomfortable or risky situation. They also help you to stay informed about local trends regarding crime, etc.
Get To Know Your Neighbours
While not everyone wants to be best mates with their neighbours, we recommend forming a cordial relationship. If your neighbours get on with you, they’re more likely to keep an eye out for you – even indirectly – or to be a bit more helpful if you need a little help, assurance or, if required, protection.
Always Listen To Your Inner Sense
Finally, always take the time to listen to your gut. If something feels off, why take the risk?
If the door goes at a weird time, or the person at your door isn’t someone you recognise, expect, or trust, take the cautious approach. If you’ve got someone turning up for a home assessment or to carry out a job, have someone sit with you during the work. It’ll make you feel safer and lessen the risk that any liberties will be taken.
Keep these simple tips in mind for a happier, more peaceful life experience moving forward. Our advice is easy to apply and simple to put into practice!
