When searching for a house to buy, it is good that you determine the place you would like to live in. Apart from considering things such as local amenities, school catchments and local transport links, you should also consider the security and safety of the area.
Find out about the crime rate in the area you want to live in, and the kind of people who hang out in the area. Avoid buying a house in areas where unsavoury people hang out.
You can find crime statistics for the area you want to live in on the Police website and UK Crime stats website. These statistics can help you know about the crime rate in the area. One visit to the area you want to live in is not enough. Visit as many times as possible and at different times of the day to make sure that the area is ideal for you.
Visit the Neighbourhood at Various Times Of The Day
Ensure that you visit the area after dark as this will give you the general picture of the neighbourhood at night. Are there signs of anti-social behaviour in the area? If yes, it may be a good idea to consider looking for another place to buy a house. Does the area have adequate street lighting?
An area with adequate street lighting will make you feel safe. Therefore, it is good to ensure that the area you want to live in has adequate street lighting. If possible, find out about the general atmosphere and previous crimes of the area from people living in the area.
When searching for a house to buy, check the condition of the windows and doors before making your decision. Even though doors and windows can be replaced when you move, it will cost you. Therefore, it is good to look for a house with a solid door and windows in good condition as they are easy to secure.
A house with a gravel driveway can also be a good choice since this driveway can be a security measure. This is because of the fact that walking on gravel makes a noise that can scare a burglar or alert you that there is someone on your property.
Moving Day
Moving day is usually a stressful and busy day as there are many things to do for the move to be successful. Make sure you don’t forget to lock up your old house and turn off the lights and any quality radiators. As such, it is easy to forget the security basics. This article will help you avoid forgetting these basics. So read on to know about what you should do and not do on moving day when it comes to security.
Contact a Professional Locksmith
This is the most important thing you should do on moving day. This is because of the fact that you may not know how many copies of the old key are out there. Therefore, it is a good idea to change the locks for security reasons.
Additionally, your insurance policy could become invalid if you don’t change the locks. Also, remember to check the condition of the shed or garage lock. If you will be storing valuable items in there, put on new locks and ensure that they are secure.
Find Out About the Details of the Security Alarm/ System
If the current owners will leave a security alarm/system, ask them about the details of the alarm/ system including its password, manufacturer and when it was installed. Once you have known everything about the security alarm/system, change the password immediately.
Keep an Eye on Your Belongings
When moving, it is very important to keep an eye on your belongings ensuring that you move your belongings into your new house without leaving any of them inside a van, on the pavement or in the garden. Don’t grab a cup of tea in your new house before bringing all your items into your new house since a thief can easily steal your item when no one is looking.
Do not make it Obvious That You Have Just Moved In
Once you have brought all your items into your new house, hang curtains or blinds so that your neighbours cannot see your items. Make sure that your boxes aren’t in open view as they can let people know that you just moved in.
Most insurance companies recommend changing locks when moving in. Sadly, 74 percent of people, don’t change the locks when they move into a new house.