The latest season of Home of the Year is back with a bang, and we’re all looking forward to our weekly dose of ‘house envy’ every Tuesday evening on RTÉ One.
Whether you’re the owner of a Wicklow farmhouse like last year’s winners, or a two-up, two-down semi-d, we all take pride in our homes. There are lots of things that add up to "make a house a home," from the decoration of each room to family photos on the walls, everything is important. With each little touch, you are adding comfort to your home.
There is no greater comfort than knowing your home is both safe and secure. When you have no worries in your home you are free to concentrate on other important things, like maybe a new kitchen or splash of colour in the bedroom.
Thankfully in Ireland, despite recent increases in burglary numbers, the risk of your home being burgled is still relatively low. While a monitored burglar alarm will provide excellent comfort and security, there are some important tips that every household should take.
By following these you will help to make sure your house will always remain your home.
1. Close your windows and lock your doors: It might seem obvious, but a quarter of all burglars enter houses through the front door. Make sure you always lock all doors and windows and install a secondary locking system on front and back doors to be extra vigilant.
2. Light up: The most common time for burglary is between 5pm and 11pm. During this time you should make sure your home is well lit. Use timed switches if you are not going to be at home.
3. Don’t Advertise: Keep valuable possessions away from the windows and keep curtains and blinds closed to make sure a burglar isn’t drawn to your home. Don’t update Social media about your holiday plans or to show off your brand new flatscreen TV.
4. Sleep tight: With half of all burglaries occurring while people are at home, it is just as important to lock your doors while you are at home and in bed.
5. Don’t keep spare keys outside: instead, ensure your neighbour has a spare set for emergencies.
6. Secure heirlooms: Make sure your most precious possessions are hard to find. Don’t use jewellery boxes or common hiding places like under the mattress. Consider using decoy costume jewellery, a burglar won’t have time to check.
7. Hide documents: Don’t leave bank statements or tax returns lying around, this could cost you your identity.
8. Don’t leave your keys by the front door: There are an increasing number of incidents where keys are being fished out through letterboxes.
9. Never confront an intruder: Remember your safety is the most important thing. Never confront an intruder as you are putting your personal safety at risk.
10. Arm your Alarm: You are four times less likely to be the victim of a burglary if you have a monitored alarm system.
- Written by Eoin Dunne, Managing Director, PhoneWatch
PhoneWatch are the official sponsor for Home of the Year 2019. Tune into the show every Tuesday at 8:30pm on RTÉ One.
