SPRING is the perfect time to get busy with a DIY project or renovation. But the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), the UK’s leading trade association for the locksmithing industry, is warning homeowners to think twice before going down the DIY route with home security.

Arguably the least exciting aspect of a renovation, security isn’t usually at the forefront of renovators’ minds, but with recent statistics showing burglaries take place more than once a minute in the UK – and with the average incident costing over £3,600 – it’s one aspect of a renovation that shouldn’t be left to trial and error.

Statistics show that, on average, the cost of fixing botched DIY jobs is £323, while 43 per cent of people admit to injuring themselves while attempting them. So while homeowners may be aiming to save money with their DIY, they may in fact end up splashing out more than they bargained to cover the cost of errors or unwelcome injuries.

Justin Freeman, technical manager at the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), the UK’s leading trade association for the locksmithing industry, says: “We urge homeowners to get a professional involved when it comes to security as it isn’t something you want to get wrong. Taking the correct steps when securing, or renewing the security in your property will not only save you time and energy – if your security isn’t up to scratch your insurance could be void and it may even lead to unwanted break ins. Getting the job done correctly the first time round by a professional could save you significant amounts of money as well as heartache when it comes to security.”

The MLA is warning homeowners about a number of common mistakes, including a lack of awareness about the different types of security products, relevant security standards and how much products should cost.

Justin added: “We see a lot of common security mistakes which often lead to break-ins – it’s so upsetting because families face distress and heartache over these incidents, which could have easily been avoided by having an MLA approved locksmith do the job.

“One of the most common problems is there are so many products on the market, people often get confused between what different products do and how much they should be spending on them. They tend to think more about a particular brand rather than types of products. We see a lot of cases of the wrong types of locks being used or incorrectly sized cylinders having been installed – which could leave a property vulnerable to an easy break-in, or even worse, in single exit dwellings this can potentially cause entrapment in the event of a fire.

“An independently approved professional, such as an MLA-approved locksmith, have the knowledge and expertise to advise you on the best products to use first time, ensuring your home and family are well-protected and you get value for money. Plus, they can usually carry out an assessment of your home free of charge before advising you on appropriate security measures in line with your home insurance requirements and helping you install them.

In addition, homeowners can take a number of important steps to help make sure their home is as secure as possible:

1. Invest in a patented lock system. They are unique to you and your property and can help increase household security as the keys cannot be copied without proof of ownership. While initial investment in patented or restricted locking systems tends to be higher than ‘off-the-shelf’ locks, in the long term this could potentially save you money, for example – in the situation that you wish to change your locks, they can be re-configured rather than replaced.

2. Make sure the exterior of your property is well maintained. Overgrown hedges, holes or damage to any fences and gates could be seen as opportunities to gain access to your home, or a red flag to burglars that the rest of your property may be easy to access. Make outdoor maintenance part of your spring home overhaul.

3. Invest in deterrents if your new property is without them. Dusk to dawn external lights, functioning alarm systems, fake TVs and timed lighting are all effective means of deterring would-be thieves from breaking into your property.

4. Have a shed or outbuilding? Get rid of rusty locks and invest in better security. Check windows are fitted with working locks, invest in good-quality, strong locks and bolts and attach mortice security bolts to the top and bottom. It’s important to be aware that there are a huge variety of standards for security products out there. So to be sure you are investing in the best, independently tested and approved security products visit Sold Secure at: soldsecure.com

5. Consider having CCTV installed. As well as providing a further deterrent for would-be thieves, having access to CCTV footage will give you peace of mind when you are away from your home.

To find a locksmith in your area, visit the user-friendly MLA website at locksmiths.co.uk

To review a list of independently tested and approved security products visit the Sold Secure website at: soldsecure.com

Security guidelines for domestic properties can also be downloaded free of charge from locksmiths.co.uk/security-advice/security-guidelines-for-domestic-dwellings/

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