Lock Your Doors: A Simple Step to Protect Your Home and Belongings

Recent incidents in Aberdeen have highlighted the importance of securing your home, even when you’re inside. Two homeowners suffered significant losses after failing to lock their front doors. In one case, thieves entered the property, stole the keys to the vehicle parked outside, and drove off with it. Another homeowner experienced not only the theft of their car but also the loss of valuable items from within the house. These events serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with not taking basic home security measures.

Why Locking Your Door Matters

It’s easy to become complacent, especially in quieter areas where crime may seem like a rare occurrence. However, opportunistic criminals often seek out the path of least resistance, and an unlocked door is an open invitation. A secure lock can be the difference between deterring a potential thief and becoming their next victim. An unlocked door grants criminals immediate access to your property, allowing them to take anything of value, including car keys, wallets, electronic devices, and even sentimental items that are irreplaceable. 

Steps to Protect Your Home

Lock Your Doors and Windows    Obvious, isn’t it? But some people don’t do it. Lock the door even if you’re only out for a short time. If you have window locks, lock those too. Keep the door locked when you are at home. This stops criminals coming in even if you are in another part of the house or garden.

Lighting and CCTV    House alarms and CCTV are a great visual deterrent. Modern Wi-Fi enabled CCTV systems can be combined with bright LED lighting. Any movement detected outside your home can trigger an alert to a number of mobile devices. If considering CCTV look to cover every aspect of your home. Small discreet cameras can also be used inside. Use signage to advise that CCTV is in use.

Store Valuables Away Safely   Keep items like car keys, wallets, and jewellery out of sight and away from doors and windows. For valuable items, consider an insurance rated safe. Safes should be securely attached to the solid fabric of the building not just to a plasterboard wall or left sitting on the floor. Ideally get an insurance approved installer to fit a safe in your home

While the idea of someone entering your home uninvited is unsettling, taking simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk. Locking your front door is a quick and easy step that protects your home, your possessions, and your peace of mind. 

Don’t make it easy for criminals—lock your doors and keep your home secure.

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Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.