Cyprus was once known for feeling so safe that people would not feel the need to lock their homes, cars, or other possessions. However, the rising rates of break-ins in recent years have taken away the sense of effortless security that people once had. Whether you live in an apartment in the town centre of Limassol or own a holiday villa in Paphos, there is always a chance your property will be a target for theft and burglary.
As thieves get smarter with their tactics, residents need to get smarter with their security. In general, the more obstacles a thief faces when trying to break and enter into your house, the more likely they are to give up on their job. Time is of the essence, so many security methods aim to slow down a potential thief’s break-in process so that they lose their will.
Here are some things you can do to better secure your home from theft:
Home Security Systems
The most apparent technique already implemented in many homes is the classic home security alarm system. These systems allow you to set up alarms for when you’re not home or asleep through activated sensors. These systems work well if you’re away on holiday and your home is vacant, as many of them have loud alarms and automatically alert your neighbours and authorities in the event of suspicious activity.
Here are some of the leading home security system companies in Cyprus:
Krypto, CRP, Handy’s Security Systems, Lysi Security
CCTV Camera Systems
Placing cameras with motion sensors at the points of entry of your home can help you keep an eye on any activity. Camera systems, such as Ring, are motion sensor-activated and enable you to see who is there before opening the door or if you’re away. The cameras can send notifications straight to your mobile phone, sound alarms and alert authorities.
It’s important to note that you place cameras in spots where they can properly identify people (faces clearly showing).
Secure your Doors and Windows
It may be obvious, but checking and double-checking that you’ve locked unattended doors and windows is crucial.
Doors
- Make sure the frames and hinges on your doors are strong and protected and that there is no gap that would allow someone to reach in and unlock the door. Change locks to new ones when you move into a new home so that strangers don’t have keys to your residence.
- Use security hinges with tamper-proof pins on doors that have exposed hinges as a thief could potentially just remove the pin on a regular hinge and take the whole door off.
Protect your doors from thieves who use physical force such as kicking or slamming by using door reinforcement hardware, such as a strike plate. - Secure patio/sliding doors by using locks made specifically to protect them, such as a foot lock. Or, you can use a custom-sized stick from the inside of your sliding door.
Windows
- If your windows or sliding doors don’t have good locks, install them. You can install window locks such as pin locks, which can be bought at local home centres and installed by simply drilling a hole. Watch out for locks that have easy and exposed screw heads as burglars can just unscrew them, try to use tamper-proof security screws etc.
- Use laminated glass for glass doors/windows as they are designed to shatter but not break apart like other types of windows. If a home invader tries to smash the window, the layer of plastic on the glass protects it from breaking down into pieces. If you want to opt for a cheaper option, you can buy rolls of laminate film to place over your existing windows.
- Look from the outside of your home and think like a burglar. Close curtains and don’t have expensive stuff visible from the outside. Cover your windows! Think about potential hiding places and eliminate them, e.g. bushes, trees, unlocked closets.
Think Smarter
- Safely store any outdoor equipment ( e.g. bicycle, grill) in LOCKED storage spaces, i.e. garage, shed or closet. Be sure to put away equipment such as ladders, machinery, and stools to prevent potential thieves from using them against you.
- Notify your neighbours to keep an eye out for any unusual activity while you’re not home.
- Don’t advertise your trips away to the public (in-person and online), as burglars may use this info to target your empty home.
- Light up your outdoor areas at night. Motion-activated lights are suitable for scaring away thieves, as it makes them feel more ‘seen’.
- Secure your wifi properly so burglars can’t get access (hack) to your wifi controlled devices, such as security systems and whatnot.
- Store your most precious belongings in a robust and heavy safe with good locks that thieves cannot pick up.
Upgrade your Home
- If you want, you can upgrade your home to a smart home system where many of these things are automated. Also, the system can alert you of any suspicious activity that it detects.
- Ensure all smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working. Buy fire extinguishers and fire blankets and check to make sure they are not expired or faulty.
- Finally, it’s a good idea to invest in home insurance to protect you financially, in case something was to happen.
Here are some of the leading insurance companies in Cyprus that cover properties:
GanDirect, SoEasy Insurance, Pitsas Insurances
This list may be overwhelming to consider all at once, but you do not need to implement them all at once (or at all). We recommend choosing which strategies are your priority, based on your home’s needs. Then, you can go ahead and set up a step-by-step plan (do not tell other people specifics about your security plans unless they live with you).
It is encouraged to have a professional home security individual install your security systems. Because 1. they can survey your home and install properly home security, 2. that they also know how to properly install and integrate your system. this way, you are assured home security that’s not substandard. We at, https://www.encinitashomesecurity.com/, your safety is our top priority. That’s why we offer a wide range of home security services, including home security systems, security cameras, and alarm systems. Our home security solutions are designed to provide you and your family with the peace of mind you deserve. Here’s a closer look at some of the features our home security services can offer you.