There is usually a lot of uncertainty when you move into a new home in a new neighbourhood. You may feel anxious about your decision to move, or about where you decided to move, or whether the neighbours will like you and your family. However, the threat of property crime is not something that you should be required to worry about. To remove this source of stress from your life, it is important to follow some best practices when you are moving into a new neighbourhood. Being proactive in this regard will allow you to achieve peace of mind and reduce your worries about the unfamiliar environment.
Let’s look at six specific tips that will help you to establish yourself and feel safe when you move to a new neighbourhood:
Install Security Cameras
CCTV installation is an essential part of any comprehensive security system. If they are set up properly and in the right places around your new home, they will be able to capture any potential property crime that may take place. In many cases, the mere presence of these cameras will be enough for thieves to decide not to take the chance.
Change The Locks
While the previous owner of your home may have given you all of the keys for your current external door locks, there is no way to know this for sure. Even they may not be aware of all of the keys that exist to open your doors. Therefore, it is a good idea to change all of these locks as soon as possible after you move in. This way, you will be able to know precisely who has access to your home and will not have to worry about the possibility of someone walking right in through your door.
Invest In More And Better Lighting
Homes that have no lights on, especially at night, are especially inviting for burglars. Instead, it is important to keep your exterior well-illuminated to scare off would-be intruders. If you do not like the idea of having lights on around the clock, you can invest in motion-activated lights in critical areas. In many cases, the sudden illumination of these devices is enough to send the bad guys running.
Set Up A Security System
Contact a local security firm to install a comprehensive security system complete with alarms in your home. This way, you will be alerted to any break-ins and, if the worst does happen, guards will be dispatched to your home to investigate. In many cases, the sight of a professional security firm’s sticker or sign on your lawn will be enough for thieves to second-guess their plans.
Maintain Your Privacy
Avoid giving thieves too much of a look at what belongings are in your home. If your windows are completely unobstructed after the sun goes down, any illuminated rooms in your house will be readily visible from the street. To avoid this and to maintain some privacy, invest in some curtains or blinds.
Meet The Neighbours
When you are first moving into a neighbourhood, it is always a good idea to get to know your neighbours sooner rather than later. This has numerous benefits, including boosting your social life and helping you to feel better about your decision to move. However, one of the indirect effects of having a positive relationship with many households in your area is the benefit of a wider surveillance network. If you know your neighbours, they will be more likely to discuss any concerns they may have or tell you about suspicious happenings that you may not have noticed.
Move In And Stay Safe
Moving in is often stressful enough without the added hassle of dealing with potential break-ins. Take these steps to start out the right way in your new home and to help you feel more comfortable while you are getting used to the new location.
