The 4 best ways to keep your home safe and secure this winter

We’re now well into winter, a season known for its longer and darker nights. Unfortunately, that provides more ample opportunities for thieves and housebreakers, who feel more confident operating under the cover of darkness.

That’s where our electric gates come in. Here at Gate Auto, we’ve been at the forefront of the electric gate kit industry for over 30 years, so we know exactly how effective our electric gate kits can be at helping to provide valuable extra security for your home. Like any security measures though, they work best when deployed in tandem, so here are a couple of additional tips you might find useful!

Keep windows and doors locked

This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s still worth saying! An unlocked door or window is the first place any potential burglar will try to enter, so simply ensuring that all your doors and windows are closed and locked up will go a long way in deterring the majority of thieves from trying to get in. If you’re someone who enjoys fresh air while you sleep, then try leaving your window on vent. That way, you’ll get all the benefits of fresh air while you sleep, as well as the extra security that you wouldn’t get from an open window.

Keep your valuables safe in a… well, safe

If you’ve never considered investing in a safe before, then now might be the time. During the festive season in particular, thieves know that most people’s homes will be housing gifts and valuables ready for Christmas Day. So, by storing the most valuable items in a safe, your most treasured possessions are protected, meaning that they’re safe even if you do have a break-in. What’s more, insurance companies will often offer discounts to homeowners that own safes to store valuables.

Consider installing a security alarm system

With all the technological advancements in recent decades, particularly in the last 20 years, it’s now easier than ever for homeowners to get their hands on an effective alarm system for their homes. Most modern security alarm systems are address all aspects of security, from lighting, noise monitoring, and even video recording!

A blaring alarm will draw attention to your premises, and therefore to the trespasser, deterring them from attempting entry into your home. What’s more, many alarm systems can be programmed to alert your local authorities should a break-in occur, meaning you can have police on the scene promptly.

Install electric gates for added peace of mind

It’s important for us to point out that it’s pretty rare that any intruder will ever attempt to force your electric gates open – it’s a loud and risky way to try and enter your property, and if there’s one thing that thieves don’t like, it’s drawing attention to themselves in the act. However, certain gate designs can often serve as better security deterrents than others. Swing gates aren’t easy to bypass, and sliding gates are exceptionally difficult to get through given that they lack a single point of vulnerability. That means they have to be struck with enough force to knock them off their tracks entirely, and out of their supports. This kind of force can only be generated from an impact with a vehicle, and therefore makes the task of breaking through them difficult enough to the point that most potential intruders just won’t bother.

If you’re interested in adding some electric gates to your premises to help keep your home safe and secure this winter, you’re in exactly the right place. With over 30 years in supplying and fitting high-quality gate automation here at Gate Auto, we provide a wide range of electric gate kits and garage door openers alongside an array of accessories to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Feel free to browse them right here on our site, or give us a call on 01282 677300!