Home security is a big worry for most Malaysians. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, there were 14,040 incidents of house break-ins and theft in 2020, versus 16,497 the year before.
Despite this small drop in cases, keeping your home free from break-ins is paramount. And although many residential areas now have security guards and posts, you can never be too careful.
Here are five ways to keep your property more secure and protected.
1. Security grilles
Modern security grilles are made from stainless steel, mild steel, wrought iron, or aluminium.
For landed properties, these grilles prevent break-ins and burglaries, and homeowners typically install them at every ground-level door and window.
If your home has a roof opening, air well or skylight, consider installing a grille there, too.
The security grille serves a different purpose in high-rise buildings. Besides keeping intruders out, it keeps children safe and sound, preventing unwanted falls.
When choosing a security grille, make sure it has panels that can be opened so you can get out in the event of an emergency.
2. Surveillance cameras (CCTVs)
Installing a security camera is a reliable surveillance solution for those who are hardly at home. The recorded footage will be useful for identifying suspects and when lodging a police report.
Almost all surveillance camera systems come with real-time mobile monitoring. With this function, parents can also monitor their children’s activities and, should there be an accident in the home, will be able to see how it happened and take future preventive measures.
3. Alarm system
An alarm system will inform the homeowner of any break-in attempt as well as deter the intruder’s activities. Alarms and sensors should be installed at entrances and windows with wide openings.
Features that come with an alarm system could include motion and heat detectors, sirens, speech diallers and more.
Having an alarm system is especially crucial for single women and older couples living on their own, as well as families with young children.
There have, however, been cases of homeowners forgetting to switch on the alarm, so make it a habit to double-check the settings every time you leave the house or prepare to go to bed.
4. Security apps
It is important for an effective information-dissemination system to be in place so the community is alerted in the event of an emergency.
Scrolling to find an emergency contact number might be too slow, and WhatsApp messages are easily overlooked by recipients.
Communities should consider migrating to a neighbourhood application like JaGa. This mobile app enhances the security and communication in your community with features such as emergency assist, intercom call, real-time notice board, visitor registration and more.
During a contingency, it sends instant alerts with just one click. Community guards are instantly notified and can be mobilised to offer immediate assistance.
5. Reinforced doors
Every set of doorknobs comes with a strike plate and screws that secure it onto the doorframe. These screws, just slightly above 1cm long,can be easily removed or damaged by an intruder.
Replace them with longer screws that can penetrate more fully into the doorframe so the door can’t be kicked in as easily.
As the door would take longer to give way, the noise produced by the perpetrator’s effort will allow those at home and next door to be alerted to the intrusion attempt.
This is a simple and cheap step that should be done by every homeowner.
This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.