Essential Home Security Advice for Seniors by IKS Locksmiths

If you have elderly family or neighbours take the time to consider if they have addressed the basics in terms of preventing burglary.

There are steps that can be taken to ensure that the elderly members of our community can feel safe in the knowledge that their home is as secure as it can be.

Good Home Security Habits for The Elderly

It is vital to make sure doors are secured with a deadlock every time they leave the house and at night time. Windows should also have locks. This article gives an insight into how thieves tend to break into houses. All locks should meet British Standard. Read our Ultimate Burglary Prevention Guide for a comprehensive guide to essential security measures. If you are concerned that any of the security advice has been overlooked have a conversation with them about it and offer to help in any way they need. Good habits can make all the difference.

The Importance of Saving the Number of a Reputable Trustworthy Security Specialist

When it comes to choosing a locksmith for burglary repairs it is important to choose one that will not take advantage! There are too many unethical locksmiths operating in London. It is advisable to have an emergency locksmiths phone number to hand. Here is our guide to choosing a trustworthy locksmith in your area. Whether you are looking for a locksmith in Islington, Central London, Finchley or Hertfordshire you can search on the Master Locksmiths Association website for your local approved locksmith.

Senior Security Solutions

Physical security measures include;

• High Security Door Locks
• Security window locks
• High Security grilles for door and windows
• Domestic roller shutters installation
• Door reinforcement
• Door spy hole
• Door chain
• Key with a large bow to make turning easier
• Safes

Other ways to help the elderly feel safe at home;

• Personal Alarms
• CCTV
• Burglar Alarms
• Ring door bell
• Key safe for carer access

All of these products can really help in terms of offering a feeling of security to those that are more vulnerable. It is so important to feel safe at home and it can have a real impact on physical health.

Why Home Security is So Important for The Elderly

This article suggests that pensioners who are burgled are likely to die earlier than others. It is such a sad state of affairs. Home security for the elderly is something that needs to be addressed as a priority and brought to the forefront of our attention. Great support and care is needed to protect the elderly in the community. When old age sets in and various ailments take hold the least the older generation deserve is to feel safe in their home.

Sadly there have been numerous cases of the elderly being targeted by intruders recently. Most notably the case in Hither Green this April where the intruder died.

It is really so sad to see the vulnerable being taken advantage of. This article in March shows CCTV of a lady with Alzheimer’s being burgled as she lay in bed. It is really upsetting viewing.

Crime against the older generation is a brutal reality that we have to face and security for the elderly is something that needs a specific approach and extra attention.

Senior Security Support Networks

Getting security up to scratch can be quite daunting for some elderly people. Read here about the help and support available . This provides some good tips on how to stay secure and also some valuable contacts for organisations providing support. For example; if you contact your local police station they will arrange for a crime prevention officer to visit your property to offer security advice and help with funding. Help The Aged offer a HandyVan scheme providing various security solutions.

There is help available and it is important that this information is made available to people who are in need of support.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood watch schemes in London are very valuable to the community as a whole. Quite often the seniors in the neighbourhood contribute in a really positive way to neighbourhood watch schemes. It is important that we all contribute to keeping our eyes and ears open for suspicious behaviour. In Barnet and in many other North London areas there is a scheme called OWL which stand for Online Watch Link. It is easy to join and members receive regular updates about incidents in the area. Communication and keeping connected to what is going on is so important. OWL is an important driver in protecting older people in the community.

Take a moment to think about if the older people in your family or even your neighbourhood may require some support. It is important that we all look out for each other. Together we can make the positives outweigh the negatives!

At IKS Locksmiths we are Master Locksmiths Association Approved specialists in dealing with security. We are trusted Barnet locksmiths experienced in tailoring security solutions to each individual’s needs and budget. We operate in North London and Hertfordshire. If you are looking for a home security locksmith in your area whether you are in Harrow, Hampstead or Harlseden we can help.

Should you require a free security survey and quote we would be happy to assess the situation in your property and offer advice and recommendations. We provide high quality security at very competitive prices. Value for money and excellent customer service are our goal! Please save our Master Locksmiths phone number in case of an emergency.

Main image courtesy of Anne Worner