At KeyWise, ensuring the safety and security of your home and possessions is our utmost priority. We’ve pooled our expertise to provide you with actionable tips to reinforce your home’s security. Based in Southampton and serving the Waterside and New Forest district, we’re dedicated to your peace of mind.
Understanding Home Access: Who Has Your Key?
Moving into a previously occupied home comes with its risks. You may never truly know who else has a copy of your key. We strongly advise changing the locks immediately upon moving in. This simple step can provide immeasurable peace of mind.
The quality of your locks matters too. Many residents aren’t aware that locks not meeting British Standard BS 3621 may void their insurance after a break-in. Watch out for locks sold without the British Kitemark logo. They might be less reliable and could fail over time.
Once you’ve fitted approved locks, update your insurance policy to make sure you’re fully covered. And if you’re considering a lock replacement, our dedicated page on lock replacements offers detailed insights.
Always keep windows locked, especially when you’re out. Ground-floor windows are particularly vulnerable. Make it a routine to check them before leaving or going to bed.
Back doors are often out of sight and can attract opportunistic intruders. Keep them locked at all times and fit quality locks that are the right size for the door. An incorrectly sized lock can weaken the door’s integrity.
Good exterior lighting deters burglars. Motion sensor lights or timed systems give the impression of activity even when you’re away. It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make.
When you’re away, ask a neighbour to collect your post or occasionally park on your drive. It gives the impression someone is home. Small things like that genuinely make a difference.
The police publish clear, practical advice on home security. Much of it lines up with what we tell customers every day. Here are the key points they emphasise — and that we’d echo ourselves.
Secure your doors properly. The police recommend fitting a deadlock (to BS 3621) on all external doors. A rim lock on its own is not enough. Front and back doors should both have five-lever mortice deadlocks or a multipoint locking system on UPVC doors.
Don’t leave spare keys near the door. A key left under a mat or in a flowerpot is one of the first places a burglar will look. The police are clear on this. Keep spare keys with a trusted person, not hidden outside.
Keep your garage and shed locked. Tools stored in a shed can be used to break into your home. The police advise fitting a close-shackle padlock and a hasp and staple to shed doors. Never leave ladders accessible outside.
Don’t advertise an empty house. Posting holiday photos on social media while you’re away tells the world your home is empty. The police actively warn against this. Ask a neighbour to check on the property and vary the look of the place — timed lights help a lot.
Register your valuables. The police recommend registering valuables on Immobilise, the UK’s free property register. If stolen items are recovered, police can trace them back to you.
Join Neighbourhood Watch. Communities with active Neighbourhood Watch schemes see lower burglary rates. It’s free to join and makes a real difference. Hampshire Constabulary actively supports local schemes across Southampton and the surrounding areas.
For a full list of security tips, we also point customers to the UK Police’s Crime Prevention site. They cover a wide range of practical home protection advice.
Partner with KeyWise for Total Security
Your safety matters to us. We’re happy to guide you through the best options for your home — no pressure, no unnecessary upsell. Just honest advice from a family-run team that knows Hampshire well.
Contact us on 023 8096 0243 or 07453 327708. You can also email us at info@keywise.net.
No call-out charge. No VAT. Honest advice from a local, family-run team — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
