Moving in Manchester? A Guide to making your home safer

Pretending you’re a burglar when you first move into your new Manchester home may seem like a strange idea, but it could help you identify areas of security weakness.

Most burglars gain entry to a property through the front door either by forcing the lock or kicking it, having a good look at your door for any areas of weakness could stop a burglar in their tracks. Is the doorframe strong, the door itself solid? Are the hinges protected? You may want to consider upgrading your doorlock – particularly if your property has been rented out over several years. Adding a door Spy Hole and a deadlock can instantly make you feel safer.

Basic window maintenance such as fitting window locks and ensuring rotten frames are repaired or replaced should be done as soon as possible. It’s also important to think through where keys are kept at the property – making sure they are not visible or accessible from the outside.

If your property is fitted with smoke alarms, testing and replacing the batteries should be a high priority on your to-do list. You might also want to plan a fire escape route out of your property should the worst happen see www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/escape-plans for more details.

There are also some outdoor security measures that can make your property less appealing to burglars such as maintaining fences and gates. Outside security lights and gravel drives will also act as a deterrent.

Find out if your area has a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, some insurance companies even offer discounts if you take part in the scheme. To find out if your area has a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, visit www.ourwatch.org.uk

A few simple steps will mean that you can safely enjoy your new home in Manchester for many years to come.