SECURING APARTMENT DOORS WITH SECURITY LOCKS: HOW IT WORKS

1. Replacing door locks

Hopefully your home is already equipped with a deadbolt.
If not, make sure you install one.
Ask your landlord to change the regular locks on your door too.

This also applies to room doors if you also want to claim some protection in the family.
You never know how many duplicate keys there are, and you want to be sure that you are the only one who has access to the apartment.

2. Chain locks

Installing additional door locks such as chain locks or a door reinforcement lock is another way to ensure that your home remains secure while you are inside.

3. Cover your windows

Remember that many burglars look for good opportunities every day.
You don’t want your home to be the target.

The best way to keep your place off the top of their list is to give the valuables away from the window.
Cover your windows with blinds to go one step further.

When you are not at home, keep your blinds closed, and after dark too.
Remember, when your lights are on at night and your blinds are open, your home becomes an illuminated stage: your outdoor audience can see everything!

4. Meet your neighbors

Try getting to know your neighbors.
If you know your neighbors, you’ll have smart security cameras throughout your building: if neighbors know each other, they’re more likely to pay attention to suspicious activity in the area and warn others.

5. Invest in a safe

Just because someone gets into your home doesn’t mean they should be able to cart away all your belongings.
A hard safe is not only a good deterrent for burglars, but also for snooping roommates and less trustworthy guests.

Store cash, jewelry, gold, heirlooms, important documents and other valuables inside the security safe and talk to your landlord about how to mount it on a wall or the floor for maximum security.

6. Take out household insurance

Despite all the safety precautions you may take, unfortunate events still happen and it would be a good idea to cover everything with insurance.

Unlike your landlord’s insurance, which only covers the building you live in, your own household insurance covers personal property such as furniture, electronics, clothing and more that could be lost in a burglary or disaster.

Expect to pay between EUR 10 and 50+ per month, depending on what your policy offers.

7. Are there cameras?
   Are you electronically secured?

A security camera can be a surprisingly cost-effective addition to home security monitoring.
You may think that cameras need to be installed as part of a full security system, but there are many standalone cameras that send a live feed directly to your phone through apps so you can monitor your home from anywhere.

There are many smart video doorbells that also have motion detection, night vision and two-way talk, so you can safely talk to people at the door without ever having to open it.

8. Install a security system or replace one

Drilling holes in homes is usually frowned upon.
Fortunately, there are wireless alarm systems and adhesive to mount everything securely.
Fixing to doors and windows can be done easily and you can use your smartphone for monitoring.
Replacing a system is also often very easy if you already have an existing security system.

Many home security systems are also equipped with free-standing sirens to alert you to problems and deter intruders.
An added bonus: You’ll get lower rates on your home insurance with a security system.
If you ever need a locksmith, remember, at some point even locksmiths reach their limits.