Moving into your first home is exciting, but can also feel overwhelming. One important thing you should not overlook is your home security.

From March 2024 to March 2025, police in England and Wales recorded 245,284 thefts. Although this is an 8% drop compared to the previous year, it shows how important it is to protect your new home.

We, at Waddington Village, understand that feeling secure in your new place is just as important as making it your own. That’s why we are sharing simple methods to help you secure your property and keep everyone inside safe.

Whether you are buying your first home or moving to a larger one, these essential tips will help you protect your new space and handle whatever comes your way.

Home Security Tips Every New Homeowner Needs

Here are the seven home security tips every homeowner needs:

• Change the Locks

Even if your new home seems secure, one of the first things you should do is update the locks. It is impossible to know how many spare keys may still be in circulation from past owners, tradespeople, or tenants. For reliable support, companies like Barry Bros offer specialist locksmith services and can advise on modern locking systems that balance safety with style.

• Invest in a Good Alarm System

An alarm system is one of the best ways to keep your home safe and feel secure. While traditional alarm systems are still trustworthy, smart alarms are becoming more popular. These modern systems let you monitor your home from your smartphone and alert you if anything unusual happens nearby. Brands like Yale and Ring are well-known choices because they are easy to set up and can work with other smart devices in your home.

It’s also vital to know that about one in four burglaries happen through unlocked doors. Having an alarm system can discourage potential intruders from even trying to break in.

• Enhance Your Outdoor Lighting

A well-lit home is less likely to attract burglars. Ensure that your main entry points, like the front and back doors and garage, have adequate lighting. Motion-sensor lights are effective because they turn on when someone comes to your home. 

You can buy motion sensor lights from retailers like Amazon or Screwfix. Both offer a variety of outdoor lighting options to fit your needs and budget.

Add lights in darker areas of your garden or driveway as these spots could give an intruder the cover they need to sneak in unnoticed.

• Secure Your Windows

Windows often don’t get enough attention for home security, but they are one of the first places burglars try to enter. Boosting their safety is easy! Simple steps include adding locks, installing security bars, or using smart sensors that alert you if someone tries to tamper with them. If you have sliding windows, get specific locks for them, as they can be easily forced open.

• Monitor Outdoor Access Points

Don’t ignore gates, fences, and other outdoor entry points. These can make it easy for someone to enter your home. Always check that your gates are locked securely and that your fences are in good condition. Look for any spots where someone could easily climb over. Add extra security cameras in vulnerable areas, like side gates or garden entrances. Many newer security cameras let you watch live video on your phone, so you can keep an eye on what’s happening outside your home.

• Invest in Smart Security Devices

Smart security gadgets are changing how homeowners protect their homes. Devices like video doorbells and motion sensors offer better safety than old security systems.

For instance, video doorbells let you see who is at your door and talk to them through your phone, even if you are far away. Other useful tools, such as Ring cameras, smart locks, and lights that turn on when they sense movement, can all be controlled from one app. This makes it easy to monitor your home no matter where you are.

For a clear guide on necessary smart devices like cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks, you can check out this resource.

• Get to Know Your Neighbours

Building a solid community is a smart way to keep your home safe. When you get along with your neighbours, you feel more secure, and they can watch over your home when you’re not there. Many areas in the UK have neighbourhood watch programs that offer support and keep everyone updated on suspicious activity in the area.

Whether you’re new to Waddington or have resided there for years, getting involved in your local community helps keep you and your neighbours safe.

According to Our Watch, 80% of people believe their neighbours look out for each other, compared to 72% who feel the same way. These results highlight how crucial-friendly neighbourhood connections are for keeping communities safe.

Conclusion

Keeping your home safe can be easy and cheap. Simple actions make a big difference. You can start by changing your locks, setting up an alarm system, and ensuring your doors and windows are locked.

Using smart security devices and connecting with your neighbours can also improve your safety and help you feel more at home in your new place.

Don’t wait for something bad to happen; take action now. Small changes today can create a safe, welcoming space for you and your family. Your home is your sanctuary; let’s keep it that way.

If you are looking to improvise your home in Waddington, you can look at some tips to do so.