The 10 Biggest Home Security Mistakes Oldham Residents Make

Even security-conscious homeowners can unknowingly make mistakes that leave their property vulnerable. Here are the ten most common security errors we see across Oldham, and how to fix each one.

1. Standard euro cylinders on external doors. If your uPVC or composite door has a euro cylinder that isn't anti-snap, it can be broken in seconds. Solution: upgrade to anti-snap cylinders — fitting takes 10 minutes per door.

2. No deadlock on wooden doors. A night latch alone isn't secure enough. Solution: fit a BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock.

3. Keys left near the front door. Keys on a table or hook within reach of the letterbox are a gift to key fishers. Solution: move keys away from the door and fit a letterbox guard.

4. No window locks. Open windows are open invitations. Solution: fit key-operated window locks on all ground-floor and accessible windows.

5. Hidden spare keys. Under the mat, in a fake rock — burglars know them all. Solution: use a Sold Secure key safe instead.

6. Overgrown front garden. Dense hedges and bushes provide cover for burglars. Solution: keep vegetation below waist height near windows and doors.

7. No security lighting. Dark approaches let burglars work unseen. Solution: install motion-activated LED lights at all entry points.

8. Social media holiday posts. Announcing you're away is announcing your home is empty. Solution: share holiday photos after you return.

9. Ignoring a stiff lock. A lock that's hard to operate is on its way to failing — possibly when you need it most. Solution: call a locksmith to service or replace it before it breaks.

10. Weak back door security. Many people invest in front door security but neglect the back. Solution: apply the same standards to all external doors — BS3621 deadlocks, anti-snap cylinders, and reinforcement.

How many of these apply to your home? Call Oldham Locksmiths on 07949 139 475 for a free security assessment.