Margate Home Security Guide: Protecting Your Property by the Sea
Living in Margate offers the charm of coastal life and vibrant community, but like any area, it has unique considerations when it comes to home security. At Thanet Locksmiths, we’ve been serving Margate residents for many years, and we understand the specific security needs of properties by the sea. This guide will help you fortify your home against common vulnerabilities and ensure your peace of mind.
Understanding Unique Margate Security Challenges:
- Coastal Corrosion: As we’ve discussed, the pervasive salt air in Margate can accelerate the corrosion of external locks and hardware. This means regular maintenance and choosing corrosion-resistant lock types are even more critical for durability and reliable security.
- Holiday Let Security: With Margate being a popular tourist destination, many properties are used as holiday lets. Securing these homes requires robust solutions that can withstand frequent use and provide peace of mind for both owners and guests.
- Holiday Lets: A Word on Smart Locks
- Margate’s popularity as a holiday destination means many properties serve as short-term rentals. While the idea of a smart lock for easy keyless entry can be appealing for holiday lets, it’s crucial to exercise caution, especially in our coastal environment. The pervasive salt air can accelerate corrosion on the intricate electronic and mechanical components of many smart locks, making them prone to unreliability and outright failure. For this reason, we generally advise against relying solely on certain types of smart locks for exterior doors in Margate, preferring robust, proven mechanical lock solutions that withstand the unique challenges of the sea air and high usage, ensuring consistent security and preventing costly lockouts for both owners and guests.
- Older Properties: Many of Margate’s charming homes are older, potentially featuring original, less secure locking mechanisms on doors and windows. Upgrading these to modern, insurance-compliant standards is often essential.
- Empty Properties (Off-Season): Properties left vacant during the off-season can be targets. Enhanced security measures, including robust locks and potentially alarm systems, are vital.
Key Areas to Fortify Your Margate Home:
- Door Security: Your First Line of Defence
- Front & Back Doors: Ensure all external doors have high-quality, insurance-approved multi-point locking systems (for UPVC doors) or British Standard BS3621 mortice locks (for wooden doors).
- Thumb-Turn Locks: For composite or uPVC front doors, we highly recommend upgrading to thumb-turn style locks. This not only enhances everyday convenience but also serves as a critical fire safety measure, allowing quick exits without a key in an emergency.
- Door Frames & Hinges: Don’t forget the frame! Reinforce weak door frames, and ensure hinges on outward-opening doors are secured with non-removable pins.
- Window Security: Don’t Overlook Vulnerable Points
- Ensure all ground-floor and easily accessible windows have secure locks. Key-operated locks are recommended for added security.
- Consider fitting restrictors on windows to allow ventilation while preventing full opening.
- Key Management & Prevention:
- Key Safes: For convenience and security, a robust key safe can be an excellent option for emergencies or for family members. We can advise on and install secure key safes.
- Spare Keys: Avoid leaving spare keys under doormats or in obvious places. Consider leaving a spare with a trusted neighbour or family member.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: If your keys are lost or stolen, it’s crucial to change your locks immediately to prevent unauthorized access.
- External Security:
- Shed & Outbuilding Security: Don’t neglect sheds, garages, or garden gates. These often contain valuable items and can provide tools for burglars. Fit them with strong padlocks and hasps.
- Lighting & Visibility: Good external lighting (especially motion-sensor lights) can deter intruders. Keep shrubs trimmed to avoid hiding spots.
Why Choose Thanet Locksmiths for Your Margate Home Security?
As your local Margate locksmith, we bring over 35 years of experience to every job. We are DBS checked, committed to ethical service, and provide rapid, reliable assistance whenever you need us, day or night. We understand the specific needs of Margate homes, from traditional properties to modern apartments and holiday lets.
Need a Security Assessment?
Unsure about your home’s security? Contact Thanet Locksmiths today for a professional security assessment tailored to your Margate property. We’re here to help you live safely by the sea.