Many of us imagine that if we buy the ‘right’ camera or lighting system, our home will instantly be safe from intruders, but that is not always true.
It’s all too easy to overlook simple techniques which could make homes more secure – or even install some of the best home security systems but do it ever so slightly wrong.
Taking the time to properly plan and think through a security system while renovating can pay dividends, as can opting for high-quality doors and windows, that are secure by design.
Why it's worth getting your home security right
Placed well, even one of the best video doorbells can make a real difference, and even help bring criminals to justice.
Homebuilding.co.uk's editor, Amy Willis’s Google Nest camera caught a thief stealing her avocado sink, and the footage meant she was able to bring him to justice (although sadly without getting her sink back).
Amy says, “I posted a video of him on my local Facebook group pinching my stuff. Turns out the guy then drove around the corner and stole a little girl's money tin for eggs she was selling – and all the eggs. My neighbour posted this footage and I did a bit of internet sleuthing and was able to identify the van's number plate. Everyone then started sending tip-offs about where the van's location was and the local Neighbourhood Watch group fed this to police. Police used this to track him down, eventually nabbed him and he was successfully prosecuted.”
So what are the biggest home security mistakes you can make? We spoke to home security experts about some overlooked techniques which can make a difference – and key mistakes homeowners often make when installing security kit.
Amy has been the website editor for Homebuilding & Renovating for over two years. Before this she spent over a decade in London editing and writing for The Daily Telegraph, MailOnline, and Metro.co.uk before moving to East Anglia where she began renovating a period property in rural Suffolk. She largely focused on using natural materials, such as limestone, oak and sisal carpet, to put character back into the property that was largely removed during the eighties. She often writes about the renovation for the website.
Mistake 1: Installing cameras in the wrong place
A common mistake is poor camera placement, explains Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk, using products such as the Swann 4K CCTV camera from Amazon. "People all too often install them too high or at the wrong angle, which leads to missing faces or entry points entirely," he says.
Another issue many face is not staying on top of software updates for their cameras, he adds. Without realising, many believe their cameras are keeping them safe and recording, but don’t find out their software is out of date until it is too late.
Anthony Neary is the founder and security expert at home and business security retailers Safe.co.uk. With over 15 years of industry experience, he specialises in security solutions and how to keep properties safe.
Mistake 2: Putting in a single floodlight
Many homeowners rely on a single floodlight at the front of the house, leaving side paths and rear access points in complete darkness, Anthony Neary continues.
It pays to think about the best driveway lighting ideas too. "Failing to use motion-sensor timer set lighting in these areas reduces visibility and makes your home an easier target," he says.
"We would always advise motion-sensitive lighting such as the Strom LED light from John Lewis in the most vulnerable places of your home – that is, by front doors, back doors, windows and garage entry points , but ensuring areas that are not as frequently used are covered is just as important.”
Mistake 3: Paving right up to the house
Although it can be tempting to run solid paving or surfaces to the edge of your home, gravel driveways and paths are often overlooked as a security feature. But, the fact is they’re a simple, low-cost way to create noise and alert you to unwanted visitors.
"They are a top deterrent for intruders trying to move quietly around the property,” confirms Anthony Neary.
Mistake 4: Relying on single-point locks
External doors are often secured with basic locks that can be easily forced. One of the biggest mistakes is relying on a single-point lock that only has one layer of protection.
"I would always recommend upgrading to a multi-point locking system and consider anti-snap cylinders such as the Thumbturn Euro Cylinder Lock from Amazon for added protection," Anthony Neary says. "These are easily recognised by burglars, and can act as a deterrent in themselves as they are harder to break through, and will make a noise if tampered with.”
Shop smart locks
Simpled Smart locks are designed with most door types in mind, offering a quick and easy solution to fitting digital access control to your door.
Yale Linus smart lock L2 with Bluetooth and WiFi to enable secure, keyless entry. Auto-locks when the door is closed and unlocks when it senses the user approaching.
Chrome Conexis L2 smart lock provides full control of home security for complete peace of mind. Can be unlocked with a key tag, phone tag, or smartphone via the Yale Home app, avoiding the worry of lost keys.
Mistake 5: Relying too much on 'off the shelf' equipment
It’s easy to get swept up in ‘smart cameras and alarms’, but if the system isn’t professionally designed around the layout, entry points, and daily routines of your household, it won’t offer reliable protection.
“One of the biggest home security mistakes we see (especially among homeowners building or renovating) is relying too heavily on off-the-shelf, DIY security products, such as the Yale Motion Security Camera from Wickes, without considering how well they actually integrate with the property," says Lisa Clark, director of Bell Fire and Security.
Lisa has over 10 years of experience in securing homes, and believes that homeowners should ‘hard wire’ systems when renovating
Mistake 6: Focusing on the front door
Another common oversight is neglecting perimeter security. "Many people focus on the front door but leave windows, garages, and outbuildings vulnerable," explains Lisa Clark.
A layered approach that includes external detection (such as perimeter beams like the Infrared Security Beam from Amazon or smart CCTV with motion analytics) combined with internal sensors and remote access control provides far better coverage – and equally, peace of mind.
Mistake 7: Failing to maintain systems
Poor maintenance is a silent risk. Systems degrade over time, and without regular servicing, they may fail just when they’re needed most.
"I see homeowners undervalue monitoring, and opting only for the best security cameras without a subscription," says Lisa Clark.
"Having an alarm is one thing, but having a professionally monitored system that ensures emergency response when you're away is what really deters break-ins.”
Before you add cameras to your property, it's also worth reading up on home CCTV laws and garden lighting laws to make sure you aren't invading your neighbours' privacy unintentionally.
If you are still weighing up whether or not you want to buy a home CCTV system, also consider if you want a doorbell camera recording all the time and if your video doorbell could be vulnerable to being hacked.
