Summer is getting closer and closer. Making now the perfect time to think about securing your home over the summer holidays, whether you are going away for a few days, weeks or want another layer of security at home. To give you a helping hand, we have highlighted some easy ways to secure your home.

Video Doorbell

Popularised by Ring, video doorbells are an easy way to see and talk to whoever is at the door. Depending on the model, a video doorbell records when someone rings the doorbell or motion is detected. You can then monitor via your phone or a compatible smart speaker. Video doorbells integrate easily into your existing doorbell wiring or utilise a battery security camera with 4-6 months of battery on a single charge,* making installation a breeze. Plus, with a model with a two-way intercom like the Ring Video Doorbell can talk to people at the door through your phone or smart speaker, making socially distanced deliveries even easier.

When buying a video doorbell, you want to keep a couple of things in mind to ensure maximum security:

• High res camera, we recommend a minimum of 1080p
• Wide-angle lens to ensure the exterior of your home is in frame
• Night vision up to 25 feet
• Affordable cloud storage

We would recommend options that have high res cameras, wide-angle lens and night vision, ensuring crystal clear video like the Ring Video Doorbell 3 or the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free.

Indoor and outdoor cameras

While a video doorbell secures your front door, you want to create a comprehensive security system for added security – whether this means outdoor cameras around additional entry points or on sides of the house where there is low visibility. You can also combine this with indoor cameras in the main living areas for an extra layer of security.

Indoor and outdoor cameras have a range of features – a few of these to consider are:

• Wired, wireless or wire-free: Generally, wired cameras are a permanent fixture of the home, as you do not have the flexibility to shift them out. Wireless or wire-free options are considered the better option for renters or those moving around.
• Weather-resistant: When it comes to outdoor cameras, you want them to handle whatever the weather will throw at them. Fortunately, most outdoor cameras are weather-resistant these days.
• Night-vision: Night vision is considered industry-standard in security cameras, but you will want to factor in the quality and distance of night vision to ensure you have the best coverage possible.
• Floodlight: Floodlight cameras come with lights that turn on when motion is detected, filming potential intruders and acting as a deterrent for potential thieves.

For an indoor camera option, we would recommend options like the Ring Indoor Camera or the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera and, for an outdoor security camera the SWANN Xtreeme Wire-Free Smart Security Camera 3 Pack or Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight 4K UHD Wire-Free 3 Camera Security System.

Smart Locks

Lockly Security Locks add an extra layer of security and can be used either inside or at entry points of your home, with the latter being more popular. Instead of using keys, these locks allow entry through a pin code or fingerprint, so you never have to worry about getting locked out. The pin code models let you create individual passcodes for one-off, short- or long-term use.

Smart Lighting

If you have an existing Smart Light set-up or are planning on investing in one, this is another easy way to protect your home. While away from home, you can set up timers for lights to turn on and off in different rooms, giving the illusion of someone being home and acting as a deterrent for any potential intruders.

Smart Security Systems integrate nicely with Smart Home set-ups, so you can monitor your home using a compatible smart device. Secure your home and shop online or contact a store for more tailored advice for your home.

*Battery life varies with use.