Renting in cities is an increasingly popular choice for UK residents, especially for the younger generation who are attracted by job opportunities and the exciting lifestyle that the bright lights can offer.

Once you’ve moved into your new home it’s important to make sure you and your loved ones feel safe. Here are our top three practical tips for home security in the city.

Change the locks

When you’ve got your keys to your new place how sure are you that no one else has a spare key? This is surprisingly overlooked by lots of new homeowners, especially in blocks of flats where friendly neighbours might have been given a spare key by the previous owner.  Make sure the first thing you do is change the door and window locks. You don’t have to install new locks, just new barrels and lever sets so that you are the sole owner of the keys to the property.

Put lights on timers

Installing timers for your lights and scheduling them to activate when you are out is a good way to deter a burglar. These can be purchased at DIY stores and only take a moment to fit. Of course, if your using smart tech in your home, then invest in a lightning system that you can schedule and control remotely via a smartphone app.

Install a video security system

Video home security is no longer limited to wired CCTV systems. The advent of smart home technology has seen several new and exciting products come to the market. One such product is Blink, a truly wireless home alert and monitoring system that detects, records and sends HD video clips from home straight to your smartphone.

A Blink system provides you with all the equipment you need to create a virtual perimeter in and around your apartment. With Blink there are no fees, no wires and as the cameras can go anywhere, there’s no installation costs. The batteries in each camera even last two years! Click here to find out more.

Going away for summer holidays should be a stress-free experience, but when you are away for weeks at a time, it’s sometimes a worry not knowing what’s going on at home.

Co-Op Insurance claims analysis reveals that burglaries spike by 34% during the five months of daylight savings each year in the UK.

In addition to locking doors and windows, there are several other proactive and affordable ways to protect your home before your next holiday:

Security Lighting

Thanks to automatic timers, you can make it appear as if you’re home, even when you’re not. Set up some internal and outdoor lights on automatic switches and be sure to pay special attention to entryways. These are generally inexpensive and easy to install, but always double-check that they are working properly before you go. If you are already using smart tech at home, take a look at app controlled lighting systems.

Tell Trusted Neighbours and Friends

Let them know you will be away so that they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity while you’re gone. Leave them (or pet sitter) with your contact details, a spare set of keys and the PIN for your alarm so that they can also drop by daily to:

– Close the curtains

– Switch lights on and off

– Move the cars around

– Water plants and the lawn

– Have mail and newspapers brought inside

Be Careful on Social Media

Don’t post travel plans or photos while you’re away as this will publicly notify your followers that you have a vacant home. Be sure that your kids and teenagers also understand that they should wait until after you have returned home safely to share those holiday selfies.

Protect your home online

If you do want to post on social media during your holiday, be mindful when using the location and check-in features excessively. Turning your social accounts to private will ensure that only close friends will see your posts.

Wireless Home Security and Video Monitoring System

While the no-tech and low-tech options are important, a HD video security system such as Blink can provide an enhanced level of security and peace of mind while you’re away.

Believe it or not, home security systems can cost less than one night’s stay in a hotel room. Take Blink – which is a nifty, wireless home security HD video monitoring system that sends temperature and motion alerts along with recorded or live video clips right to your smartphone, anytime, from anywhere. With prices starting at £79.99 (and no monthly fees), you can be instantly alerted to danger, theft or damage through the Blink app on your iOS or Android device. You can even find out what the cat is up to while your family is away!

Click here to find out more about Blink home security and monitoring systems.

The phenomenally popular Blink XT video home security system is QVC’s "Today's Special Value" offer. We’ve teamed up with QVC to provide customers with a three-camera system at an unbeatable price of just £199.98, a saving of £57 off the RRP. The special QVC deal also includes extra cloud storage and extra security stickers.

If you want to take advantage of this, please hurry, its only available today whilst stocks last from QVC:

https://www.qvcuk.com/Blink-XT-IndoorOutdoor-Security-System-Hub%2C-3-Cameras-%26-Double-Storage.product.519326.html