Is Your New Home Really Safe? Security Checks Every York Resident Should Do After Moving
You’ve unpacked your kettle, scoped out the best local bakery and maybe even found your favourite patch of grass by the River Ouse. But amidst all the excitement, one question isn’t asked enough: Is your new home really safe? Don’t wait until a late-night knock ruins the feeling of being settled in York.
According to the Office for National Statistics, around 70% of domestic burglaries in England and Wales occur through a door and 30% through a window. But you can take some precautionary steps to avoid these incidents from happening in your home.
At York Universe, we’ve created some post-move checklists that you should keep handy and some more insights and some security checks you should have in place in your new home.
Post-Move Security Checklist
- Replace or rekey all external locks
- Inspect every door and window for broken or faulty locks
- Change alarm codes and test the system
- Install or test outside motion-activated lights
- Secure garages, sheds and side entrances
- Reset smart locks, cameras and Wi‑Fi passwords
- Trim hedges and expose potential hiding spots
- Mark and secure valuable items (e.g. bikes, garden kit)
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
- Sign up for Neighbourhood Watch or local police alerts
Replace the Keys You Inherited
While it’s tempting to step into your new home and unpack everything quickly and settle in, your first step should be ensuring your home is secure. Keys are the first thing you should replace because here’s the thing: you’re not the only one with a key – previous owners, cleaners, builders – all might have spare copies.
With reports suggesting 76% of burglars in England and Wales gaining entry through a door – often without forced entry. It highlights the need to update keys and lock up your new home. Security specialists like Barry Bros Security, with over 75 years of experience, recommend changing your locks as one of the first things you do after moving in. Opt for British Standard anti-snap or smart locks and stay ahead of the curve.
Check Every Door and Window
Every entrance counts, not just the front door. During a walkthrough of your home, open and examine each door and window, especially patio and basement access. Keep an eye out for:
- Worn-out frames and rotten wood
- Weak sash cords or loose hinges
- Single-glazed windows easily jimmied
For York’s older, charming period homes, consider sash jammers, hinge bolts or window restrictors to add another layer of security. And if you’re already planning property upgrades, start with outdated maintenance and upgrades and blend it into your plan. For more ideas, check out our York Home Renovation Guide for inspiration and practicality.
Secure Garages, Sheds & Side Access
Garages and sheds often become security afterthoughts, but they’re common entry points – especially for storing power tools and bikes worth a small fortune. In York’s semi-detached and terraced houses, many offenders slip in via the side or back entrances.
Burglars often exploit side and rear access to properties; regularly overlooked security weak spots. Here’s what you should do:
- Fit heavy-duty padlocks, deadbolts or garage defenders
- Make sure emergency release wires are secured out of reach
- Add a padlock to sliding garage doors or reinforce timber sheds
Adding sensors or a doorbell camera here is a low-effort upgrade with a high return on peace of mind. For more such tips and tricks, check out this guide by the North Yorkshire Police.
Review Your Alarm System
If an alarm system is already in place, treat it like a smartphone, change the passwords and test everything, from motion sensors to sirens. Many inherited systems come with unchanged codes or default remote logins, which are easy for opportunists to abuse.
Don’t have an alarm yet? Even a basic DIY system or a wired setup installed by professionals can reduce burglaries and help reduce insurance premiums. Modern smart alarms let you check alerts on the go, offering both convenience and vigilance. For a more comprehensive guide on Which security system suits you, take the word of a professional.
Light It Up Outside
York is set up beautifully with its stone houses, winding alleys, and lush gardens but it can also dim your sense of safety after dark. Good lighting outside can turn that mood from eerie into “all good”.
Motion-activated floodlights or pathway lights by your front and back doors, driveway, and garage can deter burglary. Solar options are great for quick add-ons, but mains-powered systems are sturdier and more reliable in York’s changeable weather.
Also consider gravel paths or gravelled borders, they make noise and work like built-in alarms whenever someone walks by.
Final Thoughts
Your new home in York should feel like it’s yours. A ten‑minute checklist can give you years of peace, whether you’re walking home past the Minster or planning a weekend in Bishopthorpe.
You can also sign up for North Yorkshire Police Community Messaging for updates and alerts for suspicious activity, especially around summer when opportunistic crime tends to spike .
Digest this list, send it to a mate who’s unpacking boxes, or save it for future peace of mind. Because here in York, life is good – but it’s even better when you’re secure.