Home Security for New Homeowners in Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire

Why your first few weeks matter most

A new home is exciting, but it’s also when your property is most exposed. Burglars know the signs of a recent move, and most new homeowners don’t yet know what security they’ve inherited. The common risks:

Unknown keys

Previous owners, tenants, cleaners or builders may still have copies of your keys.

Someone else’s alarm codes

The existing alarm may still use the previous owner’s codes, or nobody knows them at all.

Boxes on show

Packaging for new TVs, laptops and appliances tells passers-by exactly what’s inside.

An unfamiliar street

You don’t know your neighbours yet, so unusual activity is harder to spot.

Out-of-date equipment

Older alarms may be unreliable, unmonitored or no longer meet your insurer’s requirements.

The good news

Sorting your security in the first few weeks closes these gaps before anyone can take advantage of them.

See the moving-in checklist →

Your moving-in security checklist

Work through these in your first week or two:

  1. Change or re-key the locks on outside doors, so only your household has keys.
  2. Find out about the alarm. Who fitted it, is it monitored, and who has the codes? The installer’s name and number are usually on the bell box outside.
  3. Get the codes changed so no previous owner, tenant or cleaner can still set or unset it.
  4. Take over or remove any camera and doorbell apps linked to the previous owner’s account.
  5. Check your home insurance for any alarm or lock requirements, and tell your insurer about the security you have.
  6. Flatten and hide packaging from new TVs and appliances instead of leaving boxes by the bins.
  7. Introduce yourself to your neighbours, so they know who should and shouldn’t be at your house.
Thames Valley Securitek alarm bell box with siren and strobe on a brick wall

Inherited an alarm, or starting from scratch?

Your new home has an alarm

First
Find out who installed it (check the bell box) and whether it’s monitored or under a maintenance contract
Then
Get the codes changed, and ask whether it still meets your insurer’s requirements
If it’s old or unreliable
We can design and quote for a new system that suits your home and how you live

Your new home has no alarm

Wired or wireless
Wired for renovations and new builds; wireless for freshly decorated homes, with almost no cabling
Pets
Pet-friendly detectors that tell the difference between pets and people
Your phone
Optional app control to set, unset and check your alarm from anywhere

Not sure what you’ve got?

Tell us what’s there when you get in touch. We’ll explain your options and give you a free, no-obligation quote.

Security systems for your new home

Intruder alarms

Wired or wireless, pet-friendly alarms designed around your home’s layout, with optional app control. For the highest level of protection, connect it to the police through 24-hour monitoring by Southern Monitoring Services, with BT Redcare alerting the monitoring centre if the line is cut.

Burglar alarms →

CCTV

See your driveway, doors and garden live or recorded from your phone. We position cameras for clear day and night footage, with neat cabling that suits your property. As Axis Communications installers, we fit quality equipment built to last.

CCTV →

Smart doorbells

See and speak to visitors from anywhere, and keep an eye on deliveries while you’re still getting to know the area.

Ask about smart doorbells →

Door entry and electric gates

Moving somewhere with a driveway or an entrance to secure? We’re Paxton Approved and Gate Safe certified, so we can install door entry, access control and electric gates safely.

Door entry → Electric gates →

New homeowner security FAQs

Trusted by Local Homes & Businesses

★★★★★ Rated 5 stars by our customers on Google and Yell

Swipe for more reviews →

  • ★★★★★

    Highly Recommended – Prompt, Professional and a Trusted Local Business.

    We have been a customer of Thames Valley Securitek for 15 years when they initially installed our alarm system. We have recently upgraded our system and the team advised on how best to do this utilising as much of the existing structure as possible to save costs. They provided a competitive quote and carried out the work promptly, without any fuss and with professionalism. They are quick to respond to any queries and I would highly recommended their services. It’s great to be able to use and support a local business.

    Review on Yell
  • ★★★★★

    Intruder Alarm Installation

    We were recommended TVS by a friend who had recently had a new alarm fitted. We wanted a company who would work with us and our builders during a refurb. TVS were great, they liaised with the builder throughout and fitted our alarm how we wanted it to be fitted so it blended in with our new improvements. To be able to pick up the phone and talk to an engineer within minutes was a very valuable Service they provided for us and our builder. I would highly recommend them to anyone. They were professional throughout and a pleasure to have in our home.

    Review on Yell
  • ★★★★★

    Friendly and Reliable

    We had 2 CCTV cameras supplied and installed, which were of good quality and good value and also came with good service. We have used Thames Valley Securitek for over 10 years for their expertise but also for their reliability and friendliness. We would highly recommend them.

    Review on Yell
  • ★★★★★

    TVS installed an alarm system and CCTV around my home. Everything from the first interaction was professional. The team were friendly, punctual and showed a commitment to keeping my property safe. Would definitely recommend this security company.

    Google review
  • ★★★★★

    Really happy with the cctv installed around my property, the quality of the equipment is great.

    Google review
  • ★★★★★

    We have been a customer of Thames Valley Securitek for 15+ years TVS have installed an alarm system in our previous home and we were so impressed with their professionalism and prompt level of service that we used them again to upgrade the alarm system on our new home. They are quick to respond to any queries and we would highly recommended their services. We will definitely use them again on the future 👍

    Google review
  • ★★★★★

    We recently had our office security system installed by TVS and the experience from the beginning has been great. The team and friendly, professional and easy to work with throughout. The equipment was installed neatly and looks professional. would recommend

    Google review
  • ★★★★★

    Highly recommend this security company, had them install CCTV and an alarm system at my home and the equipment looks great and is easy to operate.

    Google review
  • ★★★★★

    Excellent, friendly service.

    Google review
  • ★★★★★

    Really pleased with this small business. I’ve used them for multiple properties over the years. Pay a monthly direct debit for a contract. Always prompt to answer any questions and very quick to visit if needed. Highly recommend Simon, Jonathan and Jeremy!

    Google review

Read all our Google reviews →

Thames Valley Securitek Ltd has protected homes across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire for over 20 years. We’re SSAIB accredited and local, based in Mytchett. Call 01252 312660 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5:30pm) or send us a message, and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation visit.