Your home is your sanctuary, and you want it to remain safe. There are many home security devices that can deter burglars, and you can also use common sense to better protect your property.
Don’t leave spare keys lying around, and be cautious about who you let inside your home – even gardeners and house cleaners can pose a risk. Getting to know your neighbors can help, too, as they may spot suspicious activity. Top home warranty companies will tell you that a home security may be worth investing in to protect your home.
1. Lock Your Doors and Windows
Your doors and windows are the most likely entry points for burglars, so keeping them secure is a great first step to protecting your home. Start by locking all doors, especially the front door and any ground-level windows. You should also lock gates, sheds and other outdoor structures to prevent theft from those areas.
If you have a spare key under the flowerpot or doormat, consider moving it somewhere safer. Burglars are well-aware of these popular hiding spots and will check them as their first step before entering your home.
For extra protection, install a security system that can alert you when someone’s trying to get into your house. It also comes with handy tips and smart products that can deter thieves from targeting your home.
2. Upgrade Your Locks
One of the most basic ways to prevent burglary is by having strong, secure locks. Having a residential locksmith install new locks that feature deadbolts and strike plates can make it much harder for a criminal to break into your home.
Many older locks are easy to jimmy, making them an attractive target for thieves. However, modern locks are more difficult to pick and have features like anti-lock bumping to protect against this common technique used by burglars to get into homes.
If you want to make your doors even more secure, have a locksmith lengthen set screws in the strike plate and hinges to 3 inches. This will make it more difficult for someone to kick in a door and will discourage them from trying.
3. Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight
Burglaries often happen in minutes, so it’s important to keep cash, jewelry and other valuables out of sight. Whether you’re at home, the gym or even on vacation, you can use everyday items to camouflage your belongings for extra protection.
Picture frames and wall art are ingenious hiding spots because they can conceal cash, jewelry and other valuables. Choose ones that blend in with your decor to make them less noticeable.
Kitchen cupboards are another smart hiding spot because they’re filled with food boxes and other supplies. You can stack them with cash or other valuables to create
a diversion that burglars won’t notice. Even empty shampoo bottles and spice jars can be used to hide small items. Just be sure to clean out the containers thoroughly before storing them with your valuables.
4. Make it Look Like You’re Home at All Times
When people leave their homes for work or vacation, it’s important to keep in mind that burglars are opportunistic and look for easy targets. Luckily, there are some simple steps that can be taken to make your home less attractive to criminals.
For example, you can use a vacation lighting system that allows you to set the time of day your interior lights will turn on and off. Some of these systems also have dimming options and other nuanced settings that can really add to the illusion that someone is home.
Another trick is to have a trusted neighbor or family member collect your mail, and don’t post details about your trip on social media or in public notices. Finally, joining a neighborhood watch program is an effective way to help deter crime and make your community safer.
5. Install Strategic Lighting
The elements can be hard on your home. Rain, hail and snow can cause leaks that wreak havoc on your walls and ceilings. Insufficient protection against the sun can cause hardwood floors to warp or fade, and excessive dry heat can suck moisture from your soil, weakening the foundation that holds your home up.
There are many things you can do to protect your home. Some of them are inexpensive and easy, while others require you to rethink your lifestyle habits. Regardless, making your home safer and greener will benefit everyone in it and the planet that it sits on. Start by securing your doors and windows, setting your lights on timers and getting rid of dangerous chemicals. From there, you can take more steps to better protect your home from both the elements and criminals.