Statistics show that a home burglary occurs in the US every 15 seconds. This means that roughly 4,800 homes are broken into every single day. That is A LOT of homes. Many of these home burglaries happen between the hours when most people are at work, which makes sense. Most homeowners only have minimal security measures in their home to actually prevent a break-in from occurring.
While a home burglary is not probably on your mind, you definitely want to make sure that you take steps to protect your home and property. After all, you worked hard for it and deserve to be able to come home after work and enjoy what is yours.
After you read this blog, we encourage you to think about your home and your current security measures. Do you feel safe? Would a burglar be able to get into your home?
Below, we will provide you with several steps that you can take to improve your home’s security and make it a safer place for you and your family.
Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked
It seems pretty obvious, right? While it may, there are a large number of people who do not lock their doors or windows when they leave. In fact, up to a third of the home burglaries that occur happen through doors and windows that are unlocked.
Sometimes, it can be hard to remember to keep your doors locked, especially if you are used to leaving them unlocked. A smart lock might be a good investment for you as you can control the locks on your doors right from your phone’s app.
In addition, if you do not have window locks, you may want to consider purchasing window alarms. These alarms are triggered when the window is slid open past a certain point. This would definitely deter a burglar, even if the window is unlocked.
Motion Detection Lighting
While most burglaries do happen during the day time hours, this does not mean that they do not happen in the evening or at night. Research has shown that motion detection lights can help deter a burglar and prevent a burglary from occurring.
These types of lights are easy to install and very affordable. You can pick some up at your local home improvement store for around $15 a piece or so.
Install a Home Alarm System
Homes that are equipped with an alarm system are less likely to be burglarized. Often times, a simple sign in the front yard saying your home is protected is enough. If you do opt to have a system installed, make sure you have one that is hooked up to the local police station, so that they are notified if an incident does occur and they can check it out for you.
There are many options for home security systems, and many are affordable these days. Take some time to shop around and compare your options between a self-initiated one and one through a home security company.
Reinforce Your Sliding Door
Sliding doors are unfortunately easy to break into and many people forget to lock these doors. If you have one, you should consider reinforcing it with a simple household item. For example, laying a broomstick handle or a bar in the track can prevent the door from being slid open, even if the lock is picked.
If you can, add another lock to the top of the sliding door as well. Often times, you can add a lock that has a bar that slides in and out of an opening that will stop the door from moving or being slid open when it is in place.
Hide Spare Keys
Yes, it is nice to have a spare key lying around when you need it, but if it is in an obvious place, a burglar can find it too. Leaving the spare anywhere near the front door is a surefire way to invite a burglar into your home.
If you have a spare key and need to leave it outside somewhere, choose a place that no one is going to think to look for it. Consider a lockbox hidden somewhere that will allow you to safely keep it hidden and secure should someone else find the lockbox itself.
Cameras
Ah, good ole cameras. They are perfect for keeping an eye on your home and monitoring who accesses your property. Security cameras are a deterrent in most cases and if your cameras are in an obvious place or you have signs related to being on camera, burglars will likely avoid your home altogether. After all, they do not want to be caught.
Today, you are able to get your hands on good security camera sets for your home. You have many options from wireless to hard wired to some that only record motion to others that record everything to those that utilize an online cloud and others that have a DVR. Your options are pretty endless. The price range for these systems is quite affordable from under $50 all the way up to hundreds of dollars.
Many homeowners like having security cameras as it gives them a sense of control and empowerment to know what is going on at all times. Many homeowners also enjoy having a Ring doorbell that allows them to talk to someone who comes up to the door.
Don’t Forget Your Shred and Garage
Okay, so you have worked to secure your home, but did you think about the shed or garage? Ah-ha. We caught you. Most people do not, so you are not alone.
Many people keep valuable possessions in these areas such as expensive tools or lawn equipment and these items can be very lucrative to the right burglar. Make sure you keep your garage door and shed door locked and protected just as you would your home. Forgetting to do this could mean that a burglar is able to make entry and take some of your items.
Keep Large Purchases Under Wraps
You don’t want to be an advertisement for burglars. Many burglars keep their eye out on what people put out at the side of the curb. For example, after Christmas, if you have boxes of large TV or expensive items, you have just become a target for a burglar.
If you do make a large purchase, keep it quiet. Do not advertise it to people and make sure that you take the box and cut it up or stuff it into your trash can so that others cannot see it.
Valuables Should Go in a Safe
Burglars can make their way into your home no matter what it is that you do, even when you do take special measures to protect your things. To help you keep your valuables best secured, consider keeping them in a safe inside your home. The safe can be placed somewhere hidden so that it is not obvious to others. Should the burglar find the safe, they will not be able to get into it and the likelihood that they even bother taking it with them is slim.
You can bolt the safe down in place too as an extra added layer of protection.
Make It Appear As Someone Is Home
Giving the false sense that someone is home is usually enough to keep a burglar away. You can easily make it seem this way by keeping a light on inside or even having the TV on while you are away. If you have an extra car that is not in use, leave it in your driveway.
Keeping Your Home Secure Doesn’t Have to Be Costly
There are many steps and measures you can take to ensure your home is completely protected while you are away. Of course, there is no method that will 100% guarantee your home will not be broken into but it can reduce the chances.
The above steps are not only easy things you can implement, but they are also quite affordable and will not set you back in your budget.
What home security ideas did you like the most? What ideas do you plan to implement to keep your home safe?