When it comes to home security, there are a lot of things to think about. You want to ensure your family is safe, but you also don’t want your home to look and feel like a fortress.
According to the FBI, a burglary happens every minute in the United States—that’s over 2,000 per day. And while it’s impossible to eliminate your risk of being burglarized completely, there are also some simple things you can do to make your home less attractive to thieves and help keep your family safe.
Here are some simple tips that will help increase your home security and give you peace of mind.
1. Get to know your neighbors.
This step is one of the best things you can do to deter burglars. If they see that you know your neighbors and there’s a sense of community in your neighborhood, they’re less likely to target your home. Burglars are looking for an easy target, and an area that looks out for each other is not an easy target.
Try to get to know your neighbors and build relationships with them. This way, you’ll be more likely to look out for each other and report suspicious activity to the police. You should also see if there is a neighborhood watch or similar program in your area. This can be a great way to get to know your neighbors and make your neighborhood a less attractive target for burglars.
2. Make your home look occupied.
One of the biggest things that makes a home attractive to burglars is the appearance that no one is home. If your home looks like no one is there, it’s an easy target. But you can do some simple things to make your home look occupied, even when you’re not there.
For example, you can put lights on timers to turn on and off at different times. This will make it look like someone is home, even when they’re not. You can also get a dog, which can be a great deterrent (just make sure to keep them in a fenced-in yard so they can’t be used as a tool for burglars).
3. Secure your doors and windows.
One of the most common ways burglars break into homes is through an unlocked door or window. Don’t make it easy for them—ensure all your doors and windows are locked, even when you’re home. Check every door and window to make sure the locks are engaged.
It would be best if you also didn’t forget about your garage door. The garage is one of the most common places where burglars break into homes, so it’s essential to ensure your garage door is locked. Never ignore a malfunctioning garage door — getting expert garage door repair service right away is crucial to ensure your home is secure.
4. Invest in a home security system.
A home security system is one of the best things you can do to secure your home. Not only will it deter burglars, but it will also alert the authorities if someone does break into your home. There are a lot of different home security systems on the market, so you’ll need to do some research to find the one that’s right for you.
Some popular home security systems include security cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. You can also get a home security system that a professional company monitors. This type of system is more expensive, but it gives you peace of mind knowing that someone is always watching your home.
5. Install a fence.
Although a fence is not a guarantee that your home won’t be broken into, it is a deterrent. Burglars are less likely to target a house with a fence because it makes the home more challenging to break into. If you have a fence, ensure it’s in good condition, and the locks are working.
You should also ensure your fence is tall enough that burglars can’t simply climb over it. A 6-foot-tall fence is a good option, but taller is better. Opt for a material that’s difficult to climb, such as chain link or wrought iron.
6. Keep your valuables out of sight.
Finally, one of the best things you can do to secure your home is to keep your valuables out of sight. If burglars can see your valuables through a window, they’re more likely to target your home. So, keep your valuables in a place where they can’t be seen from the outside, such as a safe or a locked cabinet.
You should also avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your home. If you need to keep some money on hand, ensure it’s in a secure location, such as a safe.
By following these simple tips, you can increase the security of your home and make it less attractive to burglars. Keep your family safe by taking these precautions to ensure your home is as secure as possible.
