Home burglary is a daunting thought no one wants to face, but as homeowners, it’s our responsibility to take steps to deter burglars and make our homes more secure. The first line of defense against intruders is, of course, locking your doors and windows consistently. However, there’s much more to enhance your home security and keep potential burglars at bay.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various strategies to secure your home effectively, focusing on door and window security, smart locks, home security systems, hiding valuables, outdoor lighting, garage security, and more. We’ll also touch upon the importance of making it appear like someone is home when you’re away, installing safes, and preventing porch theft.
Best Choices for Door and Window Security
1. Secure your doors and windows
The fundamental step in deterring burglars is ensuring your doors and windows are always locked. Even when you’re at home, it’s a good practice to keep them secured. Consider using door and window sensors to monitor entryways. Smart locks can also be scheduled to lock automatically at specific times.
2. Upgrade your door locks
Locking your doors and windows isn’t enough if you don’t have high-quality locks. Ensure all exterior doors have a deadbolt to make it harder for intruders to break in. Consider upgrading to smart locks, allowing you to control access remotely.
3. Buy a home security system
Installing a home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars. Homes without security systems are more likely to be targeted. Security cameras and door/window sensors can alert you to any unusual activity and, depending on the system, can also notify authorities.
Additional Burglar Deterrents
4. Keep your valuables hidden
Burglars often scout houses for visible valuables. Avoid leaving expensive items in plain sight, close your garage door, and consider installing window treatments. This simple step can reduce the temptation for burglars.
5. Install outdoor lighting
Outdoor lights can deter burglars by making them feel exposed. Motion-sensor lights are a great choice as they illuminate when detecting movement. Outdoor security cameras can also enhance your security.
6. Lock your garage
Don’t overlook your garage’s security. Ensure all doors and windows to your garage are locked, keep your garage door opener in your house, and lock the interior door leading to your home.
7. Be smart about your hide-a-key
Avoid common hiding places for spare keys, such as under the doormat. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or use a concealed combination lockbox.
8. Make it look like someone is home
Burglars prefer empty homes. To deter them, leave interior lights or a TV on during the workday. When on vacation, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and consider using smart lights for a more convincing effect.
9. Consider buying a safe
Invest in a safe or lockbox to protect cash, jewelry, important documents, and other valuables. Make it challenging for thieves to quickly steal your belongings.
10. Deter theft on your front porch
Porch piracy is on the rise, with packages often left unattended. Prevent theft by investing in a porch lockbox, mailbox sensor, or requiring a signature upon delivery.
Understanding Burglary and Prevention
To effectively deter burglars, it’s essential to understand their motivations and patterns. Most burglaries occur during the day when homes are empty, making it crucial to take preventive measures, such as using timers for lights, securing doors and windows, and using security systems.
The front door is the primary point of entry for burglars, with a staggering 34% checking the doorknob and entering. This highlights the importance of having a secure front door.
Locking The Front Door
Locking the front door is the most basic yet effective method of deterring burglars. A secure deadbolt is essential, as it makes it significantly harder for intruders to force their way in. Investing in high-quality door locks, such as a deadbolt, is the first step in ensuring your front door provides the security you need.
Additional Burglar Deterrents
- Outdoor Lighting: Installing motion-sensor lights or timed lights in your outdoor areas can deter burglars by making them feel exposed in the darkness.
- Security Cameras: Surveillance cameras can help you monitor your property and deter potential intruders. The presence of cameras alone can discourage criminals.
- Alarm System: A home alarm system can notify authorities when a breach is detected, providing an active security measure that can deter burglars.
- Good Neighbors: Building strong relationships with your neighbors can create a sense of community security. Neighbors can watch over your home when you’re away, making it less attractive to burglars.
- Pets: Dogs, in particular, can act as effective deterrents. Their barking and acute senses can alert you to potential threats and deter burglars.
Hire A Locksmith
Locksmiths play a crucial role in enhancing home security. They can recommend and install high-security locks, ensuring your doors are properly secured. Their expertise in door and window security makes them valuable partners in your efforts to deter burglars.
In conclusion, securing your home is a multi-faceted endeavor, encompassing door and window security, the use of smart locks, home security systems, and other preventive measures. By understanding the psychology of burglars and implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary and enhance the safety of your home. For expert assistance, consider consulting a locksmith to reinforce your home’s security effectively.
Deter burglars, protect your home, and enjoy peace of mind with these proven security measures. Make it a priority to secure your home today.
