Home security is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Thieves are always looking for easy targets and opportunities to break into your property and steal your valuables. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to deter them and make your home safer. Here are five tips to protect your home from thieves:
1. Lock it or lose it
This one may seem obvious, but many people do not lock all doors and windows before they leave their home.
This gives thieves an easy access point to enter your home without any resistance.
Make sure you have sturdy locks on all entry points, including sliding doors, garage doors, and basement windows. You can also add a second lock or a deadbolt for extra security.
Don’t forget to lock your gates and fences as well.
2. Install a home alarm system
A home alarm system is one of the best ways to protect your home from thieves.
It can alert you and the authorities if someone tries to break into your home, as well as scare off potential intruders with loud sirens and flashing lights.
You can choose from different types of alarm systems, such as wired or wireless, monitored or unmonitored, or smart or traditional.
You can also add cameras, motion sensors, door sensors, window sensors, and other features to enhance your security.
3. Go for the ‘lived-in’ look
Thieves often target homes that look empty or unoccupied. They may look for signs such as piled-up mail, newspapers, flyers, or trash cans; dark windows; overgrown lawns; or no cars in the driveway.
To make your home look lived-in even when you’re away, you can use timers or smart devices to turn on lights, radios, TVs, or other appliances at random intervals.
You can also ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail, take out your trash cans, park their car in your driveway⁵, or even stay at your house while you’re gone.
4. Be careful with your keys
The easiest way for burglars to enter your home is by using your own keys. Don’t hide spare keys under doormats, flower pots, rocks, or other obvious places where thieves can easily find them.
Instead, use a combination lock box and attach it to a fence post or an inconspicuous spot on your house. Don’t lend your keys to anyone you don’t trust, and change your locks if you lose them or suspect someone has copied them.
5. Keep valuables out of sight
Thieves are attracted by shiny objects and expensive items that they can easily grab and sell.
Don’t leave valuables such as jewelry, cash, laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, or guns in plain view through windows or doors.
Store them in a safe place such as a locked drawer, cabinet, closet, or safe. You can also use curtains, blinds, or shades to block the view from outside.
If you have large items such as bikes, tools, or lawn equipment that you store outside, make sure they are locked up with chains or cables.
By following these five simple tips, you can protect your home from thieves and enjoy peace of mind.