Lock Your Doors! 10 Home Security Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

In this day and age of porch pirates and home invasions, you want to make sure your home is as secure as possible.

Remember, prior planning prevents poor performance, so being proactive will save you a lot of grief. For more information on securing your home, check out these ten helpful tips!

1. Don’t Cheap Out on Locks

While this may seem like simple advice, your door and window locks are your first line of defense against theft. A grade one deadbolt can withstand ten strikes of 75 pounds of force, making it much harder to break in.

Window locks also have a vital role to play in keeping your home safe. Pin locks prevent your windows from being lifted, while sensors alert you to any strange activity taking place.

2. Keep Your Porch Free of Mail and Packages

If your mailbox or letter slot is overflowing, this is a clear sign that no one is home to take care of it. If you are going away for an extended period, ask a friend to collect your mail for you.

Leaving packages unattended for long periods will also raise your risk of porch pirates. It takes very little time for someone to pull up, grab your stuff, and drive away. Consider installing a video doorbell to catch any would-be thieves in the act.

3. Consider Installing Automated Lighting and Timers

Installing smart light bulbs isn’t just good for your wallet; it helps your security as well.

By placing the bulb in a street-facing window, you can turn lights on and off from your cellphone. All you need is an internet connection. Add some timers for your radio or TV and your home will look occupied at all times.

4. Place Security Signs and Decals in Easy to Spot Locations

Even if you don’t have a security system, putting up stickers and signs that indicate your home is under surveillance is a good idea.

Studies have shown that burglars will think twice about trying to rob a house with visible security signs in plain view. Contact a security company to find out more about your options for installing a system that will protect your home.

5. Make Sure That Your Shrubs and Bushes Aren’t Working Against You

While there is something to be said for plants improving your curb appeal, large bushes near the foundation of your home can make it less secure.

Thieves look at dense shrubs and see an opportunity for them to break into your house, while not being spotted from the road. If your plants are overgrown, it can also be a sign that no-one will be coming to disturb them while they rob your home.

Make sure to remove any large plants that someone could use to hide while casing your house. You should also consider replacing them with thorny bushes as a further deterrent.

6. Don’t Leave Keys or Garage Door Openers in Obvious Places

While it may seem like leaving a spare key under a doormat or flower pot is a good idea, it is also pronounced.

The same goes for the fake rocks and other store-bought methods for storing keys. Any experienced criminal will know where you are most likely to hide a key. Instead, you should consider leaving a spare key with a friend or trusted neighbor who lives nearby.

You should also make sure to not leave keys or garage door openers out in the open or near any doors or windows. Keep them stored in a cabinet or drawer and keep them away from prying eyes.

7. Avoid Letting Everyone Know What Your Plans Are via Social Media

While social media may be great for keeping in touch with friends and family, it can also be a double-edged sword.

If you are the type of person who obsessively updates your social media with your schedule and location, you are creating a timetable for criminals to rob you.

If the whole world knows that you are going on a week-long vacation or that you always eat out for dinner, it’s easy for a criminal to know when to rob you. Consider waiting until after you get back from vacation to post about it. Otherwise, you are letting the whole world know that your home is unsecured.

8. Make Sure to Lock Your Garage and Shed Doors

Always close your garage door or shed whenever you leave the house. This will prevent anyone from seeing any valuable items and come back to steal them later. Any items like costly bikes or expensive grills should be chained up and secured with a padlock.

You should also always lock the door from the garage into the house. Sadly, it is all too common that interior doors remain unlocked despite other security measures. If someone does manage to get into the garage, the chances are good that they can break into your home unless you secure the entryway properly.

9. Put All Tools and Ladders Away

If you leave a ladder outside along with a sledgehammer or pry bar, you only have yourself to blame if someone uses them to break into your home. Any heavy tools or means of access left unsecured can easily be used against you.

10. Install Motion Activated Lights and Place Them Near Each Point of Entry

If your porch lights are left on day and night, you are not only wasting electricity. You are inviting unwanted attention. By installing automated lights with infrared sensors, you can save money and protect your house.

Even the most daring criminal will think twice about breaking into your home when they are suddenly lit up. The motion sensor lights will also give the impression that someone is home and cause most burglars to run for the hills.

Securing Your Home With A Little Planning and Attention to Detail

You can easily make securing your home easier with a small investment of time and money. If you could help protect your home and family, why wouldn’t you take these simple steps to do so?

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