A secure home reduces the risk of robbery. And for this there are many tricks, not necessarily expensive, that can be used.
If you’re looking to increase the security of your home, there’s no shortage of options for you. Home automation has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with products for every need and every budget, and plenty of proactive measures to take in your home. Here is a short guide with 10 fairly simple and affordable tips to protect your home.
1. Protect your doors and windows
Locking doors and windows is the first and easiest defense against intruders, but you still have to do it all the time. Robbers are looking for easy targets. Even when you are at home, it is recommended that you lock your doors and windows. And before leaving the house, make sure everything is closed.
Some devices can help you know if it’s closed. There are door and window sensors that can detect if an opening is left open, and connected locks that can be programmed to automatically lock at a specific time. Hence our next tip.
2. Upgrade your locks
Locking doors and windows is not necessarily enough if you don’t have the proper locks. Make sure all your external accesses are locked. And while you’re at it, make sure the window frames and hinges are strong enough. Finally, you might want to consider investing in connected locks.
3. Buy a home security system
Installing a home security system is one of the most effective ways to prevent an intruder from entering your home and alert you if they do. If a burglar sees a camera or a sign indicating that you have a security system, chances are he is already on his way.
Security cameras are also a good option for adding an extra layer of protection. They can alert you if there is movement in the yard or in front of your door, and door and window sensors will let you know if someone has entered or attempted to enter. Some systems may even alert the police for you.
And there are many very affordable solutions.
4. Hide your valuables
Some burglars may conduct reconnaissance before entering your home to make sure valuables are in their hands. Therefore, it is better not to store them where thieves can easily find them. For example, don’t leave your tools or bikes outside, close your garage door, keep electronics, wallets, jewelry, and other items away from windows. You may also want to consider adding curtains or other blackout systems to your windows.
5. Install outdoor lighting
Burglars don’t want to show themselves. Outdoor lighting creates just such an impression. A very simple solution to scare off a potential burglar. Invest in lighting with motion detection. The sudden turning on of the light is sure to scare off an intruder.
And if you want to take it one step further, there are plenty of outdoor security cameras on the market.
6. Lock up your garage
Many people protect their homes and simply forget about their garage. The latter can be an easy entry point into your home. Make sure all doors and windows to it are locked. Get in the habit of keeping your garage door opener in the house and not in your car or any other easily accessible place. Also, try to keep the inner door that connects your garage to your house locked. Thus, if a burglar asks to enter your garage, it will be difficult for him to break into your home.
It is also possible to install a connected opening/closing system. This allows you to check the status of your garage door when you are away, control it remotely, and schedule it to close at a specific time.
7. Be careful when hiding a spare key
Keeping a spare key is a good idea. But not under a flower pot next to the entrance or under a rug. Instead, leave it to a neighbor or trusted friend. And if you really need to keep it in your garden, look for a well-hidden alternative. There is no shortage of options. Be creative.
8. Imagine there is someone in your house
Most burglars will refuse to break into your home if you are there. They prefer an empty house in order to act quickly. Pretending that someone is always there is a good option.
During the day, this may involve leaving a light or TV inside. When you’re away for longer, make sure a neighbor or family member picks up your mail, an overflowing mailbox is a sign that the house isn’t livable.
Connected bulbs can have a more convincing effect: many models can be programmed to simulate presence.
9. Consider buying a safe
In a perfect world, no burglar would ever break into your home. Unfortunately, we do not live in such a world. The risk of being robbed is very real. And in this case, you want to limit losses as much as possible.
Consider buying a safe to store money, jewelry, important documents, and other valuables. For larger ones, hide them as much as possible. Robbers want to be fast, the slightest cover can be useful.
10. Scare off thieves as soon as you enter
Home security extends to your outside entrance, which also means protecting your delivered packages. Package theft is very common, especially at the end of the holidays, and many packages are left there in front of the door of the house for long hours, attracting thieves.
There are several ways to keep your parcels safe. You can invest in a locked box or a mailbox sensor – a small accessory that attaches to the box to alert you when it’s opened, a sign of the mailman’s passage. You can also ask for a signature upon delivery so that the parcels are not left alone until you return home.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to be the victim of a burglary. Following these tips will deter burglars as much as possible and ensure the safety of your family and property. You can take it step by step in securing your home, step by step. Each of these help increase the overall level of security in your home.