Burglaries Happen Every 30 Seconds. Here’s How to Best Secure Your Home

Peace of mind is crucial. Not only is it important to know that your home or apartment is secure, but it is also important that you and your family feel safe in your own home. Although burglary rates are falling in the US, the FBI reports that burglaries still occur about every 30 seconds — in 2019 alone (the most recent year the FBI provided data), there were an estimated 1,117,696 burglaries.

Taking security measures can help you with that. Luckily, there are tons of home security options on the market. Out of home security systems or Devices to more budget-friendly DIY home security options, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent home invasions.

To help you with your home security checklist, we’ve put together a simple guide of the 10 best, easiest and most affordable steps you can take to protect your home and deter potential intruders from breaking in.

1. Secure your doors and windows

Locking your doors and windows is the first and easiest line of defense against intruders, but how many of us do it consistently? Burglars are often looking for easy targets, and an unlocked door or window is just that. Even if you’re at home, it’s good practice to keep it locked. And when you leave the house, double-check the first floor doors and windows to make sure they’re all secured.

Some devices can also help you keep track of your inputs. Door and window sensors can track whether a door or window has been left open, and smart locks can be scheduled to automatically lock at specific times. Which brings us to our next tip.

2. Update your door locks

Locking your doors and windows may not be enough if you don’t have quality locks. First, make sure all exterior doors have a bolt that makes it difficult for burglars to break in. While you’re at it, make sure your door frames and hinges are strong enough to withstand an attempted break-in – older doors or exposed hinges can pose an unnecessary risk. Finally, as mentioned above, you can upgrade to smart lockswhich you can activate remotely.

3. Buy a home security system

Install one home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars from entering and alert you when a break-in has occurred. Data shows that a home without a security system is about three times more likely to be broken into. If an intruder spots a security camera or sign indicating you have a security system, they’re likely to move on.

Security cameras for home are a great option to add another layer of home protection. Security cameras can alert you when there is movement in your yard or porch, and door and window sensors will let you know when someone has entered or is trying to enter your home. Depending on your security company, they may also notify law enforcement on your behalf.

Security systems don’t have to break the bank either. There is enough of affordable surveillance cameras and great DIY security systemsin addition to standalone devicesout there that you can install yourself on a budget.

4. Keep your valuables hidden

Some burglars can spot potential targets in advance and make sure they hit homes where they can get valuables. Because of this, it’s best not to keep your expensive items where burglars can easily see them walking by. For example, avoid leaving expensive tools or bicycles outside, close your garage door, and don’t leave expensive electronics, wallets, jewelry, cash, and other expensive items in front of open windows. You can also consider adding window treatments like curtains or blinds to keep spy eyes out.

5. Install outdoor lighting

Burglars don’t want to feel like they’re on display when they break into a home, and outdoor lights can help with that. Because these crimes are often casual, outdoor lights can encourage the intruder to keep moving. Instead of leaving your outdoor light on all the time, invest in motion sensor lights that illuminate the garden when they detect movement. The light will catch an intruder off guard, potentially scaring them off.

And if you want to go the extra mile, there are plenty of them Outdoor surveillance cameras on the market. From high-end devices to budget-friendly optionsstrengthening your video surveillance system can keep your loved ones and property as safe as possible.

6. Lock up your garage

People go to great lengths to secure their homes, but often forget about their garages altogether. Unfortunately, this can be an easy way to gain access to your home. First, make sure all regular doors and windows to your garage are locked. Next, you should consider keeping your garage door opener indoors and not in your car where someone could steal it. Finally, you should also keep the inner door from your garage to your house locked. That way someone breaking into your garage still can’t get into your house.

As with door locks, purchase an upgrade intelligent garage door opener is an option. With these devices you can check the status of your garage while you are away, control it remotely and have it closed at certain times.

7. Be smart with your hide and seek game

If you have a house key under your doormat or your porch flower pot, reconsider its placement. Burglars know these popular hiding places for spare keys and look there first. Instead, consider giving the extra key to a trusted neighbor or friend. If you must have a spare key outside of your home, look for safer alternatives like a hidden combination lock – or at least a discreet and unexpected location far from your door. A little more caution and mindfulness can go a long way in keeping your home safe.

8. Make it look like someone is home

Most burglars don’t want to enter your home while you’re there. They would rather find an empty house and be in and out of it as quickly as possible. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent intruders is to make it seem like someone is always home.

During the workday, this may mean leaving an indoor light or the television on. If you are away for a long time, e.g. For example, on vacation, make sure a neighbor or family member picks up your mail, as piling up of mail may indicate the homeowner will be away for a while.

Smart Lights can create an even more convincing effect: many can be programmed to turn on and off periodically to simulate that a person is at home.

9. Consider buying a safe

In a perfect world, intruders would never make it into your home, so you wouldn’t have to worry about your valuables being stolen. Unfortunately, even the best plans can go awry. And on the off chance that an intruder does break into your home, you want to make sure there’s as little as possible for him to steal.

First, consider buying a safe or locker where you can store things like cash, jewelry, important documents, and other items that you don’t want a thief to get away with. For larger items like electronics, you can make them more difficult to steal by storing them in a hidden location when you’re not using them. Thieves want to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible, so even the smallest deterrent can help.

10. Deter theft on your porch

It’s also important to remember home security extends to your porch and that means protecting your delivered packages from shelter Pirates on the porch. In the US alone, billions of packages are delivered each year — especially during the holiday season — and many of those delivered packages sit unattended for hours, attracting thieves. A recent study found that 43% of respondents said they stole a package in 2020, up from 36% in 2019.

With Piracy on the porch On the rise, there are several methods to keep your items safe such as: B. investing in a Porch locker or a mailbox sensor, a small device that plugs into your mailbox and notifies you when it’s opened. You could also require a signature upon delivery to prevent your packages from being left unattended until you get home.

The final result

Nobody wants to be the victim of a burglary. Implementing the tips on this checklist will help deter and deter burglars – and protect your family and property. You can start small and just pick a few things from this list to focus on. Once you’ve done these, you can move on to other items on the checklist. Every little improvement you make ensures your home and loved ones are that much safer.

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