The average American spends about 90% of their time indoors. That’s why you need to make your home less of a target for burglars! You can do this by locking up at night and always using locks on upper story windows, as well as ensuring that you have security cameras installed in all the entry points to your property. If there are signs of forced entry (i.e., broken windows) but it appears nothing valuable has been stolen, take a closer look around your house because thieves may have been looking for something specific and decided not to take anything at all if they did not find it.
- Keep all doors and windows locked
- Use timers for lights
- Install a home security system
- Secure the yard
- Make your home look occupied
- Get to know your neighbors
- Secure your garage
- Get rid of any tools or ladders that are lying around nearby
- Trim the bushes
- Put lights on timers
- Take down your solar lights during the winter months
- Install cameras
- Avoid storing important documents like tax records or financial statements in plain sight
- Don’t leave spare keys hidden in the flower pot
- Think twice before inviting strangers into your home
Keep all doors and windows locked
Check them twice a day that they are still locked. A disarmed home is an easy target, so be sure to lock up at night to help prevent break-ins. Also, if you have locks on upper story windows, use them! Many burglars enter homes by climbing onto balconies or entering through second-floor windows.
Use timers for lights
By setting your outdoor lights on timers, you can make it appear like someone is home even when no one is there. This reduces the likelihood that thieves will try to break in while you’re gone because it makes it seem like someone is always around.
Install a home security system
A security camera system is one of the best ways to keep your home safe from burglars and other criminals. These systems typically include an alarm that will sound if someone tries to break into your home, as well as surveillance cameras that can help identify the thief.
Secure the yard
If you have anything of value lying around your front or back yard, thieves will see it as a prime target. Keep items hidden from sight, and install motion-activated lights to discourage criminals from lurking in your yard.
Make your home look occupied
If there are signs that someone is home while no one is, burglars are less likely to try breaking in because they know that a neighbor or passersby might see them committing a crime.
Get to know your neighbors
A neighborhood that looks like it is full of strangers will be a more attractive target for burglars than one where everyone knows each other and watches out for one another. So, reach out and get to know those who live around you!
Secure your garage
Make sure that thieves cannot easily break into your garage because this is often the easiest way for them to gain access to your home.
Get rid of any tools or ladders that are lying around nearby
Tools left outside indicate that no one is home, so if you have these kinds of items nearby, take them inside before heading off to work or going to town on vacation. If you do leave something lying around outside, make sure it is locked up.
Trim the bushes
Overgrown shrubs and large bushes near your windows or doors provide a hiding place where burglars can hide before breaking in. It is recommended that you keep these low enough to be able to see over from inside your home, as well as trim away anything that will provide a hiding space for criminals.
Put lights on timers
Motion-activated outdoor lighting is a good deterrent for both would-be intruders and animals that might prowl around at night looking for food or water. This kind of security lighting can make it more difficult for burglars to penetrate your yard without being detected.
Take down your solar lights during the winter months
Solar landscape lights are a great addition to your yard during the summer months, but they can indicate that you are not home if left up year round.
Install cameras
Security cameras help identify criminals and reduce insurance claims, but many people forget that these devices also serve as a very effective security system for your home. By installing them at all of the entry points to your property, you can ensure that anyone who tries to break in is easily caught on camera.
Avoid storing important documents like tax records or financial statements in plain sight
If there are signs of forced entry (i.e., broken windows) but it appears nothing valuable has been stolen, take a closer look around your house because thieves may have been looking for something specific and decided not to take anything at all if they did not find it.
Don’t leave spare keys hidden in the flower pot
If you do, make sure you know where you are hiding them so that no one else finds out the location! And, never hide a key under your mat or doormat.
Think twice before inviting strangers into your home
This is especially important when dealing with service people like plumbers and cable installers who may offer to fix something inside your house while you are away. It’s best to have someone let these individuals inside if needed so that they can be supervised at all times.
Making your home less of a target for burglars is important. Be sure to lock up at night and always use locks on upper story windows to help prevent break-ins. Also, if you have any valuables out in your front or backyard.
