Adequately Safeguard Your House With 7 Useful Tips

Everyone wants to attain the sense of security that comes along with knowing that their home, loved ones and valuables are properly protected. Whether simply living your everyday life or traveling around the world, you want to make sure that you are safeguarding the things that matter the most. Wondering about your home’s security should not have to be at the forefront of your mind. Unfortunately, burglars are consistently looking to identify homes that they believe lack adequate security measures and thereby deem an easy target. These homes may have visible and easily accessible entry points, homeowners who do not often frequent the property or show signs that allude to the presence of net worthy items. One of the most beneficial things that a homeowner can do to mitigate a potential burglary is to be proactive. Knowing and implementing appropriate security measures can easily guard your home against any unwanted visitors.

Fake the Appearance of Being Home

Burglars are less likely to target homes when they believe that the homeowner or someone else is inside as this greatly minimizes their risk of getting caught. Maintaining the appearance of being home or illustrating the façade of a changing schedule can trick burglars into believing that robbing your house will be more of a hassle than a reward. If possible, refrain from having your house look out of place compared to that of your other neighbors within the community. Given that most people collect their deliveries in a timely manner, an overflow of mail, newspapers and packages may be a key indicator that your home is empty. Rescheduling drop-offs of this nature can easily prevent such a pileup. Placing timers on lamps and other electronic devices can also aid in giving the illusion that someone is home. Sporadic usage of these devices can create the notion that not only is your home occupied but that you do not operate on a fixed schedule. A lit-up house makes it much easier for others to see if something out of the ordinary is occurring in your house.

Hide Sentimental and Valuable Items

Window shopping is a well-known phenomenon. People see something that sparks their interest and they instinctively want to go look at and purchase it. Burglars operate in a similar fashion; the key difference being that they are looking to steal rather than buy. Moving expensive items, antiques and other valuables out of plain sight can help lower the likelihood that a robber will see something worth taking. Locking items in a safe, moving them behind walls or closed doors and covering them with drapes are easy and cost-efficient ways to protect your belongings. A similar approach should also be taken with the exterior of your home. Stray items such as toys or expensive equipment on the lawn or in the driveway should be removed as they can lure individuals to your property. Storing these items either indoors or in the garage can help prevent attracting any unwanted attention. Eliminating any temptations for robbers is crucial.

Use Proper Locking Devices

Unlocked doors and windows are an open invitation for burglars. Properly securing all entryways with sturdy and reliable locks is a simple yet effective way to protect your home. Whether it be through the use of an everyday lock and key, finger touch access system or a digital keypad, it is imperative that a functioning locking mechanism be utilized. Locked entryways force burglars to spend valuable time attempting to gain access to your home and increase their overall level of exposure. Home and apartment door locks are your first line of defense when it comes to home security. Locks varying in different sizes, shapes and prices can easily be found online or at any local hardware store.

Utilize an Exterior Lighting System

When it comes to burglary, darkness can be an intruder’s best friend. The lack of light provides the perfect coverage for individuals not wanting to be seen. Mounted lights near doors and windows and lighting along walking paths make an intruder’s entrance more noticeable. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated system, floodlights and motion sensors can be an excellent investment. Nothing helps draw more attention to a person than a spotlight aimed directly at them; exactly what any burglar is looking to avoid. Technology of this caliber not only scares off any burglars but can alert neighbors to the presence of any unwanted visitors. Advanced lighting systems can aid in easily finding anything out of the ordinary, thereby eliminating the need for anyone to scrounge around outside in the dark with a flashlight. Excess light can be viewed as an added security blanket that works to prevent individuals from even approaching your home.

Keep Your House Visible

Even though heavy landscaping and area fencing can help make your home feel more intimate and secluded on a day-to-day basis, these can also serve as a way for burglars to evade detection. Trees, hedges, playhouses and other structures can provide the perfect place for an intruder to hide. Limiting the number of areas that could potentially provide cover for an intruder can lessen your chances of being robbed. Clear sight lines not only increase a burglar’s chances of getting caught, but it also makes it easier for neighbors or passerby to notice anything amiss.

Install Solid Doors

Locks and alarm systems can only go so far in protecting your home. Although glass doors can serve as a decorative art feature, the security that they provide can be less than optimal. Doors with glass paneling or cutouts are an easy way for a burglar to quickly gain entrance to your home. Rather than spending time picking a lock or working to dismantle an alarm system, an intruder can quickly break the glass and open the door from the inside. Installing solid doors made from wood, steel or other materials can reinforce the door and strengthen the barrier to your home.

Ditch Spare Keys

Spare keys often come in handy if you are accidentally locked out of the house. As a result, many homeowners have an extra key hidden somewhere within close proximity to the front door. This is a concept known to homeowners and burglars alike. Burglars know that extra keys are placed in readily accessible and easy to reach places. If a likely hiding spot can be easily detected by a burglar then they may be more willing to stick around and look for the spare key. Eliminating the use of the spare key can help secure your property and home from any unwelcome guests. Reducing the ways in which a burglar can gain access to your house is essential.

Everyone takes different measures when it comes to the safety of their home. Comfort levels, finances and availability of resources play an integral role in the level of protection that homeowners choose to utilize. Although there are multiple ways to protect your home, it is important that you remain aware of some of the common things that burglars may look for. Becoming knowledgeable of some of the simple tips and tricks relating to home security might just make all the difference when it comes to protecting yourself and your property from a burglary.