Home burglaries can be a scary and traumatic experience. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a burglary, there are steps you can take to make your home less attractive to burglars.
Here are 9 simple ways to secure your home and deter burglars:
1. Keep Your Yard Neat and Tidy
A messy and cluttered yard can be a potential sign that your home is an easy target for burglars. In contrast, a well-maintained yard can help deter burglars from attempting to break into your home.
Overgrown trees and bushes can provide cover for a potential burglar. Make sure your lawn is mowed, and shrubs and trees are trimmed to avoid giving burglars a place to hide.
You can also use landscaping to your advantage by planting thorny bushes around your windows and doors. Adding fence toppings can provide an additional layer of protection.
2. Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a simple yet effective way to make your home less attractive to burglars. Thieves typically target homes that are dark and poorly lit.
Install motion sensor lights around the exterior of your home to make it harder for criminals to approach undetected. Motion-activated lights can surprise burglars and make them feel exposed, so they’re more likely to leave and look for an easier target.
Installing a simple motion-activated floodlight above the front door or garage can make a huge difference.
Just make sure you install the motion sensor lights at least 10 feet high, otherwise, burglars may reach it and damage it.
Also, consider using timer switches to turn lights on and off when you’re away from home.
3. Be Careful What Information You Share on Social Media
Posting on social media when you’re away from home can be a dangerous mistake. Burglars can use this information to know when you’re not home and target your home accordingly.
To prevent a home invasion, it’s best to avoid posting vacation photos or updates until you’re back home.
4. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Leaving valuable items like jewelry, cash, and electronics in plain view from the windows or doors can attract burglars. Keeping curtains and blinds closed can be a good start.
I also highly recommend that you invest in a home safe, or hide your valuables in unexpected places. These steps will provide added security.
Here are the best uncommon secret places to hide a safe and here you’ll find the worst places to hide your valuables. Make sure you check them out.
5. Secure Your Doors and Windows
Unsecured doors and windows are an open invitation to burglars. Make sure your doors and windows are made of sturdy materials and have secure locks. Check out this article to learn how you can secure your windows without bars.
As a first step make sure the hinges and strike plates of your doors are strong and secure. Here’s how you can effectively reinforce your strike plates.
Consider installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and adding reinforcing bars to sliding glass doors. If you want to make your door resistant to kick-ins, check out this guide.
To burglar-proof a window, you can also use security film to make it more resistant to break-ins.
6. Use Smart Home Security Systems
Smart home security systems are becoming increasingly popular and for a good reason. They help prevent burglaries by providing a high level of security and allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere, at any time.
With a smart security system, you can receive alerts on your smartphone if someone attempts to break into your home.
Also, thieves will spot that you have a home security system installed, and they’re less likely to risk being busted.
Install Security Cameras
Security cameras are an effective way to deter burglars and provide evidence in case of a break-in. Install cameras at the entry points of your home and consider using a doorbell camera to see who is at your front door.
Make sure your cameras are visible, so potential burglars know that they are being watched.
7. Display Security Signs and Stickers
Security signs and stickers can be a cheap and effective way to deter criminals from attempting to break into your home. This is one of the simplest ways to make your home less attractive to burglars.
Even if you don’t have an alarm system installed, displaying signs and stickers may prevent burglary by making criminals think twice about targeting your home.
8. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Neighbors can be a valuable asset in preventing burglaries. They can keep an eye out for suspicious activity when you’re not home and alert you if anything seems amiss.
Forming a neighborhood watch program or investing in a shared security system can have many benefits in protecting your home and deterring burglars.
9. Use Common Sense
Common sense is perhaps the most effective way to make your home less attractive to burglars.
- Always lock your doors and windows, even if you’re just leaving for a short period. An unlocked door makes your home an easy target for any burglar.
- Don’t leave spare keys outside or in obvious places like under a doormat or flowerpot.
- Don’t advertise your absence on social media and be cautious about who you give access to your home.
+1 Get a Guard Dog
Dogs are a popular choice for home security and for a good reason. A barking dog can be an effective deterrent for burglars, and many burglars will avoid homes with dogs.
If you’re considering getting a dog, choose a guard dog that is trained to protect your home and family.
Wrapping It All Up
As a homeowner, it is vital to take proactive measures to secure your home and deter burglars.
By implementing the tips outlined in this article, you can make your home less attractive to burglars and deter them from attempting to break into your home.
Keep in mind that no security measure is foolproof, and it’s important to remain vigilant and use common sense to protect your home and family.
Check out this article for more home security tips.
FAQs
Is it necessary to install a security system to protect my home from burglars?
Installing a security system is not a necessity, but it can be an effective way to deter burglars and provide peace of mind. There are many affordable options available, including smart home security systems that can be controlled from your smartphone.
Can I use fake security signs and stickers to deter burglars?
While using fake security signs and stickers may deter some burglars, it’s not a guaranteed solution. Some burglars may be able to tell the signs and stickers are fake.
How can I make sure my security cameras are effective in deterring burglars?
Make sure your security cameras are visible and installed in strategic locations, such as entry points and areas with high foot traffic. Additionally, make sure your cameras are connected to a recording system and regularly checked to ensure they are functioning properly.
How can I make my home more secure without spending a lot of money?
There are many affordable ways to secure your home, such as installing deadbolts on exterior doors, using timer switches to turn lights on and off, and keeping your yard neat and tidy. It’s important to assess your home’s security weaknesses and prioritize the most effective and affordable solutions.
Is it necessary to get a guard dog to protect my home?
Getting a guard dog is not necessary, but it can be an effective way to deter burglars and provide additional security for your home. However, keep in mind that getting a dog is a long-term commitment, and you’ll need to provide proper training and care.
