Blog written by Guardline.
Did you know that home burglaries occur almost every 30 seconds in the U.S.? Well, the fact is, moving into a new home can be exciting, but keeping it safe from burglaries can prove to be a daunting task. You can install high-end security systems, but if someone wants to break into your home, they will do everything in their power to do so.
While there is no sure way to guarantee that your home will be free from danger, the best course of action should integrate the required preventive measures. Fortunately, today, affordable security cameras and DIY security systems are designed to deter theft in your home.
Here is a detailed insight into some of the best ways to protect you from home burglary:
Top 10 Home Burglary Prevention Tips
1. Buy a Home Security System
Studies reveal that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be broken into. These incredible devices help you monitor your home from the comfort of your laptop, desktop, or mobile phone. It is the most effective way to prevent intruders from breaking into your home.
Today, there is quite a wide range of security systems specially designed with sign indicators and security cameras to provide you with real-time surveillance. They are designed with features such as night vision, a recorder, and wifi. They are also capable of integrating with mobile devices to help you monitor your home remotely.
2. Lighting Is Everything
Apart from getting a good home security system, you need to ensure that your home is well-lit throughout the day and night. Technically, the last thing intruders would want is a bright light that will expose their identity.
A well-lit compound allows your home to be visible to passersby and neighbors, which deters criminals from breaking into your home. Besides, if your security cameras are not designed with night vision, you may need good lighting to help your cameras get a clear view.
It would be best to consider leaving your lights on to create an illusion that someone is home. It is a clever way to deter criminals from breaking into your home.
3. Keep Your Valuables Hidden
Of course, you don't want to give criminals a reason to break into your home. For this reason, ensure that expensive items such as a parked riding mower, a new grill, or a nice car are hidden. If you showcase your most expensive valuables on your yard or near your home, there is a higher chance of home burglary.
Note that leaving fancy items in your yard does not only make your home vulnerable to theft but also tells burglars that there might be more expensive items in your home.
4. Plan Ahead
This goes without saying that- if you don't want surprises, plan ahead of time. Be sure to have a plan to help you come up with the required preventive measures. First on your checklist should be safe-keeping. Store your money, jewelry, guns, and other valuables in a safe bolted to the wall or a secure room.
Besides, if you plan to leave for a long time, it is advisable to inform your neighbors and ask them to call authorities in case of a break-in. Also, ensure that your home security systems can be easily accessed remotely from your laptop or mobile phone before leaving.
5. Trim Your Landscape
Are there tall trees blocking your home? The main reason for trimming your landscape is to make it hard for anyone to climb. It will also help expose potential intruders and anyone looking to use blind spots for their advantage.
You can also plant live fences such as thorny shrubbery, blackthorn, barberry, or bamboo to provide a dense barrier. What's more, you might also want to build a tall fence made of durable materials for added protection. However, avoid placing objects such as ladders, large rocks, or other objects that might help intruders gain easy access to your home.
6. Make Entry Difficult
The best way to prevent home burglary is to make it difficult for intruders to access your home. You can install thick windows to make it hard for them to break, smart locks to connect with your devices and security cameras for real-time surveillance.
7. Upgrade Your Front Door
More than 30% of burglars enter through the front door. For this reason, it is imperative to ensure that the front door has top-notch security. You can choose to go with steel doors for enhanced affordability and durability. If you are in the U.S, look for grade two American National Standards or higher. They are a great option, especially if you are working with a tight budget.
Note that if you have installed features such as strike plates on your door, it will be quite easy for a burglar to lose confidence in trying to break the door. If you beef up your front door in such a way that it appears like it might take a longer time to break in, they will likely avoid trying to break in.
8. Be Smart About Your Key Hideout
The majority of homeowners hide their keys under the flowerpot or doormat. Think of new places to hide your key and try to be creative. Intruders are smart enough to know some of these hiding places and will probably check these places first before breaking into your home.
Alternatively, you can also give your friend or trusted neighbor a spare key or lock in a concealed combination box far from your doorway. You might be surprised by how far mindfulness can go to keep your home safe.
9. Don't Forget to Lock Your Garage
Many people secure their homes but forget to lock their garages, an easy entrance for burglars. The first thing you should do immediately you use your garage is to ensure that all the regular doors and windows in your garage are locked.
The next thing should be to ensure that you keep your garage door key in your house rather than in the car. It is quite easy for it to be stolen or get lost when placed in the car. Finally, you should ensure that the interior door to your garage is locked from the inside. Burglars might manage to get to your garage but still not get into your home.
It is also advisable to purchase a retrofit smart garage door opener to help you monitor your garage remotely when away from home.
10. Cover Your Windows
The last thing you would want is for outsiders to have a clear view of your house. Cover your windows with dark curtains to avoid exposing your belongings or giving people a hint of what is in your home. If a potential intruder does not have any incentive to break into your home, they will likely choose another target.
Final Thoughts: How Do I Protect My Home From Invasion?
If you are a homeowner, the last thing you could ever wish for are burglars invading your home. The security of your home will always be a priority. The above tips will help deter potential invaders and provide you with peace of mind knowing your home is safe.
Ensure you consider these points the next time you are planning preventive measures, and there is no doubt that you will experience exceptional results.
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Contributing Writer: Kenneth Freeman
