Every 15 seconds, a burglar breaks into a home in the United States, steals an average of $1,725 worth of property and robs the people who live there of peace of mind for years [sources: McGoey, FBI]. The problem is that most homes have weak points, and seasoned thieves are good at finding them. Below are simple things you can do to help safeguard your household against potential criminals.
The more thick and unruly your shrubs and greenery are, the easier it is for thieves to find a hiding spot. Windows and doors obscured by shrubs are particularly vulnerable entry points. Keeping bushes neat, tidy, and short will make your windows and doors less appealing targets. If a criminal tries to break in, there’s a good chance they’ll be seen, if not by you, by someone in the area.
You will also want to consider the lighting of the outside area of your property. Look for places around your home that are not well lit, and that may allow a thief access to your home under the cover of darkness. Consider having lights installed in various places that can brighten up entrances. Motion detection spotlights are also a great option to save energy, and they help to scare off intruders.
If you are planning to travel, avoid announcing your plans on social media. Try to avoid sharing until you are back from your trip. We are a society that loves to share information, and thieves love this too. Checking in on Facebook at your destination alerts thieves that your home is empty.
If you are purchasing new windows for your home, it might be worth it to upgrade to a shatterproof glass option. This would help prevent anyone from breaking a window to gain access to your home. You can also consider adding a security film to windows if new windows aren’t an option right now. This will prevent the glass from shattering upon breaking and may deter thieves from attempting to break in.
Sliding glass doors typically have very flimsy locks. They can easily be popped open in an instant, giving quick access to your home. Installing a security bar for sliding doors would make gaining access to your home extremely difficult. This measure of protection is definitely a must-have for all sliding doors.
If you’ve recently purchased a home from someone, add a locksmith appointment to the top of your To-Do list. You have no idea who the previous owner gave keys to in the past. Also, if you recently had a break-up, had a roommate move out, or lost your keys, it is time to change the locks as well. Even if your X or roommate gave you your key back, you have no idea how many copies are out there. Having the locks changed is great peace of mind.
In addition to being a fantastic companion and bringing lots of happiness to your life, a dog can be a great security alarm. As you are aware, they typically bark when someone is at the door or if someone enters the home. And, depending on the type of dog, their presence alone might be enough to deter a potential intruder. Adopting a canine is a win-win for all! This website lists the best pet adoption sites to help you find your fur-ever friend!
The security tips mentioned above are definitely steps in the right direction to help keep your family, your belongings, and your home safe. You can also check our BLOG weekly for more tips! To ensure top safety, the best and most complete way to protect a home is to install a home security system. Learn more about the many features and options that the latest technology in home security has to offer – SMART HOME SECURITY FEATURES!
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