Over 1.2 million burglaries happen every year in the United States. The fact that burglars commonly enter homes without much force is something that many people do not realize. In many instances, they merely open doors and windows to gain access to a home. This means homeowners can prevent burglaries by remembering to lock and safeguard common entry points.
Below are key security solutions you can use to secure entry points and protect your most valuable items properly.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable Entry Points From Intruders
According to a recent survey, 34% of intruders use the front door to enter a home, and 22% enter via the back door. 23% use first-floor windows. In most cases, the doors and windows were left unlocked. Here are some solutions you can use to secure your home’s doors:
- Access control solutions or smart locks can help you monitor who comes and goes to and from your home. Even if you are not physically present, you will receive mobile notifications when a door is locked or unlocked.
- Home security cameras in Norfolk, Virginia can monitor activity around doors and discourage intruders. Using wireless home security cameras with a smart security system will detect movement via a motion sensor and immediately activate an alarm, alerting a monitoring company and calling the police if you cannot be reached or if the video confirms a burglar’s activity. Utilize a monitored alarm security system for top-level protection.
- Avoid keeping spare keys under flower pots or your doormat. Thieves know where to look, and this allows for effortless access to your home.
Safeguard Your Garage
The garage is another popular entry point for thieves because it often provides access to the house, cars, and other expensive equipment. Here are some tips to consider for a more secure garage:
- Avoid leaving your garage door open for a prolonged period. Your expensive items are better left out of sight and out of mind for burglars.
- Consider a smart garage with geofencing capabilities.
- Install home security cameras in and around the garage windows and door areas. You will also be able to monitor the area from your smartphone and be alerted if the door is open for excessive periods or at certain times of the day.
- Invest in remote access control. So if you forget to lock your garage when you leave home, you can easily secure everything from your phone’s smart security app.
- For an extra layer of protection, remember to lock the door leading from the garage to your house.
Ensure Your Windows Don’t Provide Easy Access
Criminals gain entry to homes through first-floor windows 23% of the time. Make sure your windows are secure by following these steps:
- Maintain window locks throughout the house, especially easy-to-forget windows like in a basement. Thicker windows, like glass block windows, are a great deterrent.
- Consider installing motion-sensitive or floodlights around windows to ensure that there is adequate exterior lighting. Also, be sure to trim trees and shrubs surrounding the windows on the first floor so that intruders cannot use them as hiding spots.
- Installing outdoor security cameras near your most accessible windows is a good idea. As soon as a break-in occurs, motion-activated cameras will notify you of what’s happening and enable you to track who has accessed your house and when it happened.
- Window coverings provide comfort and privacy while also concealing homes from curious eyes. Make sure the windows are equipped with quality blinds and curtains, and avoid fabrics that are transparent.
- Consider installing window sensors. Motion-activated sensors will notify you whenever a window is accessed or opened. Install glass-break detectors on all first-floor windows; the detectors will activate an alarm if triggered.
You can keep your property secure by following the tips and solutions provided in this post. Get a custom plan tailored to your home’s needs from your Norfolk, Virginia-based trusted security experts, Johns Brothers Security. We offer an all-encompassing approach to home safety.