While it’s difficult to protect your home from every form of attack, most home burglaries are done by amateurs. These thieves are more easily thwarted if you employ some of these simple security precautions:
• Always lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Door locks, window locks, gate locks, etc. Many burglars get in through an unlocked door or window more often than breaking a window or kicking in a door. A popular lock is the keypad entry type deadbolts. These will have an option to automatically lock when door is shut. Remember to keep your garage door shut when you’re not using it.
• Rekey or change all the locks when you move into a new house. Reach out to your local locksmith for assistance with this. You have no clue who has a key to your home. Rekey process generally only takes an hour or two and gives you a great start to your home security.
• Implement an alarm system and cameras if possible. Installation can be done yourself with wireless systems fairly easily. Don’t give a burglar a way they can disconnect the security system. Some of these alarm systems have a backup battery and cellular connections. To expand even more, some of these also have access to keypad style deadbolts to lock when alarm is set.
• If possible, maintain your house looking with an appearance that it is occupied at all times. Simple electrical switch timers can help to switch lights and radios on and off when you’re not at home. A spare car parked in the driveway can help.
• Many folks hire house cleaners before moving in. Check all references thoroughly. Don’t always trust online reviews. To take one extra step, as mentioned above, rekey the locks after the house has been cleaned. If you’ve already moved your belongings in, schedule them while you are home.
• If you must store a key outside your home, consider a lockbox similar to what realtors use. Most of these can be affixed to hose bib oven screwed to a wood or metal surface to keep them secure. Don’t leave a key in typical places like under a door mat. You can obtain these from your local hardware store.
• Keep all entrance doors to your home lit at night if possible. Most outdoor lighting work on a sensor and turn on automatically at night and only illuminate using a sensor that detects movement. Solar lighting is also a simple and cheap way to implement this and can be done yourself without having to hire an electrician.
• Dogs are great deterrents to burglars. While dogs can easily be dealt with a bag of fast food or treats, they do generally listen and react to noises they aren’t accustom to. Some watch outside for anyone walking your property. Not only are they man’s best friend, but they also help guard your home too.
