A home is burglarized almost every thirty seconds in the United States, causing untold amounts of damage, fear, and pain for the families affected. Your home is meant to be your safe space, but if it’s not properly protected others may try to take advantage of the opportunity to invade. You can take back the security of your home with a few simple steps, making your home a safer place to be.
Secure the Doors
This might be the simplest step. The door is the main point of entry for burglars, especially if they know you’re not in the habit of locking the door. Even if the door is locked, there’s always the option to kick the door in. You should make sure that you have a strong door frame, made of solid material, such as sturdy wood, that’s much harder for a thief to put their foot through. If someone lived in the home prior to you, then it is a good idea to change the locks so that no one who isn’t supposed to have a copy of the key to your home. Additionally, you should install a deadbolt lock and a video doorbell, that way you’re able to see and record who is at your front door. There’s a chance it could end up being used for evidence.
Lock the Windows
Another simple but important step, the windows are another place that thieves can use to get into your home. After all, breaking glass is much easier than breaking through the wood of your door. However, if your windows are unlocked this won’t matter much, as the burglar only has to open the window to slip inside. You can keep your windows secure by checking they’re locked regularly, whether that be before you leave the house or before you go to sleep. You can also use glass break sensors and window bars to deter any vandalism that could create an entrance for potential thieves.
Install a Security System
If you do not have a security system, then now is the time for you to install one. Studies have shown that security systems are an effective deterrent for crime. A 2009 study showed that neighborhoods that had many homes with security systems were less likely to be broken into. That is why if you have a security system, then you can help to keep the entire neighborhood safe.
When thieves see a security system, they know that it will be harder for them to break into your home and get away with it. If they do decide to break into your home, then the authorities will automatically be notified. Additionally, there are some security systems that can capture the person on video. Even if they flee the scene, it will be easier for the police to catch them.
There are other benefits that can be reaped from having a security system. This includes lower home insurance rates and peace of mind knowing you and your home are safe.
Eliminate Hiding Places
There are many thieves who hide in bushes and trees, waiting for you and your family to go to sleep. You can eliminate the hiding places by trimming the trees and bushes around your yard. You should also remove stools and ladders that you’re not using from your yard. Additionally, you should remove the pricey items from your yard. Extravagant items can attract thieves, and even if they’re in your backyard, a simple fence hop can be almost too easy for someone looking to steal things. You should also light up the exterior of your house as much as reasonably possible, eliminating shadowy hiding places and making it easy to see what’s going on outside, even at night.
It is important for you to take all of the steps that you can in order to keep your home secure. You can deter burglars by securing your home and locking your window. It is also important for you to install a security system. Furthermore, it is important for you to eliminate the hiding places in your yard.
