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Keep Losing Your House Keys? Find Security Here

6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Burglary

21 September 2015

Sieger Van Zwienen

Coming home to shattered windows or a kicked in door and missing belongings is a terrible feeling. Not only do home break-ins lead to monetary loss, but they can also create a feeling of violation that is hard to shake afterward. The best way to handle home break-ins is to take proactive steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. With break-ins occurring every 13 seconds in the U.S., you can't be too careful. Here are six ways to protect your home from burglary:

Have the Locks Changed

While you don't need to have your locks changed on a regular basis, it is a good idea to do so periodically. If you've given keys out to house cleaners, babysitters, etc., who no longer work for you, changing your locks is probably a great idea. The same goes for anytime a roommate moves out or you or a family member loses a key. While you're getting those locks changed, upgrade to heavy duty locks with dead-bolts, which are difficult to break into.

Adopt a Dog

Even the sweetest, most laid-back dogs can have an intimidating bark, especially when they sense a stranger creeping around their territory. A dog can be a great deterrent to would-be thieves, who don't want to risk being attacked by a protective dog. Dogs are also a lot of responsibility of course, so only take this step if you are already interested in adopting a pet, rather than solely to protect your home.

Be Wary About Social Media

These days people are so connected to social media, it can be easy to be lax about privacy and security. Just be mindful that not everyone who sees your posts has good intentions. Posting about going away on vacation, or expensive new purchases, might come across as an invitation to prospective burglars.

Invest in A Home Security System

Home alarm systems can be a powerful deterrent to would-be thieves, since an active alarm will increase their chance of getting caught and possibly arrested. If you do decide to invest in a home alarm system, be sure to make the signage very visible, preferably with both a lawn sign and a window decal in easy to see areas.

If you don't have room in your budget for a home security system right now, simply purchasing a security system sticker or sign can be an effective deterrent, though you won't have the added benefit of being able to catch someone who does attempt to break-in.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Taking the time to get to know your neighbors can help keep you safer. They will be more likely to let you know of any suspicious activity they notice around your home if you already have a relationship. If you are friendly with your neighbors, you can let them know whenever you're going out of town so they can keep an eye on things. You can return the favor by looking out for your neighbors as well, creating a safer community overall.

Make Your Home Look Lived In When You're Away

If someone with bad intentions notices that you seem to be out of town and your home looks abandoned, they may be tempted to break in. When going on vacation, ask a friend or hired house sitter to stop by each day to open and close blinds, gather your mail and newspapers, and turn on outside lights at night. Indoor and outdoor lights set on a timer can also give the impression that someone is home.

By following these steps, you can help protect your family and your home, while also increasing your peace of mind. For more information, you can check out the sites of local locksmiths and security companies. 

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