Frederick Jace
A burglary happens every 15 seconds. Even safe neighborhoods can fall victim to crime, so it’s important to take steps to better protect your home.
A few simple security measures can discourage burglars and make it harder for them to break into your home. From smart technology to securing your doors and windows, here are 5 Ways to Better Protect Your Home: 1. Invest in a Security System.
1. Invest in a Home Security System
Your home is more than a physical space—it’s where you rest your head and nurture your family. It’s also where you come up with your best ideas and foster memorable moments. Unfortunately, it’s also where criminals are most likely to strike.
A security system can help prevent a break-in by alerting you when someone is on your property or trying to get inside. It can also help you save money by lowering your home insurance premium.
Additionally, many systems include features like outdoor lighting, which deters burglars by making your house more visible. Other additions, like motion sensors, can activate flood lights or even turn on your lights and switches based on programmed settings (like when teenagers arrive back past curfew). These extra layers of security can give you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected when you’re away.
2. Lock Your Doors and Windows
When it comes to breaking into homes, burglars often gain entry through the front door or a first-floor window. To deter criminals, ensure that your doors and windows are locked and in good condition.
Consider installing smart bulbs or motion sensors around your home’s exterior, which can send an alarm when someone is detected outside of your property. This helps to keep your family safe, especially when you’re at work or on vacation.
If you want to let the sun shine through your windows but are concerned about a break-in, invest in window locks that can be activated from your smartphone or smart hub. These locking devices prevent windows from being opened from the inside and also sound an alarm when tampered with, keeping your home secure even when you’re away.
4. Make It Look Like You’re Home
While it’s fun to plan weekend getaways or family vacations, you don’t want to come back to a broken-in home. Many burglaries happen while you’re away because thieves look for signs that a house is empty.
Uncollected mail, overgrown bushes and shaggy lawns tell burglars that you’re not at home. To avoid this, have a neighbor collect your mail or ask the post office to hold your deliveries while you’re gone.
Another tip is to use timers to turn on your lights and a radio or TV at certain times of day. Alternatively, smart home technology like Belkin WeMo light switches and outlets allow you to control your lights and devices from your phone—even when you’re not at home. These small things will help make it appear as if someone is at home, deterring criminals from attempting a break-in.
5. Be Prepared for a Break-In
Burglars want to get in and out as quickly as possible. Anything you can do to slow them down is a bonus.
Keep pricey-looking electronics and jewelry out of sight. A lot of people leave the boxes from their new 60-inch HDTV or high-end gaming console out on the curb, advertising to burglars that they’re in there.
If you’re going on a long vacation, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers. You can also ask a friend or family member to check in on your home periodically, and you can use light timers to make your house look occupied. In the event of a break-in, you should be prepared to defend yourself. Many smart home systems can be expensive to install but worth the investment. Systems protect your family from disruptions and provide a peace of mind to keep your family safe.
