Every year a lot of homes around the world get burgled. Besides the financial damage the owners suffer, there is also a psychological trauma to deal with, which is not easy to overcome. Victims of burglaries often end up feeling unsafe and under stress in their own homes. However, there are some things you can do to protect your family and your home from unwanted entries. For some of these, you’ll need professional help, while for some you’ll need will, some free time and a little skill. Take a look at some useful ways to improve your home security.
1. Light your home up
When speaking about tips on how to improve home security, we should start with the lighting system. You should definitely have a lighting system installed all-around your home. One of the most popular options nowadays includes installing motion-activated lights. As they are activated by any kind of motion, they can easily convince a burglar to give up on his attempt of burgling your home. These lights often come as a part of a more serious alarm system, which we’ll discuss in the following text. This is as far as the outdoor of your home is concerned. And for the interior lights, it’s also a good idea to light up inside to give an illusion that there’s somebody home even when you’re not really there. You can use timers for lights and TV, radio, or some other device that will act as a decoy.
2. Consider installing an alarm system
Installing an alarm system is one of the best ways to protect your home and family. However, it is also a costly one as well. There are different options, varying from some simple ones all the way to really professional ones. Nowadays there are both wired and wireless alternatives available. You can also use a fake alarm system that will deter potential burglars.
3. Upgrade your locks
Having secure locks is of utmost importance. However, the locks need to be appropriate and corresponding as well as well placed. In order to be sure that the locks have been installed correctly, it’s better to leave this job to the pros. So, if you’re in need of changing and installing locks, it would be good to search for a reliable locksmith. You can ask some of your friends or neighbours for a personal recommendation or you can simply search online for a ‘locksmith near me.’ It’s useful to have a good locksmith because they can give you advice on what kind of a lock to use on different types of doors and windows. After you do this, the next essential thing to keep in mind is locking the doors and windows at all times. There’s not much of a use for a good lock that’s not being used.
4. Don’t leave your valuables out in visible places
This is of key importance – you need to make your home look like a place there isn’t much to steal from. It’s a good idea to use curtains or blinds as they will prevent burglars from getting a peek into your home and possessions. It’s also good to keep in mind that you shouldn’t leave empty boxes of some new, expensive things you just purchased in the street, where everyone can see them. It simply acts as an invitation for burglars. Moreover, remember to put your valuables somewhere safe, don’t leave them out in plain sight. This includes jewelry, smartphones and other devices. Consider adding a safe somewhere hidden in your home.
5. Be mindful of how you use social networks
Many break-ins have happened due to the overly and recklessly used social networks. Keep in mind that going on a vacation is a private thing and it is best that few people only know about it. If you post it publically, you’re putting yourself in danger. Also, it would be useful if you asked your neighbour to pick up your mail, mow the lawn and perform some other usual activities that will make your home appear like there’s somebody there.
6. Put away things that can be used to break into your home
We rarely think that a burglary will happen to us, so we tend to leave out ladders, different tools and bars, which can easily be used to break a window and enter a house. So, make sure that you put away all these things a burglar might use to break into your home.
Feeling safe in your own home is quintessential and you should do everything you can in order to provide safety to your family and home.