Home break-ins can happen in any neighborhood and burglars are always on the lookout for homes that are vulnerable. Without knowing it, some homeowners may be making their homes more attractive to thieves. Here are ten things to consider to make your home more secure from burglars.
1. Have good locks on your doors.
Even if you are home, keeping all of the doors locked will help make your home more secure. The easiest way for a thief to gain entrance to your home is through an unlocked door. Also, make sure the locks, knobs, and hardware are secure. Your doors are usually the first place that a burglar will check when trying to get inside of your home.
2. Check all your windows.
Always keep all the windows locked when you aren’t home. Even if you’re trying to get some fresh air into your home, an open window can be an invitation for a thief to easily break into your home. Surprisingly, almost one-third of burglaries happen because someone came through an unlocked door or window.
3. Don’t leave valuables in plain view.
Depending on the layout of your home, you can make your home more secure by not leaving valuables where they can be seen through an open window. It is best to arrange your home so that your most expensive possessions aren’t on display to the world.
4. Be careful what you leave outside of your home.
Thieves can easily find a door key that’s hidden outside. Also, leaving ladders and lawn tools in your yard can attract thieves. Burglars can use these items to easily gain entrance to your home.
5. Installing a home security system will make your home more secure.
A home security system will not only give you peace of mind that your home is under surveillance, but it is also the most effective way to catch burglars in the act. If you don’t have the budget to invest in a security system now, simply having a sticker on the window from a security company can be a deterrent for burglars.
6. Keep your shrubs trimmed.
Burglars can hide behind tall bushes and try to force doors and windows open. You will make your home more secure by eliminating the cover that overgrown bushes provide.
7. Make it look like you’re home.
If you are going away for a few days, make it look like someone’s in the house. You can get timers for lights or a smart home system that allows you to remotely control the lights, TV, and even blinds.
8. Share house-watching with a neighbor.
It’s a good idea to have a trusted neighbor who can watch your home while you are away for a few days to make your home more secure. You can return the favor for them when they are out of town.
9. Don’t announce your vacations.
If you are planning a trip, be selective about who knows. Be especially cautious about posting any travel plans on social networking pages. Burglars in your area may be able to view your posts.
10. Don’t let mail and newspapers pile up if you’re gone.
If you plan to be gone for a few days, notify the post office to hold your mail. You should also suspend newspaper delivery while you are gone. You’ll make your home more secure by not letting these accumulate in your driveway.
Jernigan Home Inspections provides home inspection services to middle Tennessee. Contact us to schedule our services.