Keeping your home secure is the best way to prevent waking up in the middle of the night to the sight of a burglar. Plus, you avoid the potential cost and hassle of dealing with a break-in if one ever occurs. Investing in safeguards means investing in your family’s well-being and ensuring peace of mind. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to strengthen your home’s security and discourage criminals from breaking in.
1. Install Smart Lighting to Deter Intruders
Burglars prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. A well-lit exterior can significantly reduce the likelihood of a break-in. In fact, lighting intervention in neighborhoods with high crime counts reduced serious criminal activity after dark by 35%. This is because it removes hiding spots and increases the chances of detection.
Motion-sensing lights around entry points, walkways, and driveways can startle potential intruders and alert you to movement around your home. Timed interior lights can also create the illusion that someone is home when you’re away, discouraging thieves looking to break into an empty house.
2. Reinforce Your Doors and Locks
Many homeowners install strong locks, but what about the door frame? Burglars can simply kick your doors if they’re strong enough, leaving your locks intact but the frame shattered.
Reinforced strike plates and long screws can strengthen the door frame. If your door has a hollow center, upgrade to a solid core one, as these are more durable. A video doorbell can also help by letting you see and communicate with visitors before opening the door.
Sometimes, simple precautions make all the difference, too. Shockingly, 17.2% of people don’t lock their front doors while at home, even though they’re an entry point for 34% of burglars. Making a habit of locking your doors can significantly improve your house’s security.
3. Secure Your Windows with Locks and Landscaping
Windows are another attractive point of entry, especially those that are easily accessible. One survey revealed 23% of burglars enter through a first-floor window. While basic locks can help, crooks often target homes where landscaping provides cover for breaking in unnoticed.
Install reinforced window locks or security film to make glass harder to break. Additionally, hostile landscaping such as thorny bushes can deter access. Keep shrubs trimmed and tree canopies high to reduce hiding spots.
4. Don’t Forget Garage and Shed Security
Your garage may be the weakest link in your home’s security. It’s a common target for burglars since it typically holds valuable tools, equipment, or even a direct entry point to your home. Don’t wait for a faulty garage door to make you an easy target — upgrade it, as it’s one of the first things people notice about your home.
Secure your garage door with a deadbolt lock, and always keep the interior door locked. Automatic deadbolts are an especially secure option because they lock when the door closes, alleviating the worry of forgetting to do so when you leave or come home. Additionally, chain or cable your ladders and tools to an immovable object — such as a gas pipe or water meter — to prevent burglars from using them to break into your house.
5. Invest in a Monitored Security System
Home security systems are one of the most effective deterrents against burglars. Research found 83% of burglars check for signs of a security system before attempting a break-in, and 60% will move on to another target if they see one.
Modern security systems do more than just trigger alarms- they provide real-time monitoring and instant alerts to both you and law enforcement if a break-in occurs. For the best protection, choose a monitored system with motion sensors, door and window sensors, and integrated cameras. Connecting your system to your smartphone allows you to monitor your home remotely and receive instant notifications if someone tries to enter.
Secure Today to Sleep Soundly Tonight
There’s no single absolute burglar-proof way to protect your home but adding one security measure to another can make your home less appealing to criminals. Add these five to your house to reduce the risk of a break-in. Taking proactive steps now can save you thousands of dollars in potential losses and — more importantly — give you peace of mind knowing your home is well protected.
