According to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 18 seconds. While this is a shocking statistic, there are steps you can take to deter a burglar and protect yourself. Deter thieves with the following security tips and help reduce your risk of burglarization.
Lock your doors
A surprising number of people leave their doors open while they’re away from home. In addition to locking your front and back doors, lock your garage and all accessible windows. Visit your local locksmith and buy the most secure locks possible.
If you keep a spare key hidden outside your home, pick it up before leaving for a week-long or weekend vacation. When coming home at night, double-check to make sure you have taken your key out of the lock. It is frighteningly easy to leave your key in the door overnight without realizing.
Buy motion-activated lights
You hear noise outside one night, but don’t see anyone. Is a thief lurking nearby? Without motion-activated lights, it can be difficult to tell. Put a giant floodlight on whatever goes bump in the night and sleep much more soundly. Motion-activated lights can also help alert a neighbor who is watching your home while you’re away on vacation to a potential intruder.
Use sturdy doors
Many thieves will choose to break in through the windows or the door, depending on which is more accessible. The door is the point of entry for around 70% of break-ins. If you notice that the doors on your house seem flimsy, replacing them with solid wood is worth the investment.
For doors with a glass window, you’ll want to install a secondary floor lock. A secondary lock will prevent a thief from breaking the window and unlocking your door from the inside.
Store valuables in a safe
Instead of stowing away jewelry, cash, or other valuables in a drawer, invest in a secure safe or lockbox. Since the bedroom is the first place thieves check for valuables, keep yours in a different room. If you don’t want to invest in a safe, you can get creative with places to hide your small jewelry or cash.
However, keep in mind that if you leave for an extended period of time, thieves will have a longer opportunity to search every inch of your house. A strong safe that is bolted to the floor is the best choice for protecting your valuables.
Install a security system
Home security systems are one of the most effective methods for long-term protection against burglary. Security systems can alert the authorities if the alarm is triggered and give you and your family time to get to safety.
Choose a security system with cameras, allowing you to monitor your house at any time. The most best security systems allow you to connect your home system wirelessly with your smartphone or laptop for an additional layer of protection.
Sonitrol Security offers customizable, state-of-the-art alarm systems for your home and business. Our systems are wireless and can be connected to all of your devices. Schedule a free consultation today or give our expert team a call at (843) 747-0904.