How safe is your home really? We all like to think nothing bad would happen where we live, but is that really the case? Home break-ins do happen, sometimes when we least expect them. Frankly, there’s no such thing as a safe neighborhood that’s free from any type of crime.
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics, property crimes like home break-in and theft are on the decline. This is good news, but it hardly means we’re in the clear. There are still over 325,000 break-ins every year resulting in losses of over $14 billion dollar. Because you care about your home and your family, follow this expert advice below with this home security checklist.
1. Invest in an Alarm System
Many people make the mistake of thinking alarm systems are no longer effective or a waste of money. While it’s true there are many outdated alarm systems, there are many providers like Alarm Grid that focus on modern, technologically-savvy solutions that don’t waste your money.
Do alarm systems work to deter crime? A study conducted using ex-thieves says that cameras and alarm system are actually the most effective deterrents for home burglaries and car theft. The goal is to make your home as unappealing of a target to criminals as possible. The risk of discovery with a home alarm is just too high, so it’s the first step you should take to protect your home.
2. Secure and Update Your Locks
When is the last time you checked your locks? While your current locks might get the job done, they’re probably not the best for the job. If you haven’t changed them in a while, you should swap them out for something new since past homeowners, tenants, and even extended family could have keys you don’t know about.
In addition, make sure all exterior doors have deadbolts which are harder to break. Video doorbells or smart locks are also an effective way to see who’s physically approaching your door even when you’re not home.
3. Purchase a Safe
Safes are the most effective way to protect valuables. Installing a safe in your home that’s hard to find is the best way to keep your valuables out of sight. If your home is burglarized, thieves are unlikely to go for bulky safes that they can’t open.
Criminals target the smaller, easy thing that can be grabbed quickly. In addition, a safe will keep your valuables out of sight from open windows and visitors.
4. Invest in Privacy
Even if you trust your neighbors, you should invest in your own privacy with curtains and window covers. You never want prying eyes peeking in at you and your valuables. Make sure all common areas and bedrooms have some form of privacy you can use to prevent people from seeing into your home from the outside.
5. Add Outdoor Lighting
Finally, one of the easiest ways to secure your home is to install outdoor lighting. Once again, criminals are looking for easy targets. If they can easily get to your front door and near your home without being detected, that makes you an easy target.
Outdoor lights, especially lights triggered by movement, deter people from getting closer to your home. These are also great for when you’re away from home and you want to to give the appearance of being at home.
How does your home stack up with the checklist above? These are expert-proven tips for increasing the safety of your home. From investing in your privacy to advanced security systems, you need to be proactive to keep your home safe.
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