Every day, you entrust your home and belongings to your home’s security. But what happens when that security is breached? According to data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, of the 805,879 crimes reported to police in 2019, 685,371 were property crimes, while 120,508 were violent crimes. Don’t become a statistic. Take steps to secure your home without breaking the bank. Below are seven ways to do just that.
1. Install an Alarm System
An alarm system is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars, as it immediately alerts you and your neighbors of a break-in. Most importantly, make sure to set your system every time you leave the house, even if it’s just for a quick errand. You can find affordable alarm systems at any home improvement store.
When looking for an alarm system, consider one that offers both audible and visual alerts, as this will make it more difficult for a burglar to disable. Additionally, look for a system that allows you to monitor your home remotely via your smartphone or another device.
2. Add Deadbolts to All Exterior Doors
According to the FBI’s UCR Program, 95% of burglaries involve forced entry, meaning that physical damage occurs to your property. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent this is by adding deadbolts to all exterior doors.
Make sure all your deadbolts are at least one inch long and have a hardened steel bolt. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your door frames are strong enough to support the weight of the deadbolt. You can reinforce door frames by adding strike plates with three-inch screws. Finally, remember to keep your doors locked at all times, even when you’re home.
3. Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting effectively deters burglars, making it more difficult for them to approach your home without being seen. When choosing outdoor lighting, look for motion-activated fixtures, making it even more difficult for burglars to go undetected.
It’s also important to ensure that your outdoor lighting is properly installed. All your lightbulbs should be placed in weatherproof fixtures, and all wiring should be safely hidden away. If you’re uncomfortable installing outdoor lighting yourself, hire a professional to do it for you.
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can provide burglars with cover as they approach your home, so it’s important to keep them trimmed. Any trees or shrubs close to your windows or doors should be no taller than three feet.
Trimming your trees and shrubs is a simple way to improve your home’s security, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can trim most trees and shrubs yourself with a pair of pruning shears. However, if you’re not comfortable doing this, you can hire a professional landscaper to do it for you.
5. Get to Know Your Neighbors
One of the best ways to deter burglars is to make it known that your neighborhood is watchful. Get to know your neighbors, and let them know that you’re looking out for suspicious activity.
You can also join or start a neighborhood watch program. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors and make your neighborhood safer.
6. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Burglars are more likely to target homes with visible valuables, so keeping them out of sight is important. If you have a safe, use it to store your most valuable items. You should also keep your valuables in a hidden location, such as a closet or drawer.
Additionally, don’t forget to keep your valuables out of sight when you’re away from home. If you have a window that overlooks your street, close the curtains or blinds before leaving.
7. Make the Necessary Repairs
Burglars are looking for easy targets, so it’s important to ensure your home is in good repair. If you have any broken windows or doors, make sure to fix them as soon as possible.
It’s also a good idea to repair any cracks in your foundation or walls. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner will spend around $4,640 to fix a foundation issue. However, this is a small price compared to the cost of a burglary.
By taking some time to make your home more secure, you can give yourself peace of mind and deter burglars from targeting your property. Start making these simple improvements today.
