Feeling safe in your home is essential, no matter where that is. Unfortunately, home invasions are a harsh reality, and even the most peaceful neighborhoods aren’t immune to crime. But the good news is, there are proactive steps you can take to significantly deter criminals from targeting your property.
Let’s not get weighed down with fear-mongering. Instead, think of this as a smart homeowner’s checklist. A few simple measures go a LONG way! We’ll cover everything from the obvious to lesser-known tactics that make your home a far less appealing target for opportunistic thieves.
Ready to get started? Let’s transform your house into a fortress without sacrificing that welcoming feeling.
1. Start with the Basics – Strong Locks & Secure Windows
It seems obvious, but it’s shocking how often people neglect this! Quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors are non-negotiable. Ensure windows lock securely, especially those easily accessed from the ground level.
For extra peace of mind, consider having your locks professionally re-keyed when you move into a new home. This eliminates the risk of previous owners or contractors still having keys.
2. Don’t Hide Your Keys
That fake rock with a key inside? Burglars know about those. The same goes for under the doormat or flowerpot. If you must have a spare outside, invest in a lock box that attaches securely to your property.
Better yet, leave a spare with a trusted neighbor. This adds human interaction to the mix – something criminals prefer to avoid!
3. Lights, Camera, Action!
Motion-sensor outdoor lights are surprisingly effective deterrents. Criminals prefer to operate in darkness, and a sudden spotlight can have them scrambling.
Security cameras add another layer. Even inexpensive ones act as a strong visual deterrent, and footage can be invaluable if a crime does occur. Don’t neglect side and backyards – those are easier access points often overlooked by homeowners.
4. Make It Look Occupied
A deserted-looking house is a prime target. Timers for lights and even a TV simulator are inexpensive tools that create the illusion of someone’s home, even when you’re away.
If traveling for an extended period, suspend mail and package deliveries. An overflowing mailbox screams, “Nobody’s here!”
5. Landscape Smartly
Overgrown shrubs provide convenient hiding spots for intruders. Keep hedges trimmed and ensure good visibility around all entrances. Plant thorny bushes beneath first-floor windows as a natural “fence” if possible.
Motion-sensor lights in your landscaping further enhance the idea that any suspicious activity will be immediately noticed.
6. Get an Alarm System
Signs and window stickers alone deter some criminals, but an actual system is a major upgrade. Even basic setups are noisy annoyances burglars want to avoid attracting.
Research companies carefully. Opt for systems with cellular monitoring vs. relying solely on landlines, which thieves could cut.
7. Reinforce Your Doors
The door itself is only as strong as its frame. Install a quality strike plate secured with long screws (not the short ones often included in builder-grade kits).
A security bar or even a simple dowel placed in the track makes them nearly impossible to pry open for sliding doors.
8. Befriend Your Neighbors
A sense of community is your first line of defense. Neighbors who know you are far more likely to notice unusual activity at your home and report it.
Organize a neighborhood watch, or even just make it a habit to chat. Share travel plans with a trusted neighbor so they can keep a casual eye on your property.
9. Inventory Your Valuables
In the unfortunate event of a burglary, having documented proof of what you own speeds up the insurance process. Take photos or videos of items, noting serial numbers and approximate values. Store this inventory off-site in a safe deposit box or digitally in a secure cloud-based system.
This practice also helps you assess what you truly need, minimizing the number of tempting items worth stealing in the first place!
10. Be Social Media Savvy
Oversharing your whereabouts online is an invitation for criminals. Resist posting “headed on vacation!” type updates, and set privacy settings so only trusted friends see your plans.
After your trip, avoid broadcasting it’s over. And never advertise new expensive purchases that would pique a thief’s interest.
11. Don’t Leave Ladders (and other tools) Lying Around
Ladders offer quick and easy access to the upper floors. Secure them in a garage or locked shed, along with any heavy tools that could be used to break into your home.
Think like a would-be intruder – don’t provide the means for them to bypass your security measures!
12. Secure Your Garage
Garages are often the weakest entry point. Invest in a garage door opener with rolling-code technology, making it harder for thieves to intercept the signal.
Don’t leave the automatic opener in your car parked outside where it could be stolen. Inside your garage, frost any windows to block views, and consider a simple alarm sensor for the door.
13. Consider a Safe
A fireproof, bolted-down safe is wise for important documents and truly irreplaceable items. Smaller models can be discretely hidden within your home.
While not a guarantee against a determined thief, a safe creates another frustrating barrier and increases the risk of a burglar simply being caught in the act.
14. If You See Something, Say Something
Don’t hesitate to report suspicious activity to the police, even if you’re unsure if an actual crime is occurring. Strange people lingering, vehicles cruising slowly – those gut feelings are often correct.
Your call might be the piece of a puzzle that helps prevent a crime, not just in your home but throughout your neighborhood.
13 Front Door Modifications That Can Keep a Home Safe from Crime
Our front doors are meant to welcome guests into our homes. Unfortunately, they can also invite those with less-than-noble intentions. However, a few simple changes to your entryway can go a long way in deterring would-be burglars and increasing your peace of mind.
13 Front Door Modifications That Can Keep a Home Safe from Crime
17 Personal Things to Never Share with Anyone
More than half the world is online, so sharing endless information with others seems like the default setting. You log in online, and in a minute, you know where your old high school buddy is holidaying, how much a friend’s wedding ring costs, and you have a virtual tour of your sister-in-law’s friend’s home from room to room.
While sharing some information, whether online or in person, can sometimes be beneficial, certain information should be kept private for your safety.
17 Personal Things to Never Share with Anyone
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
