Living in a city isn’t necessarily less safe than living in a more remote area, but there are different considerations for the best home security basics to keep in mind. Regardless of where you live, it’s essential to have a plan for home security that considers your surrounding environment.
Most criminals are opportunists who look for easy targets to burglarize. They’ll move on to an easier property if you make it difficult or potentially dangerous for them to access your home. Thankfully, you can take several simple steps to protect your house from invasion.
Install a Security System
Security systems are one of the most effective ways to protect your home. They’re fairly inexpensive and can alert you if someone is moving around the outside of your house, looking for a way in. Many modern systems combine motion detection with video surveillance.
Think about the best position for a clear ID on an intruder when placing security cameras. You should also avoid areas where sunshine may temporarily blind the device. Cameras outside will often deter criminals, and those inside can help you detect a property breach so you can call for help.
Stay Unpredictable
Experienced burglars will case out your house before they try to break in. If you have a regular schedule — say you’re always at work from 9-5 — they’ll plan to break into your house while you’re gone. Most thieves want to avoid any contact with homeowners.
Dogs and children make home invasion unpredictable and more complicated for burglars. Having a car in your driveway is also a big turn-off for criminals because it looks like someone’s home. If you’re going away for a long vacation, put your lights on timers so it still looks like someone’s there. It’s even better to have a trusted friend stay in your house while you’re gone.
Secure Entry Points
It’s also a good idea to reinforce your house’s weak parts. You can purchase film that makes your window glass stronger without limiting any visibility. Install individual alarms or use pin locks to ensure windows can’t be forced open. Doors and all their hardware should be held in place with heavy-duty screws.
Many criminals try to enter homes through the garage door. If they can reach the cord hanging inside, they can disable the electric system and open your door by hand. Most homeowners don’t lock the door between their home and garage, so criminals see this as an easy way in. Old garage doors should be replaced with newer, stronger models for better security.
Communicate Wisely
Cultivate relationships with your neighbors. After all, you didn’t move to a city to avoid others, right? You can watch out for each other by reporting any suspicious behavior when people aren’t home. It may be better not to share travel plans with others if you live in a shady neighborhood.
You should also be careful about posting your travel plans on social media or hanging a clearly marked calendar within sight of your front door or windows. The less information criminals have to work with, the better. Within your own household, make a plan for what to do if someone breaks in while you’re at home.
Think Like a Criminal
Every home has different strengths and weaknesses. Try thinking like a criminal to identify weak spots. What parts of your house are hidden from the neighbors? Are your garden gate and back door securely locked? Try reaching through your mail slot to open your door. Can you easily access a key hidden somewhere on the porch?
Imagine how you would get inside your home if you’d lost your keys. Be as creative as possible. Then, make sure none of those entry points are accessible to a criminal looking for a way in. Don’t forget that they may use force or tools to breach your home. You can install a heavy safe inside to protect valuables like firearms and paperwork.
Home Security Basics to Remember
The right planning can help you protect your home from all but the most determined criminals. Use these five tips to secure your property and make it challenging for burglars to enter your home. Investing in a security system, reinforcing your home’s entry points and keeping your schedule unpredictable can make your home a hard “no” for criminals.
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