14 Genius Ways to Supercharge Your Home’s Defenses Against Break-Ins!
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Do you know that most burglars want to be in and out of your house in under 10 minutes? Yes, time is what trips them up.
The more obstacles you put in their way, the less likely they’re going to stick around. If you live in the city or the suburbs, there’s no excuse not to upgrade your home security if you want to protect your property.
Reinforce Doors and Windows
So many burglaries begin with an entry point so toughen the doors and windows. Install double-key deadbolts on exterior doors that need a key to unlock from both sides to provide increased security.
Swap hollow core doors for tough wood doors which are harder to kick in. Safety glass or metal bars should be used on easy-to-reach or basement-level windows to deter forced entry.
Secure Sliding Doors
While sliding glass doors may have a sleek look, they’re infamous for being susceptible. To prevent the door from sliding open, stick a security bar on the track.
Install a pin or rod on the top or bottom of the door frame for added protection — it may prevent burglars from lifting the door out of the path.
Improve Lighting
Lighting your home up can even deter a would-be burglar in their tracks. Install motion sensor lights around your entrance and any other dark corner of your home.
Timers are also great for both indoor and outdoor lights to simulate the idea that someone is always home, even when you’re not.
Landscape Strategically
Your garden could actually play a big part in keeping your home safe. On ground-level windows, plant thorny bushes (like roses or barberries) to make it physically uncomfortable for anyone to break in.
Leave the shrubs and hedges trimmed to give no hiding places, or gravel walkways or driveway that make a crunching noise as someone approaches.
Secure the Perimeter
Fences are not only for decoration; they are your first line of defense. Select a chainlink or ornamental metal fence fastened with concrete pillars that are difficult to climb.
Would you like to protect your deliveries also? Decrease the chances of package theft by adding a lockable delivery box to your porch.
Be Proactive
Doing regular maintenance helps a lot. It’s recommended to change your door locks when you move into a new home or if you lose your keys. Even though it’s a simple way to keep a handle on who has access to your property, it’s highly effective.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence
If you’re heading off on vacation, don’t be tempted to post about your plans in real time on social media. But wait till you’re back to share those envy-worthy photos. Again, you can have trusted neighbors pick up your mail and packages to make your house look occupied.
Use Smart Locks
Forgetful about locking up? With smart locks, your doors can be automatically secured when you leave, and a reminder will be sent when they’re left unlocked. You can even give access codes to guests or maintenance workers for temporary use.
Leverage Technology
Roombanker states that homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be broken into. Get yourself a high-quality home security system with cameras that have night vision and video storage.
Video doorbell is another game changer – it is ideal for front door surveillance and anti-porch pirates.
Install Window and Door Alarms
They sound an alarm every time a window or door is opened, giving you the alert and scaring off the intruder. It’s a very efficient and affordable way to increase the defenses of your home.
The National Council for Home Safety and Security says that homes without alarms are three times more likely to get burglarized.
Add a Safe
To give you some extra peace of mind, valuable items such as jewelry, documents, or even cash should be kept in a fireproof safe bolted to the floor or wall. If a burglar does get in, it takes a little extra effort to make off with your stuff.
Reach out to Your Neighborhood
There’s power in the community. If you don’t have one, consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch program to catch suspicious activity. When you know your neighbors and work together, you have one more layer of protection.
Choose Vacation Light Automation
Program your lights, TVs, or even radios using smart home systems to come on and off at random intervals when you’re away. It’s one of the biggest deterrents for burglars — the illusion of an occupied home.
Secure Your Garage
Garages are often overlooked but can be weak entry points. Keep the garage door locked and put a padlock on it if you can. Use curtains or frosted film for windows so burglars can’t see into your home.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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