Securing your home from burglary

Burglars will be less likely to target your property if it is well-lit and has security measures in place to slow them down. Don't make your home an easy target for thieves and vandals. By taking common-sense safety precautions, you may protect yourself and your things while also saving money on insurance.

A home that is well-lit and has good security measures

Check your home for security flaws and fix them.

According to research, if a criminal takes more than four or five minutes to break into a residence, he or she will leave. Take the time to "case" your home or apartment as a burglar would, and consider these methods to make it more crime-resistant, particularly at places of easy entrance.

1. Install simple security gadgets, Padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars, and bolts can all slow down a burglary. Make sure the parts you already have in place are functioning properly.

2. Invest on a burglar alarm, The most efficient ones also call an outside service.

   
   

3. Invest in security cameras, Cover major entrance points and mount out of easy reach to avoid tampering; these alert criminals that someone is watching.

   
   

4. Trade some privacy for more security, Trim trees and plants near doors and windows, and think carefully before installing a tall wooden fence around your backyard. High fences and shrubbery might enhance your seclusion, but they can also be advantageous to a burglar.

   
   

5. Shine a light, Get any would-be burglars out of the shadows. Exterior lights and motion detectors set out of easy reach can help to lessen the darkness that a would-be burglar uses to hide.

   
   

6. Keep valuables out of plain sight, If your precious paintings, silver collection, or home entertainment system are visible from the outside, consider moving your furniture to make your home less appealing to burglars.

   
   
   
   

Home entrance point security

To deter break-ins, reinforce the barriers at your home's entry points. Of course, do not sacrifice personal safety in the process—whatever security mechanisms you add, ensure that you can swiftly leave in the event of a fire or other emergency.

1. Doors - They should be strong. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood that are at least one-and-three-quarters inches thick. Doorframes must be composed of equally strong materials, and each door must fit firmly into its frame. Even the most effective lock, if installed in a weak door, will not dissuade a determined burglar. A peephole or wide-angle viewer in the door is a better option for identifying guests than a door chain. Sliding glass doors pose a unique challenge because they are easy to open; however, if you have these doors, you can discover special locks for them.

   
   

2. Locks - Deadbolt locks are ideal. They are often locked with a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. The cylinder (where the key is inserted) should be a Restricted Keyway as the one from Lock Nerds Locksmith the MX13 Restricted Key System. Ask Lock Nerds Locksmith for their MX13 Restricted Key System, or purchase your locks from a trustworthy locksmith that can offer a Restricted Keyway.

   
   

3. Windows - Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured easily by "pinning" the upper and bottom frames together with a removable nail from the inside. Consider putting metal accordion gates around street-level windows or on fire escapes.

Home Security Habits

Don't unintentionally invite criminals into your home; make these safety precautions mandatory.

1. Create a routine to ensure that doors and windows are locked and alarm systems are turned on.

2. Avoid providing personal information to unfamiliar phone callers and revealing your personal plans online or in public notices (for example, when promoting products for sale).

3. Join your neighbors in keeping a careful eye on what's going on in your neighborhood—working together as a community is a wonderful strategy to prevent crime.

4. If you observe any questionable strangers in your area, contact the police and/or local neighborhood watch.

5. House keys should not be carried on a key ring with your home address, nor should they be left in a commercial parking lot or with an attendant.

6. Don't hide your keys in "secret" locations outside your home; criminals know where to search.

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Home security suggestions for when you're away

To deter burglars and vandals while you're away on vacation or work, make your home appear occupied and have friends and neighbors keep an eye out for strange activity. Several hints:

1. Leave the blinds open in their customary position.

2. When you plan to be away, notify reputable neighbors, and consider notifying the police.

3. Plan to get your lawn mowed in the summer and your walkway and driveway shoveled in the winter.

4. Stop receiving newspaper delivery and ask a neighbor to pick up "throw-away" newspapers and circulars.

5. Have mail and packages picked up by neighbors; alternatively, have them forwarded or held at the post office.

6. Reduce the volume of your telephone ringer and answering machine so that they cannot be heard outside.

7. Use automatic timers to turn lights and radios on and off in different parts of the house at specific times.

Insurance Advantages of Home Security Measures

Devices that make a home safer, such as deadbolt locks, window grates and bars, smoke, fire, or burglar alarm systems, and some security camera systems, are also cost-effective for homeowners insurance. Most insurance companies offer discounts for qualifying security devices; check with your insurance agent for details.