If you're a homeowner, you likely already know the value of taking basic home security precautions. Regardless of whether or not you use a home security system, taking some basic steps to protect your house is both prudent and necessary in this day and age. More than that, there are some mistakes that are extremely important to avoid. Some of them can make your home an easy target, while others are so common that they might not even seem like mistakes. This article will review some easy fixes to common home security mistakes. Rectifying them immediately can save both your home, and potentially protect the safety of your family.
The first thing to be aware of is your locks. Regardless of whether or not you use a home alarm system, locks on your doors are your first line of defense against potential thieves. It's incredibly important to fix broken locks (including door handle locks) immediately. Weakened or old locks are easier to pick and break into. Professional burglars know how to take advantages of these weaknesses. In addition, you should always be vigilant about locking your windows. An unlocked window or a window cracked for ventilation in the summer is an open invitation to robbery.
The second thing - be aware of your lights and electronics. This is the first clue to potential thieves regarding whether or not somebody is actually home. If you have timers on your lights (and even other electronics), along with motion activated outdoor lights, you've done a great job making your house unattractive to potential thieves. Anything you can do to make a burglar thing that you're home, or that people are always coming and going is to your benefit.
Another thing to consider, keep your landscape maintained! Many people seem to believe that high bushes increase privacy or security. This might be true on the privacy front, but high and un-maintained landscaping make your home extremely attractive to burglars. This type of foliage provides ample hiding places, out of sight of your neighbors and any home alarm motion sensors. Giving your neighbors a clear view of your house, and keeping them apprised of your vacations will do a great service to your home security.
One of the most attractive things to a thief is having a key! This seems obvious, but many homeowners leave keys in "hiding places" (that almost all burglars know) or leave keys in a vehicle. If you leave a key under a rock or a mat, assuming a burglar has decided to rob you - this is the first thing they'll look for. Having a key is much easier than forcing their way in. Keys in a car mean that by breaking into a car, they have access to your home. Finally, and most importantly, if you have a home security system or decide to install an alarm system: USE IT! Home alarm systems are only good if they're turned on.
The first thing to be aware of is your locks. Regardless of whether or not you use a home alarm system, locks on your doors are your first line of defense against potential thieves. It's incredibly important to fix broken locks (including door handle locks) immediately. Weakened or old locks are easier to pick and break into. Professional burglars know how to take advantages of these weaknesses. In addition, you should always be vigilant about locking your windows. An unlocked window or a window cracked for ventilation in the summer is an open invitation to robbery.
The second thing - be aware of your lights and electronics. This is the first clue to potential thieves regarding whether or not somebody is actually home. If you have timers on your lights (and even other electronics), along with motion activated outdoor lights, you've done a great job making your house unattractive to potential thieves. Anything you can do to make a burglar thing that you're home, or that people are always coming and going is to your benefit.
Another thing to consider, keep your landscape maintained! Many people seem to believe that high bushes increase privacy or security. This might be true on the privacy front, but high and un-maintained landscaping make your home extremely attractive to burglars. This type of foliage provides ample hiding places, out of sight of your neighbors and any home alarm motion sensors. Giving your neighbors a clear view of your house, and keeping them apprised of your vacations will do a great service to your home security.
One of the most attractive things to a thief is having a key! This seems obvious, but many homeowners leave keys in "hiding places" (that almost all burglars know) or leave keys in a vehicle. If you leave a key under a rock or a mat, assuming a burglar has decided to rob you - this is the first thing they'll look for. Having a key is much easier than forcing their way in. Keys in a car mean that by breaking into a car, they have access to your home. Finally, and most importantly, if you have a home security system or decide to install an alarm system: USE IT! Home alarm systems are only good if they're turned on.