How to Make Sure Your Home is Secure

With the increasing number of burglary cases happening these days on a regular basis, homeowners are taking serious steps to address their home security issues. Becoming familiar with ways of protecting your homes is the most effective way to prevent break-ins. An ideal home securing solution not only protects your belongings, but also yourself and your loved ones. There are various highly effective ways to secure your new home, upgrade your current security system, or prepare your house for a vacation.

In this article, we will look at the most effective measures that you can implement right away to protect your home against intruders.

Install Spy Cameras

Nowadays, more and more people have started to install spy cameras in their home. There are many models of spy cameras available so be sure to check out gadget reviews online and find one with all the functions you need. With a quality spy camera, you can watch over your home even when you are in your office or on a trip abroad. Spy cameras can also scare burglars and other intruders away from your home, because they will be afraid of being recorded and getting caught. If someone does break into your home to steal something or commit another crime in your house, you can use the footage from your camera as evidence in the subsequent legal proceedings. With their small dimensions and various functions, spy cameras can be installed anywhere and are useful in a range of applications. As well as catching burglars in the act, you can also use them to check that your babysitters or house cleaners are misbehaving or stealing anything whilst you are out. Installing a spy camera is really simple so if you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time.

Secure Your Doors

The door is the easiest point of entry for a thief, and research has shown that 34% of burglars break in through the front door. Even if they don’t manage to actually gain entry that way, it will be the first place they try, so it’s important to keep your door secure. Doors that are made of solid metal or wood are more secure than a hollow UPVC door, which burglars can easily kick in. It is also a good idea to install a peephole so that you can look out and identify unexpected visitors. You can add extra security by installing a door reinforcement plate and a door jamb reinforcement kit, which are simple enough to DIY. Make sure to always be in the  habit of locking your doors whenever they are not in use, even when you are not out.

Reinforce the Windows

What if your doors are rock solid but your windows are flimsy? Make a habit of always locking your windows whenever you leave your house or before you go to sleep at night. Old window latches are typically weak and fail to hold up against blunt force, so replace, repair or reinforce them as needed, especially those on the first floor. Consider replacing exterior windows that are thin, hollow-core, or broken. Install window pin locks (or advanced pinless models) to keep windows partially open but still secure. For high-tech window security, Install sensors that will go off if the window breaks. Many burglars are opportunists so keep valuables out of sight by putting up curtains over the basement and garage windows.

Update your Locks

Do an inventory to see if any of your locks are damaged or if there are extra keys floating around with strangers. It is always a good idea to periodically change your locks or replace them with more secure versions. If you are moving into a new home, don’t forget to ask your landlord if they have replaced the locks, as there is a big chance that the previous owners, their relatives, friends and the people who have worked in the house on repairs still have copies of the key. A small investment to replace any low-quality locks with ones that can withstand picking or kicking can really benefit you and your family.

Be smart about Where You Hide Your Key

A lot of us choose to hide our keys in a “secret” place so that we can have an emergency option and burglars know this. It’s important to avoid predictable places like under the mat or in a flowerpot near the door. Instead, get to know the people in your neighborhood and give an extra key to your trusted neighbors. You can also find revolving hiding places or purchase an inexpensive combination lock-box and have it installed in a concealed place. It doesn’t take a lot of work to secure your home, and sometimes it can just be as simple as locking your door. Securing your home with these simple yet effective steps can significantly improve the security of your residence.