According to the FBI, property crimes are decreasing – possibly due to better home security. The rate of burglaries in an area drop when people take certain low cost home security precautions.
To ensure that your home security is top-notch, follow these low-cost tricks.
Light Up Your Home
A home that is well lit is harder to maneuver around unseen. Areas with fewer dark hiding spots are less likely be a target for burglars.
Installing motion detectors on the outside of your home deters thieves by giving the idea that someone is home. Additionally, indoor lights can be used as a deterrent when on a timer.
Indoor lights simply plug in to the timers to add an easy, low-cost home security feature.
Keep Your Yard Nice
While you are gone it is important to give an appearance that people are home.
Consider hiring a friend, family member, or company to ensure that your yard is taken care of while you are gone.
Overgrown bushes provide thieves with a place to hide during a burglary. Keeping bushes properly trimmed eliminates such opportunities.
Think About Your Doors
A door that has a handle lock is a very easy mark for a thief with a credit card. They are able to use simple flat objects to break into your home.
Installing a deadbolt lock increases the difficulty of breaking in through the doors. Most deadbolts ensure the use of a key to unlock a door.
Secure the Keys
When going out of town, make sure that you do not leave an emergency key in any obvious location such as fake rocks or under door mats.
For the best homes security do not leave a key hidden outside.
Provide a trusted person with a key while you are gone to check mail and take care of other household chores.
Also consider investing in an electric door lock. These are equipped with keypads on which those wishing to gain entrance to a home must input a code.
Watch the Windows
Windows are the weakest of security points in a home, especially when left open or unlocked. Ensure that all of the windows are closed and locked before you leave.
Covering the windows with curtains keeps others from being able to see inside. When intruders cannot see inventory in the house, they are deterred from breaking in.
Window coverings will also keep them from knowing if someone is really in the home or not.
Hide Expensive Inventory
Put your jewelry box in the closest and hide anything else that is light and valuable. This will decrease the risk of thieves breaking in and finding your valuables.
While these tips decrease your risk of having a break in, it is also necessary to avoid posting your vacation location on social media platforms.
For more information regarding lake home security, check our this previous story, “6 Home Security Tips for Your Lake Home.”