After you’ve spent hours picking out the perfect paint colors, it’s easy to neglect the fact that your house is still vulnerable to crime.
Most burglars aren’t after fine art or antiques—they’re just looking for easy targets with no one home who can stop them.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself from becoming one of those unfortunate people.
Here are some simple upgrades that will make sure criminals think twice before breaking into your home:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Properly secure doors and windows to avoid common home security mistakes. |
| – Implement affordable security measures like installing deadbolts and motion-activated lights. |
| – Choose a home security system that fits your needs and budget. |
| – Don’t hesitate to call the police if you notice suspicious activity in your neighborhood. |
| – Stay informed and proactive in protecting your home and loved ones. |
Install A Smart Home Security System
Installing a smart home security system is one of the easiest ways to protect your home. There are many available, each with its own set of features and costs.
No matter what type you choose, however, you should be able to get it installed for less than $150 per device (or even less if you ask around for current deals). Once installed, these systems can help protect your home from intruders as well as fire and carbon monoxide leaks.
Not properly securing doors and windows is one of the most common home security mistakes that can make your home vulnerable to intruders. Our guide on the most common home security mistakes will help you understand how to avoid these errors and increase your home’s security.
Add Exterior Lighting
Adding exterior lighting is a great way to improve the safety of your home. The best part? It’s easy to do! You can install motion-activated lights in areas where movement is frequent, like the driveway and backyard.
These types of lights are helpful for deterring burglars, as well as helping you identify intruders if they happen to make it inside.
Other common ways to add exterior lighting include adding lights around windows (especially those facing public streets), installing floodlights on your garage doors, or even painting sidewalks and driveways with brightly colored paint so they stand out at night.
Get A Watchdog
A watchdog is one of the best options for a home security system. Dogs can be trained to alert you when someone is on your property, and they’ll know how to handle the situation appropriately.
They can be taught to attack intruders, but only if the intruder poses a threat—meaning that if there’s no threat, he or she will just bark and warn you about what’s happening.
If you want your dog’s barking alerts to sound loud enough so that other people in your neighborhood will hear them too (and maybe call 911), then it might be worth investing in an alarm system that’s also linked up with a few other homes in your block.
Install A Video Doorbell
A video doorbell is a great way to keep an eye on who is at your door and also allows you to see when packages are delivered.
The same technology can also be used to monitor your property while you are away or help keep track of your kids and pets.
Implementing the right security measures can help safeguard your home from potential threats. Discover practical and simple ways to secure your home with our article on 17 affordable security measures that are easy to implement.
Install Motion-Sensor Lights
Motion-sensor lights are a great way to illuminate dark areas like the sides of your home or along the driveway while keeping it safe and secure.
Motion lights can be installed in any part of your property, but they’re especially useful in places where you don’t want to light up 24/7, like around windows or doors. Plus, they help protect the integrity of your home’s landscaping by preventing damage from over-watering.
There are two types of motion sensor lights: low-voltage and high-voltage options. Low-voltage systems use LED lighting and produce little heat compared with other options on the market today.
This means that these types of lights are safer for pets and children who may wander into them accidentally (or intentionally!) during playtime outside.
They also consume less energy than their high-voltage counterparts because there’s no need for an electrician’s attention when installing them yourself!
Set Up Dummy Cameras
The best way to prevent a break-in is by scaring the intruder away before he has a chance to do any damage. Dummy security cameras are an inexpensive way to do just that.
These fake security cameras look like real ones, but they have no working parts inside and won’t record footage or take photos if an intruder comes into range.
They’re also easy to mount anywhere in your home on the wall or ceiling so you don’t need any special tools besides a screwdriver (if you’re installing them on drywall).
Enhancing Security with Dummy Cameras
| Type of Dummy Camera | Brand | Average Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dome Camera | WALI | $10 – $30 | Provides a realistic-looking dome-shaped camera that is often used as a deterrent in high-security areas. |
| Bullet Camera | ZOSI | $15 – $50 | Mimics the look of a real bullet camera and can be mounted indoors or outdoors. |
| Box Camera | SANSCO | $20 – $40 | Resembles a traditional surveillance camera and is equipped with a blinking LED light to appear active. |
| PTZ Camera | Best Vision Systems | $40 – $70 | Simulates motion with a pan-tilt-zoom feature that follows movement like a real camera. |
One way to enhance the security of a home or business is to install dummy cameras. While they do not record footage, dummy cameras can act as a deterrent against potential intruders. The table above features a variety of dummy camera types, including dome, bullet, box, and PTZ cameras from popular brands like Best Vision Systems, SANSCO, WALI, and ZOSI.
These affordable options can give the impression of a fully-equipped surveillance system and therefore help to prevent crime, making it a cost-effective strategy to enhance your overall security posture.
Plant Thorny Bushes And Shrubs Near Windows
Thorny bushes and shrubs are a great way to boost your home’s security.
Intruders will think twice about breaking into your home when they see some thorny plants near the windows, as they know that if they try to get in through those windows, they’ll be cut up by the thorns!
You can also plant thorny plants around your entire property line so that burglars won’t even consider trespassing on your land.
If you have an intruder at hand, throw some thorns at him/her from inside the house (through an open window). This will keep them from entering any further into your property.
Lock Up Your Ladders And Tools
Ladders and tools are easy to steal, but they can also be used in a break-in.
Take the time to lock up your ladders and tools in a storage area or shed. If you don’t have access to either of these areas, consider investing in a locked toolbox that you can keep inside your garage. It will cost less than $50 and take about ten minutes for two people to install.
Choosing the right home security system can be overwhelming with so many options available. Our guide on how to choose the best home security system for your needs will help you navigate through the selection process and find the most suitable system for your home.
Replace All Locks When You Move Into A New Place
Replacing all of your locks is a great way to ensure that you have the highest level of security possible in your home.
Deadbolts are good, but they can’t protect against someone using an unlocked door handle to get into your house.
Make sure all of your locks are keyed alike and that you have a key for each lock on your front door, gate and garage door. You can also install deadbolts that use a thumb turn as opposed to a keyhole, which will make them harder for intruders to pick or force open.
Upgrading Locks in a New Place
| Type of Lock | Brand | Average Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadbolt | Kwikset | $35 – $150 | Offers key control and resistance to picking and drilling. |
| Smart Lock | August | $150 – $300 | Uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology for remote access and control. |
| Electronic | Schlage | $100 – $300 | Requires a keypad entry code or key fob for access. |
| Smart Deadbolt | Yale | $150 – $400 | Combines keyless entry with a tamper-proof deadbolt for enhanced security. |
In order to improve the security of a new place, it is recommended to replace all available locks. The table above provides several affordable options for different types of locking mechanisms, including deadbolts, electronic locks, and smart locks from popular brands like August, Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale. Upgrading locks can provide peace of mind and increase the overall security of a new home or apartment.
Take Out The Trash Before Bed
Trash bins are like magnets for scumbags, and they’re not just going to come after your home—they’ll go after your property as well.
You should always keep an eye on what’s in front of your house, but if you happen to be having a party or cookout or whatever, consider taking out all garbage bags daily.
This is especially important when it comes to recycling. If there are recyclables sitting outside long enough, someone might grab them and turn them into money or burn them down for the metal value inside (seriously).
With various home security systems available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which one provides maximum protection for your home. Our list of the top 15 home security systems for maximum protection will help you make an informed decision and secure your home with peace of mind.
Lock Your Doors And Windows At Night.
Lock your doors and windows at night.
Don’t leave your keys in the lock. Even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes, put them somewhere out of sight so that anyone who might break into your home can’t easily get inside and help themselves to your valuables.
Don’t leave your car unlocked either. A thief may be able to break into it without breaking anything or making a lot of noise, which makes it easier for them to get away with stealing everything you love (including those cute shoes sitting in the backseat).
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight: If someone sees something they want while they’re casing out your house, they won’t be inclined to break in later on when no one’s there because they’ll have already taken it then!
So make sure all of those things are hidden away where other people can’t see them this includes laptops as well as cash or jewelry hidden away in drawers or closets; doing this will help keep thieves from knowing exactly how much money is worth stealing from you!
Home security is a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked by homeowners. Our comprehensive guide on home security 101 will help beginners to understand the basics of home security, provide tips for keeping homes safe, and give an insight into security systems available.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you’ll be able to protect your home from intruders and make it less attractive to burglars. In addition, we recommend setting up a surveillance system for monitoring activity on your property.
This will allow you to keep an eye on all of your doors and windows at all times, which will make it much easier for you to spot any intruders before they have time to do any damage!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in finding more resources for improving your home’s security, check out the following articles:
10 Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home: This article outlines ten easy and affordable ways to secure your new home, from keeping the exterior well-lit to upgrading locks and deadbolts.
50+ Home Security Tips and Ideas: This comprehensive resource shares over fifty tips and ideas for making your home more secure, including home security systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency preparedness.
12 Easy Ways to Improve Your Home’s Security: HGTV offers a list of twelve simple and practical ways to improve your home’s security, such as setting up motion-activated lights and trimming trees and shrubs around the home.
FAQs
What are the most common home security mistakes?
The most common home security mistakes are leaving doors and windows unlocked, not having an alarm system, and hiding a spare key in an obvious location.
How can I secure my home on a budget?
There are several affordable ways to secure your home, such as reinforcing doors and windows, installing deadbolts, and keeping the exterior well-lit.
What is the best home security system?
The best home security system depends on your specific needs and budget. Some top brands include ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint.
How do I choose a home security system?
When choosing a home security system, consider your budget, the size of your home, the level of protection you need, and whether you prefer professional installation or a DIY option.
What should I do if I notice suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
If you notice suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call the police immediately. Don’t try to confront the person yourself or investigate further, as this can put you in danger.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
