It is likely you know of someone who has been the victim of a burglary at some point. Paying a little extra attention to home security is never a bad idea. Regardless of who you are, break-ins can happen to you. This article goes into detail about how you can prevent invasions.
Make your home look occupied at all times. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This way it will always look as if someone is home, even when you are away. It is also another way to secure your home.
If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. It is best to do a reference check on them. If the person is an employee of a firm, call your local BBB to check their reputation.
If you have a stranger at your door, do not open it. Criminals find ways to get people to open doors so they can commit crimes. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.
Regardless of the type of home security system you choose, be sure to have regular inspections and maintenance performed. Call the company and have them send someone to check it out. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. If you aren’t paying attention, you may not be aware of these problems.
Rural Areas
If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. On a different note, some people believe homeowners in more rural areas are more likely to experience robberies because of the lack of nearby neighbors. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.
Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. You should cover any windows that are facing the street so your valuables will be safe.
If you have any boxes to discard from large, expensive items, wait until the evening before the trash is scheduled for collection. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.
Be sure to replace all locks on a home you have bought. The previous owner may be perfectly respectable, but you can’t know that for sure. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.
Replace rotten wood near door frames. Home invaders interested are able to pry off any rotted wood to get inside. Replace wood that is starting to rot with fresh new wood to keep your home as safe as possible.
After moving into a pre-owned apartment or home, change the locks. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. It is possible to purchase and put in locks on your own so you can be assured you have the only keys.
Anytime a security installer comes to the house, make sure they display proper identification. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This represents a danger to your possessions and your family. Be cautious to stay safe.
If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.
Criminals are much less likely to target your home if it’s well lit. This will deter crooks from trying your home. With a well lit home there is no place for burglars to conceal themselves. So keep those lights on at night for a secure home.
Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. This includes doorways, windows, and your garage.
Don’t think only expensive houses get robbed. They rob any home they know they can get into, If you use the tips here to improve your home security, your family will be much safer.