Home security is always a top priority for homeowners. Your home is your sanctuary, and you never want to feel concerned about your safety. Unfortunately, burglary is one of the most common crimes committed in the United States. According to the Uniform Crime Report, there were over 1.2 million burglaries in 2019 alone.
While most burglaries happen while you are away, you still want to protect your home the best you can, regardless if you are home or away. The best way to stop a burglar is to prevent one from attacking your home. Luckily, there are cost-effective security measures you can install to protect your home 24/7. Here are 7 tips to stop burglars:
1. Security Cameras
Security cameras are one of the best ways to prevent a burglar from attacking your home. Homes with security systems are 300% less likely to be burglarized. One thing you may not know, many burglars survey a house before they break into it. Spotting a security camera is a sure-fire to deter a burglar from attacking your home.
Security systems have become increasingly popular in recent years. More interestingly, home security technology is rapidly expanding, with more state-of-the-art systems released every year. There is a wide array of security cameras for individuals to choose, from wired to wireless, to fiber optic, and many more. It is always best to talk to a professional when considering a home security system.
Motion-Activated Cameras
Installing motion-activated cameras is another remarkable way to deter a burglar, especially at night. If a burglar sets just one foot on your property, it will trigger an abrasive flash and cast them in a spotlight. Being caught in a flash of light in the middle of the night is no fun for any robber, and there will most certainly run away quickly.
Burglars know that all homes with motion-activated lights are not a good target. They generally prefer to attack homes without defense systems. They like to sneak in and out as quickly as possible and want to go undetected. And if you can stop them before they reach your door, you are already one step ahead of them. Not to mention, in more closely-knit neighborhoods, motion-activated cameras can even protect neighboring homes as well.
2. Be Aware of What You Post on Social Media
Social media platforms can be a great way to connect with friends and family. However, we always have to be aware of we post online. Burglars can target individuals through social media sites. If they notice a person recently made an expensive purchase, or are away on vacation, they are far more likely to attack your home.
To prevent burglars from taking advantage of your social media information, it is best to keep a low profile on all of your personal social media accounts. However, if you are someone who loves to post on their social media account, or use it for business purposes, you must always be aware of what you post. Never mention any large purchases you recently made, as well as any vacation plans, especially if people can find your address.
3. Lock Everything Down
Locking all of your doors, windows, and other entrances seem like common knowledge. However, reports indicate that over 30% of burglars enter the home through an unlocked door or window. Having unlocked entrances just makes it easier for a burglar to invade your home, which is why we highly recommend checking and locking all possible points of entry every night.
In addition to locking everything down, you should also consider installing thick doors that cannot be kicked in. Deadbolts also make burglary much more difficult. Likewise, there are dense windows you can get that are incredibly difficult to break. All three of the security measures in place, as well as checking your entry points every night, significantly decreases the likelihood of an attack.
4. Have A Security Dog
An intimidating security dog is an old school method of preventing burglaries that is also effective. Not to mention, they are great and loving pets. However, you do not need a Pitbull or bulldog to protect your home. Even the bark from a small dog deters robbers from entering your home because they know the bark is more than likely going to wake up others in the house.
However, security should not be the only reason for getting a guard dog. Dogs require a great deal of care and companionship. You must be willing to take adequate care of your dog. If you do decide to get a guard dog, you can install a “Beware of Dog” sign to notify potential burglars you have one on the property.
5. Befriend Your Neighbors
A tight-knit community experiences much lower crime rates. Not to mention, it is always better to live in a community that looks out for each other and can undoubtedly spot a stranger if one were to target the community. Befriending your neighbors is an exceptional way to protect your home because you gain an extra pair of eyes that can spot any suspicious activity.
Befriending neighbors can also be a great way to build relationships in your community. You could even form a neighbor watch program if you meet enough nearby residents. A neighborhood watch will undeniably make everybody in the surrounding community feel much safer.
Let An Expert Help You
At Beau Dietl & Associates, we are experts in security systems and technology. Our expertise is helping individuals or companies get the security advice and protection they need at a price they can afford. We have been in operation since 1985 and have had to pleasure to work with an extensive global network of partners and affiliates. Our security services are extensive, and we can always provide a solution that works for you. If you would like to learn more about Beau Dietl & Associates and the services we provide, feel free to contact us today!
