20 Proven Ways to Protect Your Home from Burglary

The chilling reality is that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States, according to FBI statistics. But don't let this statistic deter you from feeling secure in your own home. By implementing a combination of smart strategies and affordable security measures, you can create a fortress that deters intruders and protects your loved ones.

Here are 20 proven ways to fortify your home against burglary:

Part 1: Deterrence is Key

1. Secure Your Entry Points:

Doors: Reinforce all exterior doors with solid-core doors, sturdy deadbolts, and strike plates. A deadbolt adds an extra layer of security that makes it significantly harder for intruders to force their way in.
Windows: Secure all windows with sturdy locks, especially those on the ground floor or easily accessible. Consider adding window security film to make it more difficult for intruders to break the glass.
Garage: Keep your garage door closed and locked at all times, even when you're home. Upgrade to a smart garage door opener that you can control remotely and monitor access.
Sliding Doors: Use a security bar or a secondary lock to prevent sliding doors from being lifted off their tracks or forced open.

2. Illuminate Your Surroundings:

Motion Sensor Lights: Install motion-activated lights around your home's exterior, focusing on entry points, pathways, and dark corners. These lights startle intruders and draw attention to their presence.
Smart Lights: Program smart lights to turn on and off at varying times, creating the illusion of occupancy even when you're away. Consider using smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely through your smartphone or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

3. Invest in a Home Security System:

DIY Systems: Consider affordable, easy-to-install DIY home security systems like Kangaroo, which offer a variety of sensors, motion detectors, and cameras. These systems are user-friendly and can be customized to fit your specific needs.
Security Signs and Stickers: Display visible security signs and stickers to deter potential burglars. A simple sign indicating that your home is protected can be enough to make a burglar move on to an easier target.
Professional Monitoring (Optional): For added security and to complete your alarm system consider professional monitoring, which alerts authorities in case of a break-in. This is especially beneficial if you travel frequently or live in a high-crime area.

Part 2: Physical Security Measures

4. Reinforce Windows: Install security film to make it harder for intruders to break glass. This clear film adds a layer of strength to your windows, making them more resistant to shattering.

5. Secure Sliding Doors: Add a sturdy dowel or security bar in the track of sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks or pried open.

6. Trim Shrubs and Trees: Keep bushes and trees trimmed back so they don't provide hiding places for burglars. Overgrown foliage can obscure windows and doors, making it easier for intruders to approach unnoticed.

7. Lock Your Gates: If you have a fence, ensure the gate is locked and secure. Consider using a padlock, door locks or a heavy-duty latch to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Reinforce Your Garage Door: A weak garage door is an easy target for burglars. Reinforce it with a deadbolt or other security measures to make it more difficult to break through.

Part 3: Technological Solutions

9. Video Doorbell: Install a video doorbell to see and communicate with visitors remotely. This allows you to monitor your front door even when you're not home, deterring porch pirates and providing an extra layer of security.

10. Outdoor Cameras: Place security cameras strategically around your yard, driveway, and other vulnerable areas. These cameras can capture footage of potential intruders and serve as valuable evidence in case of a crime.

11. Indoor Cameras: Monitor activity inside your home, especially common areas. Consider placing cameras in hallways, living rooms, or entryways to deter intruders and provide evidence if a break-in does occur.

12. Smart Home Automation: Integrate your security system with smart lights and locks/smart locks for remote control and automation. You can set lights to turn on and off automatically or lock and unlock your doors from your smartphone, even when you're away.

Part 4: Additional Tips and Precautions

13. Get a Dog: A barking dog can be an effective deterrent to burglars. Even a small dog can create enough noise to scare off intruders and alert you to their presence.

14. Stop Mail and Newspaper Delivery: When you're away for an extended period, have your mail and newspaper delivery suspended or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them for you.

15. Set Timers for Lights and Electronics: Create the illusion of occupancy by setting timers for lights, radios, or televisions to turn on and off at different times of the day.

16. Don't Leave Notes on the Door: Avoid leaving notes that indicate you're not home. This could be an invitation for opportunistic burglars.

17. Be Wary of Strangers: Don't open the door to strangers. If someone asks to use your phone, offer to make the call for them instead of letting them inside.

18. Report Suspicious Activity: If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, report it to the police immediately. This could help prevent a crime or apprehend a suspect.

19. Review Your Homeowners Insurance: Ensure your homeowner's insurance policy provides adequate coverage for theft and damage. Consider adding additional coverage for high-value items or specific risks, like flood or earthquake damage.

20. Regularly Test Your Security System: Test your alarm system, cameras, and other security devices regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries as needed and keep your system's software updated.

By implementing these 20 proven tips, you can significantly enhance your home's security and reduce the risk of burglary. Remember, a combination of preventive measures, technology, and vigilance is the most effective way to keep your home and loved ones safe.

Did you Know?

Did you know that hiding spare keys under the doormat, once a Victorian-era courtesy, is now a burglar's first stop? Shockingly, 34% of burglars enter through the front door, and a significant portion of those cases involve unlocked doors or easily found spare keys. Most intruders are opportunists, spending mere seconds trying to break in. Simple deterrents like strong locks, security signs, and even affordable smart cameras like Kangaroo's can make your home a less appealing target. Outsmart thieves – choose security over convenience!