Get to know your neighbors.
One of the best security measures you can take is to get to know your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out for strangers around your house.
Install a home security system.
The research shows that homes without a security system are three times more likely to be broken into than homes with one. Home security systems obviously deter would-be thieves by bringing audible attention to their break-in attempts. They also automatically dispatch the police to your home. Besides monitoring for breaches, many security companies also offer fire and carbon monoxide detection, as well as features that allow you to control your home’s lighting and appliances while you’re away.
Keep the outside of your house in tip-top shape.
Regular home maintenance and upkeep serves two purposes. First, it keeps your home looking like it’s occupied. An un-mowed yard could be a signal that no one is home. Second, you want to keep shrubs and trees trimmed and pruned to eliminate any possible hiding places for potential bad guys.
Watch what you’ve thrown out in the trash.
One way bad guys will “window shop” your house is to check for any big cardboard boxes for appliances sitting on your curb. If you make any significant purchase, make sure to cut up the cardboard box it came in so it can fit in a trash bag or a recyclables container. Also, before you throw away any bills or bank statements, shred them to stave off identity theft.
Always lock your doors and windows.
Sure, they can be easily picked or bypassed, but remember, 30% of all burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window. While locks aren’t foolproof, they do make breaking into your home a little more time consuming, and thus less desirable for a bad guy.
Source: Press Release
