Your home is usually secure when you're in it, however the real problems begin when you're away from home and spending time on vacation, work or elsewhere. Although having a security system is a great way to protect your belongings there are some ways you can improve on that through sheer common sense. Here we have prepared a few rules for you to follow so you can avoid any problems that might arise from carelessness and lack of alertness:
Create an illusion
When you're not home a dark, empty-looking house is a prime target for burglars and thieves of all sorts. For that very reason you need to create an illusion the house is still inhabited and that people are present within to discourage an unlawful entry before it happens. Make sure you have signs which warn trespassers they are being recorded on video and that there are security systems present. Use lights which utilize motion detectors to minimize the chance for burglars to find hiding spots.
Use good locks
All exterior doors should have deadbolts installed to prevent any chance of easily breaking them down. Make sure it’s made of hardened steel and also that the door frame is strong enough to support it. Doing so will secure the entrances to your home and it will boost the overall security.
Never place any keys outside your home
Forget keys under the doormat, on the door frame, in potted plants and so on. This is a security risk and a liability you don't need when you're protecting your home from entry. Thieves will find those since most of the locations are not that hard to figure out. Make them work hard to enter your home if that is what they intend to do.
Secure your patio doors
You can do this by placing a bar on the bottom track of the door to block it from opening. This is a low-tech but easy to implement way of locking a door or window of that kind. You can also install a glass break sensor to further secure windows against unlawful entry.
Keep garage doors closed
This should be done at all times when you're not entering or exiting the garage with your vehicle. The inner doors give an easy access to the rest of the house so make sure you do that. You can also install a garage door spring contact which can help secure that entry point by hooking it up to your alarm system.
Never leave notes
Forget about notes like “Be back in an hour” or similar things for family members or anyone who was supposed to meet you while you're gone. This is a big green light for anyone approaching your home that the place is ripe for the picking. Also never forget to arm your security system when you leave your home even if it is for just ten minutes.
Kill the phones
Disconnecting the phone or turning down the volume to nothing is a good way to keep listening thieves from finding out you're not there to pick up the phone. Sometimes thieves with access to your personal information will call your home. A phone secretary could tip them off about not being at home too.