Nobody wants their home broken into — aside from the physical loss and damage to your personal belongings, the emotional effects of a stranger invading your personal space can have a long-lasting impact on everyone in your family. Roughly 325,000 homes are broken into each year, so how can you help ensure that your home isn’t one of them? While there is no sure-fire way to prevent a break-in, these tips can show you how to keep burglars from targeting your home.
Make your home look occupied
Most thieves take the path of least resistance — if they see a home that looks occupied, they will likely move on. The key to this step is being realistic. There’s no need to leave your living room ablaze with lights all night long, but leaving a living room or kitchen light on if you are going out for the night can make it look like someone is home.
Wireless smart lighting makes it easy to control your home’s lights remotely, right from your smartphone. Each light can be controlled individually, so you can turn specific lights on throughout your home. And if you’ll be away for an extended period, you can also set a schedule, so your lights will turn on and off at certain times during the day, making it look like you’re home even when you’re not.
Lock all windows and doors
It may seem simple, but this is an essential step in how to prevent a burglary. Test your window locks to make sure they’re solid and replace any that are broken or weak. Always lock your exterior doors and consider adding a deadbolt for added protection.
Need a reminder to keep your doors and windows closed? Installing wireless door and window sensors can let you know if a window or door is left open (or forced open) with real-time alerts sent directly to your mobile device. You can set rules based on your schedule, so you aren’t constantly getting alerts as your family goes about their day-to-day routine.
For added security, consider installing smart locks. They allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely, eliminating the need to leave a (not so) hidden key under your doormat or worry if your kids forgot to lock the door on their way to school. Simply hop on the app and lock or unlock your doors, anytime and from anywhere.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
Valuables that are typically left outside — like bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles — can all lure a thief onto your property. Make sure to put them away in your garage, or at least out of sight, when you aren’t using them. Also, be aware of what’s in your recycling bin — boxes from big purchases, like a new TV, can tip burglars off that you have a pricey new electronic inside.
Be aware of what can be seen from your windows, too. If you can see your new television or other expensive items, so can a thief. Rearrange them so they can’t be seen from the street — it may help keep your home from being targeted.
Install a home security system
If you’re looking to go the extra mile, a home security system is one of the most effective options — after all, security cameras may help deter crime. A WiFi-enabled system, such as the one offered by Xfinity Home, allows you to arm and disarm your system right from your phone. Security cameras installed around your home and property can let you see who is coming and going in real-time, and they can also record and store footage. So, if somebody does approach your home, you can see exactly what happened and when.
Plus, a system with 24/7 professional monitoring will alert you and the authorities when the alarm is triggered, so help will be on the way in a flash. Just be sure to post a home security yard sign, so would-be thieves know you’re protected.
Home break-ins can be scary to think about, but just a few simple steps can add an extra layer of security to your house. While it’s impossible to prevent 100 percent of home break-ins, these tips can go a long way to deter thieves while keeping your home safe and secure.
