8 Affordable Ways to Boost Your Home Security and Keep Burglars Away

Are you aware that in the United States, a home burglary takes place every 15 seconds? This translates to around 4,800 burglaries occurring on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the police are only able to solve 13% of all the reported cases. It is evident that home security is a matter of utmost seriousness and should not be taken lightly. However, you don't necessarily need to transform your home into a fortress to feel secure. There are numerous measures that you can take to prevent intruders from entering your home and safeguard your valuable possessions without incurring substantial costs

Security System

To begin with, it's important to note that homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized, making it essential to consider setting up a security system. However, with a plethora of security systems available in the market, selecting the right one can be daunting, especially when considering your budget and desired level of protection. There are two primary options to choose from: professional installations and DIY installations.

Professional installations entail having a company's technician conduct a security assessment and explain your options to you. This option typically comes with professional monitoring and contracts, which can be long-term. The upfront equipment costs for this option are generally lower since the cost is spread out throughout the contract. The company will also handle any equipment issues as long as the contract is valid. This option is ideal if you prefer professional monitoring and want to avoid watching tutorials or reading manuals.

However, professional installations may not be ideal for renters due to contract commitments or budget limitations. That's where DIY installations come in handy. DIY systems offer greater flexibility since they don't come with contracts, and the monitoring fees are lower, averaging around $28 per month compared to $50 for professional systems. Plus, there are no installation fees with DIY systems. However, upfront equipment costs are higher, and there's the risk of improper equipment placement and missing security vulnerabilities, which a professional would catch.

Ultimately, the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a security system is evaluating your neighborhood's needs as well as your house.

Exterior Doors

It is surprising that 34% of burglars use the front door as their entry point when breaking into a home. This means that it is crucial to ensure that all exterior doors are secure and strong. Checking the door frames and hinges is important, and door reinforcement kits can be used to provide extra protection. If the door has a mail slot, it is essential to verify that no one can reach through it to unlock the door.

Changing the door locks when moving into a new house or apartment is also necessary to prevent strangers from walking into the house using keys. Additionally, installing a wireless doorbell camera, such as the one available on Amazon, is another way to enhance security. This camera is user-friendly, 100% wireless, and equipped with a rechargeable battery that can last up to two months. It features motion detection technology, super night vision, and is waterproof.

Sliding glass doors are another point of entry for burglars, so it's essential to ensure they are secure as well. A window bar or dowel can be used in the track to prevent them from being forced open. A door sensor or glass break sensor can also be installed to receive alerts if someone is tampering with the glass doors.

Windows

When it comes to home security, it's important not to overlook your windows. In fact, 23 percent of burglars enter a home through a window. Often, this is because homeowners forget to lock their windows. But even if they are locked, burglars can easily break the glass. To prevent this, you can reinforce the glass with window security film, install window bars, or add window sensors. If those options don't work for you, consider planting prickly bushes under your first-floor windows as an added deterrent. Remember, every step you take to secure your home makes it less likely to be targeted by burglars.

Outdoor Lightning

Adding outdoor lighting is a great way to enhance the security of your home. Burglars are less likely to target well-lit homes, as it makes it easier for them to be seen and identified. Motion-activated lights are especially effective as they catch the attention of both the homeowner and neighbors. Solar-powered lights are a good option as they are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, they can still function during power outages. When placing outdoor lights, make sure to cover all entrances to your home, including the front and back doors, windows, and garage.

Hide and Seek

Trimming trees and bushes can help eliminate hiding spots for burglars, and keeping gates, sheds, and other outdoor buildings locked can prevent burglars from gaining access to those areas. Additionally, storing ladders, stools, and other items that could be used to climb into windows or gain access to the roof in a locked storage area can also help to deter burglars.

Lock the Garage

Keeping the garage locked is definitely an important step to take, even if it's not directly connected to the house. Storing the garage door opener inside the house is a smart move too, as it prevents burglars from easily stealing it from your car. And using a security code for opening the garage door is a good idea as well, as long as it's kept confidential. Installing a driveway alarm is a great way to get alerted if someone enters your property, including the garage area. Overall, these steps will help make your garage less attractive to burglars and keep your belongings more secure.

Securities Camera

It's true that porch piracy has become a growing issue in recent years, and security cameras can definitely be a helpful tool in preventing and identifying package theft. However, it's important to note that relying solely on a fake camera may not be enough to deter determined thieves. It's always best to invest in a good quality camera that can provide clear footage and be monitored remotely. Additionally, some delivery companies now offer options such as in-home delivery or delivery to secure lockers, which can also help reduce the risk of package theft.

Safe

It's always a good idea to have a safe to protect your valuables. When selecting a safe, consider the size, the type of lock, the level of fire resistance, and the weight. The safe should be heavy enough that a thief can't easily carry it away, and it should be fire-resistant and waterproof to protect your items from damage in case of a fire or flood. It's also a good idea to bolt the safe to the floor or wall to prevent thieves from taking the whole safe with them.

Key Takeaway

To improve home security, one should lock all doors and windows, reinforce windows with security film or window bars, use outdoor lighting (preferably motion-activated), trim trees and bushes to eliminate hiding spots, lock all gates and sheds, store the garage door opener inside the house, install a driveway alarm, use security cameras or fake ones as a deterrent, and consider getting a safe that is fire-resistant, waterproof, and heavy enough to prevent theft.