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Safeguarding your residence not only shields your personal belongings but also grants you peace of mind and protects the safety of you and your loved ones. Thankfully, there exists an array of measures you can adopt to bolster your home's security, many of which are straightforward and cost-effective. Below, we'll guide you through some of the most effective strategies to reinforce your home's security and safeguard your family and possessions.
Procedures
Enhancing Home Security Against Intruders
Upgrade weak locks. Locks represent the vulnerable point on any door. Ensure you install a grade 1 or grade 2 deadbolt lock that extends deep into the door frame. The strike plate—the immobile part that the bolt enters—should be crafted from solid metal or brass and anchored with six three-inch screws penetrating the door jamb and frame.
- For locks adjacent to windows, opt for a double cylinder deadbolt, necessitating a key both inside and outside. This prevents burglars from breaking the glass, reaching in, and unlocking the door.
Secure your windows effectively. Windows represent another common point of entry, especially during warmer months when they're often left open.
- Install locks on your windows, preferably ones with keys. Without key locks, criminals can easily break the glass and manipulate the lock.
- When opting for ventilation, fit window stops to limit opening to 6-8 inches.
- Consider using safety or shatterproof glass to increase window resistance to break-ins.
- For added protection, contemplate installing bars or accordion gates on ground-level windows or fire escapes.
- Shield basement windows with metal grates or insert a bar in the middle to prevent intrusion.
- Secure window air conditioning units with brackets or sliding locks to deter forced entry.
Render your windows inaccessible. Regardless of their security measures, windows remain vulnerable due to their glass construction. The most effective way to thwart window entry is to prevent access to them entirely.
- Avoid leaving ladders unsecured, as they can facilitate access to second-story windows.
- Consider installing plastic drainpipes, which are more difficult to climb than metal ones.
- Trim weight-bearing tree limbs near windows or overhanging the roof.
- Plant prickly bushes near ground-floor windows to deter intruders.
Fortify your doors. Back doors are a favored entry point for burglars, often targeted for forced entry.
- Exterior doors should be made of metal or solid hardwood and at least 1.75 inches thick.
- Ensure the frames are equally robust, and the door fits securely to prevent prying.
- Position hinges on the interior to thwart attempts to remove the door.
- For doors near windows, apply a ¼ inch layer of clear Plexiglas to prevent glass breakage and access.
- If you have an automatic garage door, ensure it's resistant to lifting when closed.
Take extra precautions with sliding glass doors. These are commonly targeted by burglars due to the vulnerability of their latches.
- Place a custom-cut wood dowel or adjustable safety bar in the interior floor track to prevent door opening.
- Opt for shatterproof glass or apply a thin film of Plexiglas to non-shatterproof glass.
Eliminate potential hiding spots. Trim bushes and trees around doors and windows, and consider replacing opaque fences or dense shrubbery with transparent alternatives. Solid, tall fences may offer privacy but also conceal burglars attempting to breach your back door.
Illuminate your outdoor spaces. Motion-activated lights are highly effective. They startle intruders and attract attention from you and your neighbors. However, considering that nearly two-thirds of burglaries occur during daylight hours, lighting shouldn't be your primary concern. Focus on securing your windows and doors first.
Arrange for a police assessment. Schedule a visit from local law enforcement to evaluate your home and recommend security enhancements. This is a valuable method to determine which security measures should take precedence in safeguarding your home.
Take advantage of insurance discounts for enhancing home security. Many insurance providers offer discounts ranging from 2 percent to 15 percent for implementing safety devices such as deadbolt locks, window grates, security bars, and smoke/fire/burglar alarms.
Securing Your Home While You're Away
Create the illusion of occupancy. When you're away for work or vacation, the key to protecting your home is to deceive burglars into believing someone is still present. Follow the steps below to achieve this.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Pro Tip: Park your car in the driveway when you're away instead of in the garage. This creates the illusion that someone is home. Remember to remove any valuables from your car to minimize the risk of break-ins.
Utilize light and television timers. These devices, ranging from $5 to $40, can automatically turn your lights and television on and off at specific times each day. Most burglars avoid homes they believe are occupied. By simulating activity, you deter potential intruders.
Keep your phone silent. Burglars sometimes call homes to check for occupancy. If they hear no response, they'll assume the house is empty. Lower the volume on your phone and answering machine, or better yet, forward your calls.
Maintain your blinds and drapes. Keep them in their regular positions to maintain the appearance of normal activity. Consider using an automatic curtain opener if you regularly adjust them. If leaving drapes open, ensure valuables are out of sight from windows.
Manage your mail and deliveries. Don't let newspapers and mail accumulate, as this signals your absence. Have a neighbor collect them for you, or arrange for mail forwarding or hold service with the post office. Visible deliveries give the impression that someone is home.
Attend to your lawn and pathways. Arrange for lawn maintenance in the summer and snow removal in the winter to maintain the appearance of regular upkeep.
Dispose of trash regularly. Ask a neighbor to use your trashcan and place it on the curb for collection. An absence of trash cans on collection day indicates to burglars that the house is unoccupied.
Inform your neighbors. Let one or two reliable neighbors know about your absence and request them to keep an eye on your property while you're away.
Alarm System Installation
Select the suitable alarm system. Alarm systems vary in complexity and cost, from advanced ones with remote monitoring to simpler door and window alarms. Any alarm system, regardless of its features, is typically effective in deterring burglars.
Consider monitoring service options. When opting for a monitored service, consider factors like communication method, installation type, and home automation features. Choose the option that best fits your needs and circumstances.
Opt for a security system with motion detectors and coverage for all entry points. These are fundamental features for any security system, whether monitored or not. While additional features like pressure mats and CCTV are available, motion detectors and door/window contacts are typically sufficient.
Maximize your system's effectiveness. Ensure your security system is always activated and prominently displayed to deter potential burglars. Follow these guidelines:
- Activate your system even for short absences like trips to the store or walks around the neighborhood.
- Avoid leaving your security passcode near the keypad.
- Display visible yard signs and window decals indicating your home is protected.
- Use generic security signs to prevent thieves from identifying your security company.
Implement simple security measures. If a full security system isn't feasible, consider installing affordable DIY alarms:
- Install doorknob alarms that emit loud sounds when moved.
- Use window alarms triggered by movement or glass breakage, and window swags for ventilation.
- Employ motion-sensitive webcams for remote monitoring and surveillance.
Utilize deterrent tactics. Even without an alarm system, employ fake security measures to discourage burglars:
- Place alarm signs and stickers around your property, including windows.
- Add dummy motion sensors to windows for added deterrence.
Reducing Home Vulnerability
Build relationships with your neighbors. Establishing rapport with vigilant neighbors enhances home security by deterring potential intruders and creating a watchful community atmosphere.
Consider getting a canine companion. Dogs can be highly effective in deterring burglars, with even small, noisy dogs serving as effective deterrents.
Make locking up a habit. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked whenever leaving the house, returning home, or going to bed, including pet entrances.
Protect your keys. Safeguard your keys by avoiding common hiding spots and refraining from carrying them with identifying information.
Display ominous signage. Even without actual security measures, the presence of warning signs can act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
Avoid flaunting valuable possessions. Minimize the visibility of expensive items and assets to reduce the likelihood of attracting unwanted attention from criminals.
Exercise caution when hiring service providers. When bringing workers into your home for repairs or renovations, be mindful of the potential security risks and inquire about their employee background check policies.
Secure your valuables effectively. Make it challenging for burglars to access your valuable items by utilizing hiding spots, safes, or safe-deposit boxes.
Mark and document your valuables. Increase the chances of recovering stolen items by engraving them with identifying information and keeping records of serial numbers.
