Home is where we feel the most secure, where we let our guard down, and where we come together with family. Yet, once a break-in happens, it all changes fast. Experiencing a home invasion or being robbed can change your home life forever.
Despite what we like to think, home break-ins happen more often than you might expect. In fact, out of all crimes, 77% of them are property crimes, such as a home invasion. Generally, thieves scope your home for several days before making contact. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your home is a safe place with these tips.
1. Invest in an Alarm
The best thing you can do to make sure your home is a safe place is to invest in an alarm. Home security alarm systems have come a long way, and they’re smarter than ever. Now, they’re accessible from smartphones and tablets, making them an effective way to keep an eye on your home when you’re away. Since most break-ins happen during the day when people are at work, this is important.
You need a company that offers a variety of security options for your home. This new alarm system will afford you much-needed peace of mind in your own space.
2. Get a Light Timer
One of the reasons criminals target homes is because they have low visibility, especially at night. If you make it easy for thieves to approach your home without being detected, making you a prime candidate for a break-in.
If you use a light timer, you can make sure there is always light on the outside at night or when you’re not at home. Better yet, many lights are “smart lights” nowadays, and they can be controlled by your smartphone.
3. Meet Your Neighbors
There’s a lot of benefit to getting to know your neighbors. You and your neighbors can keep an eye on each other’s properties, thus reporting suspicious activity before it becomes a problem. It’s as simple as just saying hello to your neighbors and introducing yourself. Only 31% of Americans know their neighbors in this day and age, so make sure you’re one of them.
4. Maintain Your Privacy
It’s important to be private about your things and your schedule. Since criminals are known to spend time searching for targets, you don’t want to give away clues about when you won’t be home or when you’ll be on vacation.
Similarly, don’t display any valuables in areas that are easy to spot from outside, such as near open windows or garage doors. It’s about not advertising yourself as a target.
5. Hide Your Valuables Carefully
Finally, be careful about how you hide your valuables. Aside from keeping them out of sight, keep in mind how a criminal works. Once they’re inside your home, they’ll work quickly in all of the common hiding spots.
Avoid keeping valuables in dresser drawers, bedside tables, or in your medicine cabinet. These are the places most criminals check first, so invest in a safer hiding spot.
Final Thoughts
How safe is your home? Even if you haven’t taken any steps to protect yourself, now is the time to take action. As long as you’re proactive, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Crime happens everywhere, and there’s no such thing as a perfectly “safe” neighborhood. It’s important to protect your home and your family with these tips.
