Essential Tips for Upgrading Your Home Security Measures

The most profitable investments a homeowner can make is in their security.

That’s not hyperbole or guesswork. It’s a proven fact based on all the money lost in break-ins and robberies that could have been prevented.

Statistics are not on the side of homeowners either.

In fact, a break-in occurs every 26 seconds in the US according to the FBI.

Worse still, while you are reading this right now, criminals are hitting scores of homes, some of which can be yours.

The good news is this is largely preventable.

By adding the necessary upgrades, and a few safety precautions, a homeowner can reduce their odds of falling victim significantly.

In this article, we will discuss several essential steps to achieve this, but first…

The Importance of Security

Home security is no joke, and it is the single thing a property owner needs to worry about right now.

It is not an exaggeration or overstatement to say that homes with no security measures are 300% more likely to be burglarized.

You can’t just be thinking about what to add to improve the security of your home.

The single most effective tactic is to make your house as unattractive as possible to criminals.

When it comes to home security, many think of the technology to prevent break-ins but overlook what actually deters criminals.

For example, one of the best ways to reduce the risk of a burglary is to put up a good security system. As it turns out, nearly 60% of convicted burglars admit they would choose another home if they saw an alarm system.

In other words, the simple presence of cameras and burglar alarms discourages potential criminals from even trying to break into a property.

The Front Door

Do you know where a burglar is most likely to enter a home?

The front door.

It might sound like a joke, but the front door is the point of entry for 34% of all break-ins.

Many criminals will simply enter through unlocked doors or kick in doors that are not strong enough to resist the force.

This is where your decision of upgrading your front door to something like composite doors can help improve home security significantly.

Composite doors are less likely to give way to force because they use different materials that can hold up to a lot of abuse.

The material composition also makes it much harder for potential criminals to pick your home as they will see it as too much trouble.

Entry points should be the first thing you improve the security of your home.

You can spend a fortune on the best gadgets to monitor your house, but none of that matters if a criminal can kick the door down with one punch.

Elements of a Safe Front Door

A good front door should have:

• Multi-point locking system
• Reinforced frame and hinges
• Anti-snap cylinder locks
• Letterbox guards to keep criminals from using the mail slot to open the door

A solid door with locks is more effective than all the bells and whistles you can think of. The technology will only supplement the security level and not make up for the poor front door quality.

Smart Security Systems to Add

Technology has improved many aspects of our lives, including home security.

Homeowners can now keep an eye on their property from any corner of the world thanks to smart security gadgets that are as affordable as they are efficient.

Here are some of the most critical smart systems you can add to your home:

Doorbell Cameras

Security cameras for your front door offer numerous benefits and are easy to set up. For one, it will allow you to see whoever is at the door without having to open it.

Most will also be able to record footage automatically and send an alert when they detect motion in the yard.

Plus, you can now answer your door from a smartphone or tablet anywhere in the world.

Visible CCTV Cameras

Visible cameras scare criminals away before they can act. Make sure you have them at all the entry points of your home, including your front and back doors and any ground floor windows.

The recorded footage can also be instrumental when reporting the break-in to the police.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors for the outdoors and indoors are another great way to add a security layer. You can have the sensors activate your lights, alarm, or even a camera recording when they detect motion.

Smart motion sensors can even differentiate between animals and people.

Alarm Systems

Alarm systems can be monitored or unmonitored. Monitored ones connect directly to the security professionals who will alert the police in the event of a break-in.

Unmonitored alarms are less sophisticated but equally effective.

The most important part is to make sure each component is working with the other in a unified system.

Lighting and Landscaping for the Front Yard

Criminals don’t want to be seen either.

This is where outdoor lighting comes in as one of the most straightforward upgrades to improve the security of your home.

Motion-activated lights can go a long way in making the burglar turn away.

The positioning of lights should be on:

• The front and back doors
• Pathways and driveways
• The garage
• Passages between properties

Motion-activated lighting is the best as it will not only draw the attention of the burglar when they activate unexpectedly but will also conserve energy as the lights will only turn on when necessary.

Landscaping is the other area that needs to be controlled, trimmed, and maintained.

Criminals love to use bushes and trees as cover.

Neighbours can see right into your home, what with high fences and the like. Plus, if your neighbour has a clear view of your home’s front, you are less likely to be robbed.

A Layered Approach

Improving home security is a layered approach to keep potential criminals at bay.

A single security measure is unlikely to keep your home safe unless it is top-notch.

Layering means the combination of several less expensive safety measures to create layers of barriers that act as both a deterrent and physical obstacles.

Start with the basics, which include:

• Exterior doors
• Locks
• Window locks
• Cameras and signs
• Lights

Then you can add technology to the mix, including:

• Video doorbells
• Smart locks
• Monitored alarm systems
• Glass break sensors

Finally, there are human factors and good practices that need to be followed. For example:

• Lock doors when you are away.
• Avoid sharing your holiday plans on social media.
• Know your neighbours
• Keep valuables out of plain sight

The take-home message is that the more protection you can add to your property, the less attractive it will be to potential criminals.

Conclusion

Improving the security of your home does not need to be overly complicated or expensive.

The most vulnerable entry points like the front door should be the primary focus and the first to be improved.

The level of security you add will depend on your budget, and even the cheapest additions will help make your home a less attractive target for potential burglars.

When in doubt, remember the statistics that say that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be burgled.

The second is to note that most burglars are opportunists who will not break into homes that have even minimal security.

So a few smart upgrades can make the world of difference.

The sooner you start, the better. You can start by:

• Assessing your current security level
• Adding security to the front door
• Using signs and visible deterrents
• Layering your security system over time

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