It’s no secret that crime is on the rise. In fact, according to the New York Police Department, property crime rates have been on the uptick for the past several years. They announced a 32.7% rise in burglaries from 2021 to 2022.
With those kinds of statistics, it’s no wonder many people are getting worried about break-ins and theft. After all, your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, where you can relax and feel safe. But when you’re constantly anxious about someone breaking in, it can be hard to be at ease.
So what can you do to protect your home from burglars? While there’s no one guaranteed way to prevent a break-in, there are some things you can do to make your home a less attractive target. Here are some of the best practices for keeping your home safe and secure:
Get a security system
Did you know that 75% of houses do not have a home security system? According to 2021 SafeWise research, many people avoid security systems because they do not want to deal with the hassle or expense. But the truth is that a security system is one of the best ways to deter burglars. Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that 60% of convicted burglars say they would avoid a home if they knew it had an alarm system.
If you don’t want to be a part of this statistic, now is the time to invest in a quality security system. A decent system can cost as little as $200, and it’s worth every penny. Besides, a security system will deter burglars and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is well-protected.
You can add other features like motion-detection cameras, alarm sensors, and smart alerts when installing a security system. These extra features will make your home even more secure and give you an extra layer of protection.
Make sure your doors and windows are secure
One of the most common ways burglars gain entry into a home is through an unlocked door or window. In a Reader’s Digest report, 34% of burglars say they enter a home through the front door, while 22% say they come in through the back door. That’s why you must ensure all your doors and windows are locked before you leave the house or go to bed.
If you have a home security system, you can add door and window sensors. These devices will alarm if someone tries to break in through a door or window. In doing so, you’ll be alerted immediately, and you can take the necessary action to stop the burglar.
You can also invest in security devices like window bars or door locks. These physical barriers make it much harder for burglars to break into your home. This way, even if they get past your door or window sensors, they’ll still have difficulty getting into your home.
Repair faulty garage doors
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, almost 9% of burglars enter homes through the garage. One way to secure your garage door is by investing in it. However, a new garage door might come at a high cost.
In that case, it’s best to consider quality garage door maintenance. Garage roller door repairs can make your home more secure. A well-maintained garage door will have a firm foundation and operate smoothly. It will also be more resistant to forced entry.
You should also regularly check the hinges, torsion springs, and tracks for wear and tear. If you see some damage, call a professional to fix it immediately. Doing so will ensure that your garage door is in good condition and can withstand any force.
Being proactive in garage door maintenance will save you money in the long run and keep your family safe. It’s a win-win situation!
Install outdoor lighting
Burglars love to operate in the dark, where they can quickly go unnoticed. One of the best ways to deter them is by installing outdoor lighting. Bright lights make it harder for burglars to break into a home without being seen.
You can install motion-sensor lights around your property. These lights will turn on automatically when they detect movement, making it harder for burglars to sneak around undetected. You can also add timer lights that turn on and off at specific times. This way, even if you’re not home, it will look like someone is.
Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to improve your home security. Not only will it deter burglars, but it will also make your property safer for you and your family.
There are many things you can do to make your home more secure. By following the tips above, you can deter burglars and prevent break-ins. Investing in these areas is an excellent way to improve your home security. So, don’t wait until it’s too late. Start making your home more secure today!