You lock your doors at night, and when you leave the house, you set the alarm, yet home invasions are still rising. What gives? It turns out there are several security mistakes that many of us are making without even realizing it. In this blog post, we’ll identify 8 of the most common home security mistakes and offer some simple solutions. Read on to find out more.
Not Updating Your Locks
If you’ve just moved into a new home, you should first change the locks. You don’t know who might have a copy of the keys (the previous owners, contractors, etc.), and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Once you’ve changed the locks, be sure to keep them updated. If your locks are beginning to show signs of wear or you’ve lost a key, it’s time for an update. Some of the signs that your locks require replacement include rust, corrosion, and a lack of security features (like deadbolts).
Failing to invest in fencing
Did you know that homes with fencing can deter burglars? It’s true. After all, a fence creates an additional barrier that burglars must pass to gain entry. Investing in a sturdy and secure wall can be a great way to increase the security of your home. However, every home is different, so it’s essential to work with an experienced fence contractor to ensure that you choose the right fence for your property. They can help assess your needs and recommend the best fence style and materials for your home.
Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Places
We’ve all done it—you hide a spare key under the welcome mat or in a fake rock near the door, thinking you’re being clever. But guess what? Burglars know all the tricks. The best way to keep your spare keys safe is to give them to a trusted neighbor or friend who can hang onto them for you until you need them. If possible, have a deadbolt installed on your door—they’re harder to pick and make it much more difficult for someone to gain entry without a key.
Posting Your Vacation Plans on Social Media
You may think you’re being subtle when you drop a hint about your upcoming vacation on Facebook or Instagram, but chances are your posts are being seen by more people than you realize—including potential burglars who now know your home will be empty for an extended period. To avoid tipping off would-be criminals, wait until after your vacation to post those envy-inducing photos. It might be hard to resist the temptation, but it’s worth the wait.
Leaving Your Blinds and Curtains Open
When you leave your blinds and curtains open, you’re giving burglars a clear view of all the valuables in your home. If they can see it, they’ll want it—plain and simple. Close your blinds and curtains before leaving the house or going to bed at night to keep prying eyes from seeing what’s inside. Remember, no matter how secure your home is, if potential burglars can see inside, they may be tempted to try their luck.
Not Investing in Adequate Lighting
Many burglaries happen under cover of darkness, so it stands to reason that good lighting can be a deterrent. Strategically placed outdoor lights can make it difficult for criminals to approach your home without being seen and can make your home less appealing as a target altogether. Take the time to walk around your property and determine where additional lighting is needed. You can also install motion-sensing lights that will turn on when movement is detected, alerting you to potential intruders. Just be sure to use energy-efficient bulbs so you don’t spend a fortune on your electric bill!
Failing to Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs that aren’t properly trimmed provide hiding places for burglars looking to break into your home undetected. Keeping your trees and shrubs neatly trimmed eliminates potential hiding spots and make it easier for neighbors or passersby to spot suspicious activity around your property.
Ignoring Your Gut Instinct
If something doesn’t feel right—maybe you noticed someone loitering around your neighborhood or there was an attempted break-in next door—trust your gut instinct and take action accordingly. Don’t brush off strange behavior as harmless; instead, call the police right away so they can investigate further and take steps to prevent crimes in your neighborhood before they happen.
The bottom line
Ensuring the safety of our homes is important to all of us—but sometimes, we inadvertently make things easy for burglars without even realizing it! By following the tips above, you can help deter criminals from targeting your home and give yourself some much-needed peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken steps to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.
