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DIY Home Security Tips
One of the most essential elements of owning a home is to keep it safe at all times.
It's easy to avoid thinking about how easily a burglar could gain access into your home when you are fast asleep or when you're away.
Every home is at potential risk of a burglary or break in, especially if you make your home an easy target to thieves by neglecting a few security details.
This is why it is very important to know a few DIY home security tips.
If installing a top of the range home security system will overstretch your budget, there are a few tips you can use to keep you and your family safe.
Landscape
You want to keep your landscape in the best shape without creating spots for burglars to hide. Tall trees can provide perfect hideouts for burglars to hide. Keep the trees well-trimmed to avoid giving thugs a hideout . Also, avoid dense shrubs, plantings near windows and doors neat and hedges low.
Lighting
Research has shown that a well-lit home has a lower likelihood of being broken into. So make sure your home is well lit with strategic outdoor lighting fixtures and motion detector spotlights. When you are out of town, make use of timers on interior lights to give the impression that you are home as usual. Digital and manual timers can be easily found at your local store.
Door stops
If your door has only a handle lock, you're making things easy for someone who wants to break into your home. Install an additional layer of security by finding a local locksmith in your area and have him install additional deadbolts and strengthen every installation by using long, heavy duty screws. You can also add a door reinforcement plate to make the area around the lock more secure. A wide angle peep hole in your front door can also come in handy so you can easily see who is knocking. If you choose to install the lock yourself we recommend you order your hardware from a locksmith or specialised hardware store. To prevent Lock Bumping we recommend to avoid buying hardware from mega-stores like Home depot.
Internet & Social Media
Given the prevalence of the Internet and social media, ensure your children know to never give out personal information such as their home address over the Internet. Thieves and burglars will often use such information to target your children and or your belongings. Think before you post on social media: do you want burglars to see what you have, where you live (Google street view), and how-long you will be away on vacation? Use the internet and social media with care.
Weak windows
Windows, especially when left open and unattended, are often the weakest link in your home's security. Be sure to close and lock all your windows before leaving your home even for the shortest period. You can add shades and window dressings to discourage prying eyes. Another option is to have security bars in ground-level windows, but ensure they are fitted with quick release mechanisms for easy opening from the inside in case of an emergency.
Self-service security systems
Affordable, high-technology home security systems incorporating remote controls, infra-red motion detection and easy to install window and door break-in sensors are readily available in the market. Some systems even incorporate pet settings that prevent false alarms for people who have pets. They work by keeping detection just above the pet's visual paths or by tresholding the body weight of the animal.
Monitor
Invest some time to research and monitor the type and number of crimes in your neighbourhood. Get information on the types of crimes, including homicide, sexual crimes and burglary. Such information can be particularly useful when tailoring your home security to protect you and your property against the types of crimes occurring in your local area.
Clean up
Check the area outside your home for hammers, screwdrivers and other tools that could be used to break a window or open a door. Easy access to such tools can encourage a criminal to try breaking into your home.
Keep your keys safe
Never hide your spare keys in a place just outside your home. Someone with the intention to break into your home may be watching and identify where you hide it. You should also be cautious about issuing spare keys. Although you may be careful about the person you give your spare, you can't control the situations in which your key may be exposed to duplication.
Resources:
Burglary of Single Family Houses by DL Weisel.
FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
How Burglars use Social Media
Call us for free professional advice on how to improve the security of your home Call (321) 294-0415 We will gladly advise you on the best action to take in your situation.