On average, over $1,000 worth of items are stolen when a home is burgled. Chances are, if you’ve just moved into a new home, especially in a new area, you’re not as fully protected as you could be. Installing some simple extra security measures can help to both prevent a break in and get help to your door quickly if one does happen. So here are six of the best security options for your home.
Deadbolts
It sounds too simple, but data shows that 33% of all home burglaries occur through the front door, and an easy way to help prevent this is to install a deadbolt. Latches on front doors can often be a weak spot and are easily overcome by a burglar with a bit of know-how and the right equipment.
Window Locks
Another weak spot in many homes is the windows, particularly if your house is old, and you may have latches that are easy to break or window panes that aren’t difficult to smash. The best way to avoid your house being broken into via the windows is to either replace the windows entirely or to invest in some new and improved latches.
Security System
There are a wide variety of different security systems available on the market today. Depending on how much money you are looking to spend and what your needs are, you could pay a fee to have professionals monitor your security footage and take action if and when any alarms are triggered. Or, for a slightly cheaper option, you could simply buy and install a security system yourself and monitor your home independently.
Fence and Gate
Deter your crazy redneck neighbor with a deceptively simple security measure. Many homeowners overlook the power of a strong, sturdy and off-putting gate and fence. Depending on your budget, there are some seriously high-tech, secure gating options available that would put off even the most daring of potential burglars.
Automated Lighting
Burglars will often try to choose residences that look as if the owners are out or away on vacation. They will look for signs such as all the lights being turned off, an overfilled mailbox, and no normal household noises. This means that when all of the occupants are out of the house, especially for extended periods of time, your home becomes a lot more vulnerable. There are steps you can take, however, to deter any potential burglars, such as installing an automated lighting system that switches on the lights inside your home and can even mimic the sound and lights of a TV being watched.
Advertise Your Security
Having plenty of security options to prevent a burglary and inform you if something does happen is very important, but if you are away and get burgled, you could still potentially lose precious items and sustain damage to your property. This is why it is important to always clearly advertise that you have security measures in place, as this will help to prevent any attempt at burglary from happening in the first place.