Unless you live in a castle on a hill, complete with a moat full of alligators, it’s practically impossible to stop burglars from breaking into your home. This realization can cause quite a bit of anxiety, especially if you want to enhance your home security but haven’t gotten around to it.
Luckily, there are a number of affordable yet effective ways to protect your home and make it more secure against thieves.
1. Install Mortise Locks
Most burglars break and enter right through the front door. Sometimes this involves picking a lock. Other times, they may resort to kicking the door in.
Therefore, it’s incredibly important that your front door has locks that burglars can’t easily pick or break through. Securing entryways with electric mortise locks is one of the best ways to do this. These are sturdier and more durable than cylindrical deadbolts and include a latch for additional security.
If you’re not convinced, try using professional locksmith tools to test the security of your mortise locks. That way, you know exactly feel 100 percent safe and confident about your home security.
2. Landscape to Prevent Burglaries
You might also deter thieves by strategically landscaping your yard and flower beds. For instance, planting hedges or thick bushes around your home makes it difficult for thieves to reach and break in through windows.
Remove any tall trees or vines that someone could use to climb the side of your home as well. Another good idea is to plant rose bushes, holly or gorse under windows. These plants are especially thorny and will ward off intruders with their barbs.
3. Get a Wire-Free Security System
Getting a home security system can both deter robbers and catch them in the act, alerting you, police and neighbors of the break-in. A wire-free security system is a great option as you can install these cameras anywhere and can even detect moving heat patterns with infrared sensors.
Plus, they’re easy to install and switch on automatically, prolonging battery life. Depending on what brand you go with, such a system can be relatively inexpensive.
4. Thief-Proof Your Garage
While most burglars will break in through a window or door, others might find it easier to enter through the garage. They might accomplish this in a number of ways — from stealing your garage door opener from your car to using a coat hanger to open the emergency latch.
Prevent easy access by taking your opener inside and covering your emergency release cord. You might also inspect the door for cracks and frost the windows so thieves can’t see inside.
5. Adopt a Dog
Another brilliant and affordable way to ward of unwanted guests is to adopt a dog. Just make sure it’s a big one — most burglars won’t find tiny yappers threatening.
However, if they hear loud barks from inside the home, many admit they would stay away. If you aren’t able to take in a Rottweiler or Pitbull, simply posting a “Beware of Dog” sign on your gate or front door may help deter robbers.
6. Befriend the Neighbors
Getting to know and trust your neighbors is a genius — and free — way to enhance your home security, especially if those around you are home during the day.
Swap phone numbers and rely on one another to call if they notice any suspicious activity. If you leave for vacation, you can also ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your house and collect any mail in your absence.
7. Use Motion-Sensor Lights
Burglars don’t like attention, especially if they’re trying to sneak in under the cover of darkness. Install motion-sensor lights around your home’s exterior to spook them. Be sure to place them near outdoor security cameras, to catch them snooping around.
Even if no one is home, floodlights will startle anyone trying to enter and will likely scare them away. Plus, if your security cameras catch any lit-up faces, you can turn this evidence into the police and alert your neighbors.
8. Deceive the Burglars
Burglaries are 6% more likely to occur during daytime hours than during the night. During the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., occupants are usually at work or out running errands, making it the ideal time for thieves to break in.
In most cases, you’ll be away from home then, too. Defend your home in your absence by leaving a radio talk show on in the afternoons. Doing so will fill your home with voices and convince burglars someone’s inside.
Be Smart, Stay Safe
Sometimes, the best way to protect your home is to have some common sense. When you go on vacation, don’t post about your trip on social media until you return. Don’t leave expensive items in plain sight or out in the open and make sure you lock all doors and windows before you leave.
These security measures are entirely free and can certainly deter burglars. Of course, it won’t hurt to enhance security with some new locks and surveillance systems, too.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
