One of the biggest concerns for a home renter or owner is how to keep their home safe from break-ins. We’ve gathered our top tips for protecting your home from theft.
1. Reinforce Locked Doors to Protect Your Home from Theft
One of the easiest ways to protect your home from theft is to ensure all of your doors are locked. This applies to when you are and aren’t home! To reinforce locked doors, ensure the deadbolts are intact, as they are the weakest part of any door. If a deadbolt is loose, it’s much easier for a burglar to kick down a door. Replace the deadbolt with a 3-inch screw to secure the door. Plus, looking for ways to secure your home on a budget? Feel free to read this article.
2. Install Motion Detectors
An easy way to protect your home from theft is to install motion detectors. There are a variety of options available, most relatively inexpensive, with prices as low as $15, and they are an effective way to deter burglars. Many rely on an electrical power supply, but some also use solar energy. Here is a great example!
Check out this example from AmeriTop.
3. Light Your Property at Night to Deter Thieves
Another way to protect your home from theft is to install outdoor lighting in your front or backyard. You can also install motion-activated lighting for added protection. Choose LED lights over conventional light bulbs, as they are much brighter.
4. Install Bolt Cutter-Resistant Locks
One device a thief can use when trying to break into a home is a bolt cutter. To protect your home from theft, it’s essential to install bolt-cutter-resistant locks. A secure lock that is safe from bolt cutters is thick and easily concealed. There are many bolt-cutter-resistant locks available, featuring components such as keypads that prevent picking.
For example, consider this keyed padlock from Master Lock.
5. Secure Patio and Other Exterior Doors
Patio doors are the easiest for burglars to break into, especially sliding doors. A simple way to secure your patio doors is to install a security bar or rod. This system will keep the doors in place when you aren’t using them. You can also install a screw to secure sliding doors and prevent the windows from being removed.
6. Install a Security Anchor on Bicycles
If you have bikes in your garage, install a security anchor for a bike lock in the floor to keep them secure. This domed anchor covers the locks and is very easy to install. Security anchors can also be used to protect truck beds. With a lifetime warranty, security anchors are a great addition to your garage.
Check out this example from Kryptonite.
7. Keep a Light On Inside, Even When Out
Whether you’re home or away for an extended period, it’s essential to consider the lighting in your home. A vacation timer is an excellent option for keeping your home illuminated while you’re away, especially in the evenings. You can even download apps, such as WeMo, to manually control lighting from your phone. This serves as an additional deterrent to potential burglars who are watching your home.
8. Hide Spare Keys in Secure Locations
It can be challenging to find a secure location to hide your spare keys. If a burglar finds a key and unlocks the door, it will be difficult to save on your claim, as the theft isn’t considered forced entry. The best solution to this issue is to purchase a safe with a combination lock. Hide it around your front door and secure it with stainless steel screws so it cannot be removed.
Check out this example from Kidde.
An easy way to protect your home from theft is to keep your vacation plans private. This means holding off on social media posts until you’ve returned. Social media features, such as geotagging, make it easy for burglars to determine when you’re out of the house for an extended period. Additionally, have a trusted friend or family member check in on your home while you are away.
10. Lock Your Interior Garage Door When Out
Make sure you manually lock your garage door, even if it is automated. If your garage doesn’t have a manual lock, you can install one above the rollers in the ceiling.
11. Install a Doorbell Camera to Protect Your Home From Theft
A doorbell camera is a great way to monitor your property while you’re away. You will be able to see if any packages are dropped off, or if any suspicious activity occurs.
Check out this example from SmartHome Security.
12. Install an Alarmed Security Monitoring System
For added protection, installing an alarm and security monitoring system in your home is an easy way to deter theft. Additionally, this type of monitoring system may be necessary to file an insurance claim if your property is broken into. It may also provide additional insurance savings!
Check out this example from Ring
13. Keep Your Blinds Shut for Home Theft Prevention
Keeping your blinds shut is another effective way to protect your home from theft. With your blinds shut, people can’t look into your home and see any valuables worth breaking in for.
14. Keep Valuables in a Secure Location
Valuables, such as jewelry, should be kept in a safe location. A jewelry box on a dresser, for example, is a prominent location a thief is likely to check first. Try keeping your valuables in a secure location, like your closet.
15. Change Keypad Passcodes Frequently
Finally, consider changing your keypad passcodes periodically, including for locations such as your garage. Just as changing your email password helps protect you from hackers, changing your home’s security code helps protect your home from theft.
Protect Your Home from Theft: Conclusion
If you approach your home and ever suspect it has been broken into or that someone may be inside, DO NOT ENTER and call 911 immediately. If you have any questions about your home insurance policy or would like to file a home burglary claim, please contact a member of our isure team today.
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