In the past, a homeowner could leave their front door unlocked without any fear of being burglarized. Unfortunately, today’s homeowners must take all of the necessary precautions to protect their property and ensure the safety of their family. Thieves will be thrilled to break into a home that is stocked with valuable items such as jewelry, electronic products, computer equipment, and of course money. Here are some very effective home security tips.
Keep the doors and windows locked.
Even if you are only planning to leave your home for a short period of time, always take the time to secure the premises. It takes an experienced criminal about 10 to 12 minutes to complete a burglary. However, an amateur thief can get the job done in only five minutes if the doors are unlocked.
Always change the locks when moving into a new home.
If you have just purchased a home, be sure to change all of the locks and tumblers as soon as possible. You never know who may have made a copy of your house keys. The extra sense of security is well worth the inexpensive cost of a new locking system. Hire a professional locksmith to do the lock change
Avoid spring-latch locks.
Although spring-latch locks are very easy to install, they make it a lot easier for burglars to break into the residence. In many instances, a criminal can simply depress the latch with a regular credit card. A double-cylinder deadbolt lock offers far more protection against a home invasion.
Make the home appear occupied.
Most burglars prefer to perform a break-in when the home is vacant. An effective way to confuse a potential thief is to install a timer that controls the lights and television. This method is especially beneficial when you are away on an out-of-town trip. Instead of allowing the mail to pile up, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep it until you return home.
Consider a dog.
Dogs have a very keen sense of smell and a very acute hearing ability. If they notice the presence of a stranger near the premises, they will usually bark to alert the owner. Contrary to popular belief, small dogs are often better at deterring a burglar than a large dog.
Hide your valuables.
You should always find a reliable hiding place to store your valuables. After locking the items in a fire-proof safe, find a discreet area to hide it. Mattresses and drawers are not very good hiding places. On the other hand, the ceiling is a great option.
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