7 Inexpensive Ways to Improve Home Security
Property crimes are on a rise. FBI reports suggest that around 8 million cases of burglary were reported in 2016 in the US alone. 70% of houses in the UK don’t have a security system. It’s either because they think there’s no risk of burglary in their home or they find security systems expensive. Without any doubt, security systems can protect your house from burglars. However, here are some inexpensive tips to protect your house without a modern security system.
1. Install a Deadbolt
A majority of burglars break into a house via front or back doors. In order to keep them away from your property, install deadbolts. Do not opt for low quality, cheap deadbolts, since they cannot keep intruders away. You should rather invest in a high quality product that minimizes the risk of burglary in your home.
2. Get Window and Door Shades
Before breaking into a house, burglars case it for a few days to ensure there’s no one at home. Window and door shades make it difficult for them to watch your house. Whether or not you’re home, these shades protect your privacy and play a major role in keeping thieves away from your house.
3. Install Garage Timer
Your garage is the easiest target for burglars. Most homeowners don’t find it necessary to protect their garage doors. However, it’s in your best interest to install a garage timer. It’s easy to forget closing your garage door. Garage timer closes it automatically after a pre-defined time period.
Garage doors are usually weak and a burglar can easily break it. You can make it more secure by adding plywood panel and a wooden bar.
4. Protect Your Mailbox
Identity theft is one of the most common crimes around the globe. An overfilled mailbox is the favorite target of burglars through which they can get hold of your personal information. Install an electronic mailbox to protect your personal information. If you’re going away on vacations, you may ask your trusted friends to regularly empty the mailbox for you.
5. Install Warning Signs
Whether or not you have secured your house with a security system, you should use some warning signs to deter burglars. Before breaking into a house, burglars look for any potential threats. Signs such as “Beware of Dog” and “Protected by an Electronic Security System” work magic when it comes to keeping burglars away from your house.
6. Trim Your Garden
Overgrown shrubs and branches of trees provide a hiding place to burglars and allow them to enter the premise of your house conveniently. Regularly trim your garden so that no intruders can hide behind overgrown plants.
7. Don’t Advertise
Many people are tempted to share their activities on social media. If burglars find out you’re away on a vacation, you’re more likely to get robbed of your belongings.
Although you can reduce the risk of burglary with the help of above tips, it’s best to install a modern security system in order to keep your home safe from intruders.