If you have a balcony door, never leave it unlocked at night or when going out. Balconies could provide easy access to burglars. Garage doors provide access into your home, so treat them as any other door. Make sure they are locked properly, as well as the door that leads from the inside of the garage into your house.
If you’re concerned about the security of your sliding glass door, drop a dowel or metal rod into the track on the inside. This will supplement the sliding door’s lock (which is often weak).
If you’re concerned about your house being broken into while you’re away overnight, install motion-activated floodlights in your front and back yards. Alternatively, you can set a timer on your indoor lighting to make your home appear occupied.
Even if you’re only going to be gone for an evening or a single night, it’s still best to close your blinds.
If you’re concerned about accidentally locking yourself out of your home, give a spare key or two to a trusted neighbor, relative, or friend. If you need to keep a spare key, then store it in a dropbox set to unlock when either your phone is in range or you entered the correct security code. Another option would be to secure your door with an electronic lock instead of a manual one. Then, you wouldn’t need to worry about a key and could unlock your door with a code. Of course, avoid obvious combinations, like 1-2-3-4.
If you’re going to be away for a longer period of time and don’t want to leave the lights on (say, for two weeks), you can put interior lights or your TV on timers. [5] X Research source Timers are inexpensive and can be purchased at any hardware store.
These activities will give the appearance that someone is living in your house. This will discourage potential thieves, who would otherwise be inclined to rob an empty house.
Be sure to give your house-sitter the code for your home security system so that they don’t accidentally set off the alarm and receive a visit from the police.
Be sure to give your house-sitter the code for your home security system so that they don’t accidentally set off the alarm and receive a visit from the police.
Giving your home the appearance of being occupied means the thief will move on to easier pickings. Thieves are generally lazy they try to make the easy money in an easy way. Don’t give them a chance.
A home security system could also scare off a persistent burglar. If a burglar did manage to break into your house, an alarm system could deter them from proceeding. You’ll receive a sticker with your home security system. Make sure to place the sticker somewhere that will be highly visible to potential thieves, as a front window of your house. The sticker alone will make potential burglars think twice.
Even if you don’t own a dog, set a couple of (empty) dog bowls near your front step to further convince potential intruders that you own a dog.
The same thing goes for a computer, stereo, video games console, and any other item that is easily portable and may be expensive. Instead, break the box down fully and put it inside of a large garbage can on waste collection day.
If your front and rear doors are not locked by a deadbolt, a determined burglar could easily kick or shoulder their way into your house.
Also change your lock if you ever lose a key. Someone else might have picked it up, and could easily rob your home with the key.
Fastening the lock and hinges with longer screws will make it harder for a would-be home invader to kick in doors. You can find screws of any length at your local hardware store.
Securing the windows will prevent a lot of burglaries. You can find these items at your local hardware store.
