How much do you understand about home security? You should take the time to research the subject in order to protect your investment in your home. This investment might be pricey, but it gives you peace of mind and security to those you live with.

Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a spare key. This is a great idea if your dog is outside all the time, or they can get out through a doggy door. Just place your key on your dog’s collar.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Every company offers different pricing. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

Don’t let strangers into your home. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. Anyone you give the keys to your home to should be unarguably honest. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If they work through a larger firm, you can check up on the company with your local Better Business Bureau.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. This is a good way of knowing who comes near your home and keeps you safe if you ever come home late. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.

If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.

Walls are great for hiding things. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. Even if every single plate in your home is being used, you can purchase a fake one purpose-built for concealing valuables.

Your garage should be as secure as your home. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

You can hide your valuable items inside your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. Many areas in your house are already accessible for this purpose. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Be bold. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. Pay attention to gossip. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.

Make sure the wires of your home security system are completely hidden. An intruder can cut the wires or disconnect them and avoid the system. Hide them in the walls or bury them underground to keep people from tampering with them. That will make you safer.

Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. This is very true when you feel uneasy about the person installing the system. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.

You should change all the locks if you just bought or rented a new home. While the person you bought the home from may seem on the up and up, you have no idea who they really are. Besides, other tenants or owners might have copies of the key if the previous owners did not change the locks.

If you’ve got skylights, don’t forget about it when it comes to home security. As nice as they look, they’re a prime target for thieves. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. Potential burglars can easily claim they are security company representatives so that they can enter your home. This can be risky for you and your belongings. Proceed with caution.

Always lock your home, regardless of how short your trip out is. Many home thefts start with the thief simply walking in an unlocked door or window. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.

Now you have learned the basics, and you should feel better about your upcoming purchase. The more you learn, the better off you’re going to be when it comes to making a decision like this. Keep the guidelines in your mind when making these choices today.

When deciding on an alarm system, be sure and get one that protects more than your doors. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. This can keep your family much safer.