Do you know someone who has been the victim of a break-in? Home invasions are a huge issue nowadays. A burglary can happen in any neighborhood. In this article you will find information about improving home security.

Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. You have no way of knowing if the stranger on the other side of the door wishes to do you harm. Make sure everyone in your house knows not to open the door unless they know the person standing outside.

Once you buy a house, switch out the locks. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.

Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. They will notify you of any movement and can deter any possible burglars since they like remaining inconspicuous. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Use your garage for your car and not for storage. This will help to keep your vehicle safe. Storing your car in the garage will also make it difficult for anyone casing your home to figure out when no one is going to be there.

Stashing your most precious possession right inside the walls of your home can be a great idea. You don’t need to cut out segments of your walls by the way. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. For example, you could take the wiring out of an electric socket that is not in use and put your valuable jewelry in there.

Install lights that have motion sensors. These lights turn on if someone walks closely to your house. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. But keep in mind that the bulbs to the security light should be routinely changed to ensure that the deterrent system functions properly.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. As nice as the previous person may seem, you don’t really know them. Keep in mind that other families might have lived with them, too.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

Make sure all the wood around your doors is in great shape. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Your risks of being the target of home intruders really doesn’t depend on the area in which you live. On a different note, some people believe homeowners in more rural areas are more likely to experience robberies because of the lack of nearby neighbors. You need to do some research on the areas where you live to get an idea of how frequent break ins are.

Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Although a skylight can bring light into one’s home and look good, it’s also a common entrance way for burglars. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

A simple way to increase your home security is to add motion lights around the house. These lights will keep your property well lit and give you a good idea of who approaches your home. When placed appropriately, no one will be able to break in unannounced.

A wall is a great hiding place. If you need to protect expensive items in your home, put them inside the walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.

You need to make sure you’re making use of the Internet when looking at different home security companies. Review different websites and review comments from previous customers. Once you have selected a few potential home security providers, set appointments to interview them and find out what they have on offer.

Before you let anyone go into your home, look at their references thoroughly. Be sure to perform a background check and look for any criminal history that might be in evidence. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.

Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. The most important parts of your home to light are all of its potential access points. This can include garages, doorways, porches, and even near any windows on the ground floor.

If you have your home brightly lit, burglars are likely to avoid it. Intruders will avoid being noticed. Making your home’s exterior nice and bright will make it impossible for crooks to go undetected. Keep the lights on when it’s dark.

Think about getting a wireless security system for the home. A wired system is probably less expensive, but wires are a hassle. Also, you will have a very easy time installing them.

Your landscaping should be designed based on what will be safest for your home. Your doors and windows should not be obstructed by shrubs or fences. This way, no one can hide there if they are attempting to break into your house. If you want to have a garden around your home, keep trees and shrubs away from your house.

Your dog is a great tool for protecting your home from intruders. Dogs protect their territory diligently, and tend to make noise if something goes awry. There is no need for a mean, big dog either. Small dogs also have the ability to scare away burglars who definitely don’t want lots of ruckus when they appear.

If you arrive home and you see that your door is ajar, never enter to investigate on your own. You have no way of knowing whether the thieves are still inside. The best thing to do is call the police and wait for them to arrive before doing anything else.

Make sure that your key is in a hidden place. It is easy to spot a rock that is fake. Anyone looking for your key will look under your doormat. Instead, you should keep your spare keys with a trusted neighbor. If you must keep it elsewhere, be creative with your hiding spot.

Use a wireless security system. These systems are much more efficient and can save you time and hassle. A wireless system is easy to install, and will not become inoperable if your power goes out.

Do you turn the lights on and off during the same time period? If so, consider a timer. A timer will turn your lights on and off randomly and functions whether you are home or not.

Burglaries happen in middle and lower class neighborhoods, too. Thieves will target any home that looks promising. By utilizing the advice in this piece, you can increase your home’s security level and keep burglars at bay.

Keep valuables that are irreplaceable secure. Items like passports, family photos, financial records, expensive jewelry and legal documents are best kept in a secure location. One option is a floor safe inside your home. It is even better to rent a safe deposit container for absolute security.