You likely know someone who has been the victim of a home burglary. These situations are happening more and more frequently. A burglary can happen in any neighborhood. The following article will provide you with some useful tips on home security.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. This is an excellent technique that helps avoid robberies while keeping the property safe.

It is important for your home to always look lived in. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. This will make your home look like someone is in it. This is a simple way to give people up to no good think that you are home.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Some give offer the option to monitor all entries into the house. This is important if you have small kids.

Never open up your door to a stranger. Nowadays, people invent many stories of why they should come in. For instance, they may say they need to call a mechanic or the police. However, their true intent is to rob you. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.

Only allow maids and cleaning services to have a key to the house if they are known to be trustworthy. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If you are using a cleaning firm, make sure it has an excellent Better Business Bureau rating.

Make sure to have your home inspection system maintained on at least an annual basis. A security professional should visit to help with the testing process. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.

Rural Areas

Don’t let strangers into your home. You never know who they might be, despite their story. You should make sure you only open the door to your home for people that you know and are expecting.

If you do not reside in a big city, you may not worry as much about home burglaries. Interestingly, many think those living in rural areas are actually more susceptible to break-ins since neighbors may not live close by. Still there are those that think that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. Hide valuables inside of your walls. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

Don’t overlook your garage as a potential access point for thieves. Many people are concerned about people entering their garages to gain access to their homes. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.

Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. They give you and your family the opportunity to move around should the electricity go out. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.

If you move to a place that was occupied before, you should change the locks right away. Even though the previous tenant may have turned in their key, you never know if they have a copy. You can purchase the locks and install them yourself to ensure you’re the only person that has a key.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.

Make sure your address numbers are clearly visible from across the street. In an emergency situation, first responders won’t be able to locate your house quickly if the numbers are hidden or are too small to see clearly. Just replace them if you need to.

When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. Skylights have a good function, but unfortunately they also often provide a way for a burglar to enter. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.

Keeping people out of various areas of your home does not have to involve using multiple locks and keys. You can instead get key-less locks that work using a code. You can install these locks yourself or have them professionally installed.

Don’t think about home burglaries only occurring only at expensive homes. Thieves can target homes that look easy to enter. If you use the advice mentioned in this article, you can help protect both your home and your family.

Regardless of how long you plan on being away from your home, always lock all the doors and windows whenever you leave. It may be a little surprising, but most burglaries and break-ins happen because the intruder just walks right through an open door. A thief can take plenty of valuables in minutes.