You may have never had your home burglarized, but no doubt you know someone who has. Home invasions continue to go up, which means that diligence is the key for home security. Homes can be broken into anywhere, at any time. The following article shows you some of the things you can do for your own security.

Once you buy a house, switch out the locks. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This helps to create the illusion that someone is presently at home. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries.

Only allow maids and cleaning services to have a key to the house if they are known to be trustworthy. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. If you hire a cleaner from a company, then you should check the company with the BBB.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. Anyone you give the keys to your home to should be unarguably honest. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. You would hate for your expensive jewelry, personal family belongings, etc. to be stolen in case a burglar breaks into your home. Keep the safe hidden somewhere remote.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. While their story may seem legit, that doesn’t mean it is true. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.

If you have an attached garage, make sure it is secure. Some people are concerned about burglars entering through an attached garage. Get a C-clamp to secure your garage door if it is mounted on a track.

Take advantage of any and all security resources your local police force makes available to homeowners. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.

Make your home safer by storing your car inside the garage. Keeping your car in your house will deter intruders from vandalizing or stealing it. Hiding the car from plain sight can keep possible intruders from figuring out when you’re home and also when you are not.

Burglaries happen in middle and lower class neighborhoods, too. Any home that looks easy to break in is a target. Follow the advice below to make sure your house and family are safe and secure.

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. A security professional should visit to help with the testing process. Many things can impact the performance of a security system, such as animals and weather. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.