Home security is a big market. Burglaries happen every day, no matter where you’re living. Homes that seem to be easy marks are targets for burglars. To prevent your home from getting broken into, check out the below article to learn some excellent tips on protecting your home.
It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. This is also a good idea in the event that you misplace your keys.
Have your home always look occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This way, it will appear that you are at home. This can be a terrific method of securing your home and keeping burglars at bay.
TIP! Make sure your home appears occupied. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals.
Don’t let strangers enter your house. No matter what the excuse the person presents, keep them from entering your home. Some people just want to know if there is a security system so they can plan on coming back later or not.
If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. Keeping your car out of sight is also a good way to prevent intruders from determining whether or not you are home.
After you purchase a new home, change the locks. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. To make sure you have the only access to the home, hire a locksmith. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.
TIP! When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed out.
Be brave! Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Watch their homes and ask them if they’ll watch yours as well. Never neglect gossip. You might find out valuable information related to security, like if there have been any strangers hanging around.
Rural Areas
Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. One way to do this is to check their references. If they work through a larger firm, you can check up on the company with your local Better Business Bureau.
TIP! Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest.
People in rural areas are not usually as worried about burglaries as people in cities. 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. Not everyone believes this, though.
Use the spaces in your home’s walls to store valuables. No need to damage your walls. There should be pre-cut spaces throughout your home that will suffice. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.
Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. This is very important, as you do not want your gold, diamonds and personal items exposed if someone were to break into your house. Hide your safe in a place that is hard to get to, like a basement closet or an attic.
TIP! Buy a safe for very valuable items in the house so you can keep them inside a single location. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder.
Look for an alarm system that does more than protect your doors. Burglars often enter through windows as well. If you have an alarm attached to each of your windows and doors, you can keep track of all the entry points for your home. This is great for keeping the family secure.
Whenever you move to a new dwelling, make certain to get each lock replaced. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. Bear in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous owner.
It’s important to shop around before you settle on the right security system for your home. Prices vary quite a bit. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.
TIP! When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly.
Before you give a security company employee access to your home, make sure they’re in uniform and that they present acceptable identification. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This can be risky for you and your belongings. Take care to steer clear of danger.
When you are trying to hire a home security contractor, read all the small print on your contract before signing it. There may be some hidden fees, or a need to buy more equipment later. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything.
Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. Changing locks is not very expensive and should be done within a few hours.
TIP! Always change the locks if you have someone move out of your home. Perhaps your roommate left town or you have gone through a messy divorce, and you need to feel that the home is safe.
The Internet is your friend when searching for a home security company, so you should use it wisely. Look at various sites and read customer testimonials, along with details on various packages. After narrowing down your top five choices, you can then take the next step by contacting each one.
An important part of vetting any security company before you sign a contract with them is finding out how long they’ve been providing security services in your community. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. You’ll have a lot more confidence in your choice if you stick with a company that has a proven track record.
If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. Although a skylight can bring light into one’s home and look good, it’s also a common entrance way for burglars. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.
TIP! If you’ve got skylights, don’t neglect them when ensuring your home’s security. They look great and provide light, but also are another access point.
Invite a security company to come to your house and figure out a system that will work for you. You need some features which other families may wish to do without. Most companies will create an individual plan to meet your needs so you can have a high level of security to assure your peace of mind.
Consider installing a surveillance system. Adding video cameras on the property can be a good idea. Visible cameras scare intruders while a hidden camera could capture footage. Some security systems can be accessed with cell phones, so you can check on your house while you are away.
Do that put spare keys above door frames or under door mats. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Thieves aren’t stupid and also know common hiding spots. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
TIP! Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. Instead of letting you into your home in the event you are locked out, you are providing criminals with easy access to your home.
Make sure no one can look inside your garage. Frosted windows will keep a burglar from being able to see inside. The material needed to do this can be found at home improvement stores. Don’t let your door hang open for lengthy periods of time.
One of the best home burglary systems is man’s best friend. They are protective of their home and owner and will alert you if someone is on your property. You don’t even need a huge, vicious dog. As long as he is noisy when strangers approach, he’s a great addition to the security of your home.
Always lock your home when you leave it, no matter how soon you plan to return. Many home thefts start with the thief simply walking in an unlocked door or window. They can get a ton of stuff quickly and be long gone before you return.
TIP! Always lock your house, no matter how briefly you expect to be gone. Most real-world burglars aren’t master lock-breakers; they simply stroll in through a door left carelessly unlocked.
Security System
A good home security system is very important for your family. Crime can occur when least expected. Remember the tips from this article, and spend some time in implementing an effective home security system. Don’t procrastinate. You must do everything you can about your specific home security needs now.
Keep the wires of your home security system hidden. You do not want the wires exposed for easy manipulation. Keep the wires hidden in the walls or underground to keep intruders from getting in. You will be much more safe.
TIP! Make sure the wires of your home security system are completely hidden. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible.