Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, you want the place you live to be safe. You may wish to know more about how to secure your space. Keep reading to find out what you can do to make things safer.

Your faithful dog makes a great hiding spot for a spare key. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Attach the key to your dog’s collar, and it will be handy if you ever need a spare.

Only allow maids and cleaning services to have a key to the house if they are known to be trustworthy. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Check their references fully. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive 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.

Don’t give the keys to your home to a professional cleaner unless you trust them completely. If you plan on giving them the key so that they can work in your home for over an hour, make sure that they’re reputable, hardworking, and honest. Make sure you verify all references. If you hire a cleaner from a company, then you should check the company with the BBB.

Social networking sites are great for keeping in touch, but post information sparingly. For example, you might avoid broadcasting when you are going out of town, especially if your friends list contains casual acquaintances. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

Do you have an outside dog? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. The key can be attached to the collar of your dog. This will ensure that burglars cannot see it. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

Talk to people you know for referrals when choosing home security systems. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.

Don’t allow a complete stranger to come in your home. You have no way of knowing if the stranger on the other side of the door wishes to do you harm. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

Talk to people you know about their security systems. They have likely had interactions with home security providers that they can tell you about, saving you time and stress. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. They often offer home inspections, seminars and even the ability to purchase items. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. If the phone continues to ring while you’re gone, this lets an intruder know that the home is empty.

Be outgoing. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Pay attention to gossip. You may stumble across valuable security information, like if someone has noticed a stranger lurking around the neighborhood.

Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. The motion sensors turn on the lights whenever anyone approaches your home. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Skylights should be secure. As nice as they look, they’re a prime target for thieves. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.

If you are new into a house, replace all the locks. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. You should also keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous homeowner.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Rest assured, thieves have a good idea about these hiding places. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

Even the wires inside your home are worth something. Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. The wiring has copper and is easy to be quickly taken off a home. This is why the wiring should be hidden or difficult to get to.

A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. Windows need to be monitored too. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This is the pinnacle of safety.

Consider buying a paper shredder for your home. Unshredded documents can offer up a wealth of valuable personal information to thieves, including enough of your schedule to allow them to pinpoint the best time for a burglary. You can tear your documents up by hand before disposing of them if a shredder is out of your price range.

If you have purchased any large and/or expensive items, do not throw the boxes away until the day before the trash man is scheduled to come. Exposing the box to view ahead of time signals a burglar that he will find this item in your home.

If you just purchased electronics, do not leave empty boxes outside. This will just alert criminals to the fact that you have expensive items in your home. Break down the box, and take it to the local recycling center.

Your door frame should be replaced if the wood around it is rotting. Anyone hoping to enter your home can very easily do so by just prying away the rotted wood. Replace it as soon as possible.

You don’t have to have a giant key ring full of keys just because you want your home to be secure. Get key-less locks that need a code. You can have keyless locks installed by a security company or you can do it yourself.

It is now time to take action and find a good home security system. Do not waste time or pass by these ideas without a second thought. Use this article as a starting point to begin securing your own home. You are sure to rest more comfortably, so don’t wait another minute.

Avoid keeping auto registration in your glove compartment. These documents contain a lot of sensitive personal data, like your home address. Ideally, you should carry your registration in your wallet or bag. If you must leave them in the car, pick a less obvious hiding place. If a cop pulls you over, you will need them anyway.