Keeping a security plan for your home is something that all homeowners need to do, but many don’t succeed. A small amount of research might be necessary before you can fully understand all of the different components that compose an ideal security system. Read the below article to learn how to create the best home-security plan.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. Have a locksmith install a brand new lock. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

Talk to people you know about their security systems. There are likely people you know that have had either good or bad experiences with these companies. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. If the phone continues to ring while you’re gone, this lets an intruder know that the home is empty.

Turn the ringer off on your telephone if you are going to be away. Intruders might be attracted by a phone that rings constantly without anyone picking up.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. It’s quite possible that your charming guest is only interested in evaluating the security of your home; if they find it lacking, they may be back later to relieve you of some of your possessions.

You never want to open up a door to a stranger without proper identification. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Local Police

Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. There is a way to prevent burglars from entering your home through the garage. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

See if your local police department offers any home inspection or other protection programs. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. Talk with local police to see if they offer these programs.

Request information from your local law enforcement agencies about home protection packages. Some police departments offer things like code numbers to help find your valuables should they get stolen. Get in touch today.

Don’t be shy. Talk to your neighbors. Keep an eye out for their houses, and request that they return the favor. Listen for gossip too. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Keeping your car inside will deter thieves from stealing or vandalizing it. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not.

Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.

Be outgoing. Talk to your neighbors. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. Do not ignore gossip either. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. Though skylights bring light into your home and look nice, it is also a very common way for burglars to get into your home. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.

Walls are the perfect place to hide. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. You don’t have to damage the walls to do so. You can find pre-cut areas in your walls that can be used. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

If you have just moved into a new home, have every single lock replaced. Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone’s true intentions. Keep in mind that other families might have lived with them, too.

Spare Key

If your door is set in a rotted frame, you must replace the frame. Rotted wood causes a serious weakness in your home’s security because it makes it easy to pry open doors. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. Burglars always know just where to look. If you have a neighbor you can trust, have them hold your extra key.

If you want to make your house even more secure, a cheap way to do that is to buy outside lights with motion detectors. This is a fairly inexpensive way to provide light and security to your property. If placed strategically around the house, motion detectors can make it very tough for criminals to get to your property.

After bringing home a big-ticket item, such as an appliance or electronic device, avoid leaving the packages on the curb before trash day. If you leave the boxes out all week, it lets people know what type of items you have in your home.

Maintain the exterior areas in your house so they are well lit. Burglars love to operate in the dark. Add lights to any areas you believe are potential entry points for burglars. This can include garages, doorways, porches, and even near any windows on the ground floor.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone’s true intentions. And, other people could have lived in the home previously to them as well.

Prior to purchasing a security system, think about what you need it for. Though such systems can be terrific for many, not everyone really needs one. Depending on your neighborhood and your household, you might well be better served by a reliable guard dog or self-defense training than by high-tech gadgetry. Understand completely the risks and rewards in order to make an informed purchase decision.

Replace rotted wood around entryways. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Replace wood that is starting to rot with fresh new wood to keep your home as safe as possible.

Make sure that whoever is getting your mail while you are on vacation also retrieves any fliers left on the door. Some burglars place fliers to see if they’ll be quickly removed. Fliers that are not removed let the burglar know that the home is vacant.

Not too many people know exactly how to make their home more secure. Anyone with a family to protect and possessions to safeguard can benefit from a bit of extra security know-how. Keep this article handy and refer to it as necessary.

Don’t let anyone peek into your garage. Use a frosted film to cover the windows. This can be purchased at many hardware stores. Do not leave doors open for lengthy periods while you are doing work.