Bad things happen to the best people, and they can happen to you at the most unpredictable times. Do not put your home and loved ones at risk due to laziness. Continue reading this article to help you keep your home safe from those criminals.

When looking to buy a security system, shop around. You’ll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

Turn off your phone’s ringer when you go on vacation. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

If there are people you don’t know that have access to your social media sites, then you don’t want to let all of them know you’re on vacation. If you do, burglars will know you’re not home and strike.

Install lights that have motion sensors. They turn on only if someone is nearby. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. But keep in mind that the bulbs to the security light should be routinely changed to ensure that the deterrent system functions properly.

When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. While they are an excellent source of natural light, they are also an easy way for thieves to enter your home. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.

Whenever you are selecting a home security company, make sure you go with your gut feelings. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your actual system. You don’t want to refrain from choosing a different company or technician. You need to feel secure with the entire process.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Ask a reliable neighbor or a friend to keep your spare key.

Use your wall spaces to hide your valuables. You don’t need to cut out segments of your walls by the way. Most homes are pre-equipped with these handy spaces. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.

Don’t leave the packaging from any electronics or expensive purchases sitting on the curb until trash day. Letting such packaging sit out will signal to criminals that there are good things to be found in your house.

When you pick an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Make sure the alarm is attached to all of them, and that monitoring is offered for all possible entry points. They are the most effective.

Replace all locks in a new house. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

Motion sensing lights are a good way to increase home security. At night, not only will these lights be handy to light up areas around your home,they are also a cost-effective and efficient security addition. Whenever you properly position these lights, they will make it almost impossible for burglars to sneak in.

The wiring on your house is valuable to burglars. Many people do not realize this until a crook steals it off of their home. Copper is expensive and most wiring is composed of it, so stripping it is a great way for crooks to make a quick buck. Make sure the wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep this valuable item safe.

If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. There could be hidden costs if you were to quit your service prior to the expiration date of the contract, or you decide to add additional equipment later. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything.

Unfortunately, burglars can be extremely unpredictable. As a result, knowing when your home may be targeted can be difficult. Take the necessary steps to keep your home safe instead of thinking you have it made. Keep these tips in mind when researching more about protecting your home from crime.

Having light on in your home at night will scare crooks away. Most burglars rely on concealment to approach a home. If your house is well-lit, criminals will be hard pressed to be able to go undetected. Keep the lights on when it’s dark.