You have probably had friends and acquaintances who have been burglarized. Home invasion cases are going up, and people need to be more thorough with home security. Home invasions can occur anywhere; no neighborhood is immune. This article discusses what you are able to do to enhance your home’s security.

Be sure that your home is always occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This will help to deter burglars.

Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Check the housekeeper’s references very carefully. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

Buy a safe for very valuable items in the house so you can keep them inside a single location. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. Keep it hidden in a hard to find location.

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 that safe in a difficult-to-reach place like in a closet inside your basement or an attic.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. 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.

Security System

You never want to open up a door to a stranger without proper identification. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

Always have your security system checked each year. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. Sometimes it is very difficult to see the problem if you don’t know where it is.

End your shyness. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Keep an eye out for their houses, and request that they return the favor. Pay attention to gossip. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. While having huge windows may be good for letting in light and viewing what is outside, it also gives potential thieves a good look in your own home. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. It is unnecessary cut space into your wall. There’s plenty of places in a house with pre-cut areas that can be used. An unused outlet can be taken apart, and the space used to create a tiny hidden safe.

Don’t leave the packaging from any electronics or expensive purchases sitting on the curb until trash day. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

Always lock your house, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. It might shock you to learn that most break-ins occur due to unlocked doors. It does not take long for thieves to steal a lot from your home.

Moving into an apartment or home that you’ve lived in should involve changing the locks first to maker them safer. While you may trust those who lived there before you, you have no idea who lived there before them. If you own, you can have the locks replaced and only you will have had the key.

Keep the wires of your home security system hidden. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. Make sure the wires are installed inside the walls of your home. Your system will be far more effective this way.

Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You can never be certain if the contractor, repairman, maid, etc. that you hire to do services in your home is honest. If you let these people in without knowing anything about them, you could experience significant losses.

Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. A background check which includes any criminal history is warranted. You might not know that the maid or contractor entering your home is a crook, and this could be a very bad mistake.

Be sure to make good use of the Internet when you’re trying to select your home security company. The sites of the companies themselves will provide you with details about their services, testimonials from their customers, and pricing information. Also find other companies to get quotes from as well.

A bright home is a safe home. They prefer not to be seen. When your house is well lit, intruders have no place to hide. This makes it hard for them to get things from you. This makes it a good idea to keep the lights on.

Do not think that expensive homes are the only targets for burglars. Intruders could target your home if you have a few valuables. Protect your family and your home by learning the easy tips shared in this article.

A paper shredder can be a good security investment. Thieves are likely to steal documents that include your personal information if they can find them. If you cannot afford a paper shredder, rip papers up into small pieces.