Home security is a big market. Burglaries are rampant in all areas of the country. Burglars generally target houses that appear lax in their security measures. To prevent your home from getting broken into, check out the below article to learn some excellent tips on protecting your home.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. To ensure that you are the only one who has access to your house, call a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Do you have an outside dog? Using Fido to hide your spare key can be a clever trick. Attach your key to your dog’s collar, ensuring that it can’t be seen. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

Only provide your house cleaner with a key if you trust him or her implicitly. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. Check their references fully. If the person is an employee of a firm, call your local BBB to check their reputation.

Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? Store the spare key with them. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. This can be useful if you’ve got small children that are able to open doors.

Turn the ringer off on your telephone if you are going to be away. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

Compared to city dwellers, you might feel more safe in your rural home. With neighbors so far away, it may seem like a tiny risk. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Buy a safe to contain everything of great value. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

Walls are great for hiding items. If you need to protect expensive items in your home, put them inside the walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.

When you purchase big, expensive items be sure to break down the boxes and take them to the recycling center yourself. Doing so is like giving a burglar an invitation to target your home; he or she will know there is something good inside.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

A good home security system is very important for your family. Crimes can occur at any time. Keep in mind the excellent advice provided here and utilize them to ensure your home is safe. Don’t wait. Improve your home security prior to something happening.