Are you considering getting a security system installed in your home? Lots of folks buy them before they think about whether they actually need one. Locking your doors is a big deterrent and if you keep doing that, it can provide you with plenty of security.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. Potential intruders will stay away from your home if they believe someone is inside. This can be a terrific method of securing your home and keeping burglars at bay.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. Be sure any home cleaner you give your key to is trustworthy and reputable. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If you’re hiring from a company, call the BBB for more information.

Your dog can actually safeguard a spare key. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You’ll always have a backup plan if you lose your key!

Don’t announce your vacation agenda on your social networks. This is especially true if you have lots of unfamiliar “friends”. While you may want to shout it from the rooftops, you’re letting everyone know that your home will be vacant and easy to rob.

People in rural areas are not usually as worried about burglaries as people in cities. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

Seek recommendations from friends and family when choosing a security company or system. They may have had experiences with certain companies and can lead you in the right direction. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.

Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. This does not mean that you should make alterations to your walls. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. What about un-wiring an electrical socket which isn’t used to utilize as a cover to hide your jewelry?

Do not invite strangers into your home. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. Even home security representatives could be intruders who want to check the kind of protection you have.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. You are allowing people to invade your home when you make it easy for them. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. You should have a trusted neighbor keep a spare key.

Motion sensor lights on the exterior of your home is a great idea. 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 to change out the bulbs every so often so the lights remain in working order.

When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Attach the alarm to each window and ask for monitoring for them. This is just one more thing you can do to protect your home.

In the end, you may decide that an alarm system is the correct choice for your home. Small changes can make a big difference in your home’s security. Research all of your options to choose the best one.

Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.