Take care to protect pricey valuables, such as jewelry, fine art or cash. Guard against burglaries by bolstering your security strategy. Read the following article for some great tips on how you can make your home more safe and secure.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. You don’t know who might have a key. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. Do the same thing if you misplace your keys.

When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Speak with a locksmith to get a unique lock for your home. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? Store the spare key with them. Find a place to securely fasten the key to your pet’s collar where it’s not visible. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.

A good security system has many more features than sounding the alarm during a break-in. Most of them can be programmed to alert you to anyone entering your home. This is important if you have small kids.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. You would be surprised to see that the prices are much different for each company, even though it’s for the same type of protection. Get quotes from several companies so that you can get the best price for your home security system.

Make sure your attached garage is secure. There is a way to stop thieves from entering your home from the garage. A C-clamp can prevent a garage door from even opening if the clamp is tightened on the door track near the roller.

Make sure to have your home inspection system maintained on at least an annual basis. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. Sometimes, you may need a professional to locate the problem.

If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. 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.

Motion sensor lights on the exterior of your home is a great idea. The lights will be triggered when someone gets too close to the house. Then you will know someone is present, and if the person is a burglar, he or she will be very likely to turn around and leave. Just remember to change out the bulbs every so often so the lights remain in working order.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Thieves are familiar with these hiding spots. Rather, give the key to a neighbor to hold.

Don’t open your door for strangers. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

When you pick an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. All windows can be entry spots for thieves. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. This can mean the difference between a safe home and one that is an easy target.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? People often don’t think about this until they have it stolen from their home. The copper wiring can be stripped and be turned in for money. That’s why it’s important to hide your wiring, or make it hard for criminals to have access to it.

If you’ve got a garage, make sure to use it for your car rather than extra storage space. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. This will also make it more difficult for burglars to track when you away from home.

Remove and replace any wood that is not up to par. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.

Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

The best method to maintain a thief from going into the garage is making sure nobody can see inside. If your garage door has windows, make sure they have a frosted coating. This is easy to find at any major hardware store, and installation is a breeze. Do not keep your door open long enough for people to get an idea of what you own.

If you purchase a new, pricey electronic like a TV or computer, don’t leave the empty box near your curb. Burglars will instantly take notices of these boxes and what used to be in them, making you an easy burglary target. Cut up the boxes completely instead.

Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. If you own smaller things that need protection, think about keeping them hidden in the walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If there are no unused plates, you can easily install fake ones.

One of the best home burglary systems is man’s best friend. Man’s best friend is very territorial and makes a lot of noise during anything happening out of the ordinary. You do not need a large, vicious guard dog. Any size dog will drive criminals away, as the barking will be too much noise for them to be stealthy.

Always plan for the worst instead of thinking your home will never be the target of a criminal. This is why it is important to always be proactive when it comes to your home security. Remember the tips in this article for some great ways on improving your home’s security, so you can protect yourself and your family.

It is important that you do not put expensive valuables in plain sight. Large windows let in a lot of light, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space. Cover all street-facing windows.