When you keep valuable items, such as money, expensive jewelry or original objects of art in your home, you cannot make the assumption that no one is aware of this fact. Protect yourself and your valuables by educating yourself on home security. To learn more about home security, read on.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Check their references very carefully. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Once you buy a house, switch out the locks. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.

Buy a safe to contain everything of great value. This is very important, as you do not want your gold, diamonds and personal items exposed if someone were to break into your house. Keep the safe hidden in a hard-to-find location like an attic or a basement closet.

Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? They can help you with your spare key. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. Although large windows in your home can provide your home with a lot of light, they can also provide burglars with an excellent view of the inside of your home. Be sure to put curtains on your front-facing windows so people can’t see your valuable belongings.

You should talk to your friends and family about advice concerning certain home security companies. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.

When you choose an alarm system, pick one that offers protection that goes beyond the doors. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. Be sure your home alarm covers all entry points into your home. This is great for keeping the family secure.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

Do not invite strangers into your home. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? This is something few homeowners realize until they become victims of wiring theft. The reason they are valuable is because of their copper. A burglar can easily strip off your wires from the outside of your home very quickly. This is why the wiring should be hidden or difficult to get to.

You must prepare for all possibilities. There’s no need to live in fear, but addressing some basic security concerns is always the prudent course of action. Keep these tips in mind, and set out to protect your home and family.

You never want to open up a door to a stranger without proper identification. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.