Something tragic or bad can and will occur when you’re not expecting it. Not taking the proper home security steps and assuming that nothing will ever happen to you, can end up putting you at an increased risk. Read this article for some great tips on making your home a safe haven that will deter criminals from entering.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. You could purchase timers and have your TVs, lights, radios and other types of electronics to go on at various times. This makes people think you’re home. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This makes it appear that someone is home. That means burglars will pass right by.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. This will only be ideal if you have a dog door or an outdoor dog. Attach the key to your dog’s collar, and it will be handy if you ever need a spare.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. You don’t know who might have a key. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. If you lose your keys, you should do the same thing.

The only time you should give out house keys to house cleaners is if you absolutely trust them. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. All references should be checked. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. When burglars hear phones ringing for an extended period of time in a home, they know that there is no one there to answer.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

Secure your garage. There is a solution for people that are worried about burglars going into their home through an attached garage. Simply attach a C-clamp near the roller on the door track.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. It is essential you do not do this, even if the stranger gives you a convincing story or states they need your assistance. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.

An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the locks. Anyone from an old roommate to a former tenant could have access to your home if you leave the old locks in place. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.

It is very hard to predict criminal activities, so you never know when your home has become a target. Don’t leave things up to fate; be proactive. Keep this advice in mind to prevent burglars from getting into your home.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. Intruders know about the usual hiding spots. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.