You may know someone personally that has had their home broken into. There has been an increase in home invasions, and folks need to take extra caution when it comes to securing their homes. Regardless of who you are, break-ins can happen to you. In the article that follows, you’ll find some great home security tips that can increase your safety and reduce your risk.

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.

If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. A constantly ringing phone lets thieves know that you are not home and could increase the chances of you getting robbed.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Above a door frame or under a mat are not smart ideas. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.

Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. People you do not know could have bad intentions or want to get an idea of how many valuable objects you own. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.

Don’t let strangers enter your home. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. 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.

Always go with your gut when it comes to choosing a security firm. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

The police department in your area may offer a home protection program. Some police departments offer things like code numbers to help find your valuables should they get stolen. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

If you live more out in the country, you may think that you’re not at risk. Some people feel that rural residents lead riskier lives because they are far away from neighbors. Still, there are those who are of the opinion that rural properties are less of a temptation to burglars.

Is your garage used for storage? Consider removing those items and keeping your car there instead. It will be far more secure against thieves. A car kept locked in a garage is much less likely to be stolen or damaged. Keeping your car in your garage also keeps a thief from knowing whether you are at home or not.

Be certain the wires to your home security system are neither visible nor accessible. You don’t want a burglar to get access to them and disable your system. Keep the wires hidden in the walls or underground to keep intruders from getting in. This will make you much safer.

Change your locks if someone you don’t trust moves out of your home. Perhaps you aren’t sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.

If you bought any expensive or large items, don’t throw the boxes out until the day trash is scheduled to be removed. Doing so is like giving a burglar an invitation to target your home; he or she will know there is something good inside.

Always lock your home when you leave it, no matter how soon you plan to return. It may be shocking, but many home invasions and burglaries occur by intruders walking through the front door that was left open. Thieves can steal thousands worth of your belongings very quickly.

When moving into a house, ensure that each lock has been replaced. You don’t really know the people you purchased the house from or all the folks they shared keys with, so don’t place too much trust in the old locks. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

Do you know how valuable the wires within your home are? The majority of people aren’t aware of this fact until a burglar steals these wires. A skilled intruder could remove all the copper from your home within less than an hour. That’s why it’s important to hide your wiring, or make it hard for criminals to have access to it.

If you move to a dwelling that has had prior occupants, make sure you get the locks changed. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You might even install new locks yourself so that you know you have the only keys.

A simple way to increase your home security is to add motion lights around the house. Nighttime security lights are affordable and effective in terms of security and handy in terms of visibility and safety. Positioned correctly, these lights can make it impossible for intruders to get on your property undetected.

Keeping your house bright and lit at night will deter many crooks. Intruders will avoid being noticed. With a well-lit home, thieves cannot hide or break in unnoticed. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.

When you hire a type of home security company, read the contract’s fine print before signing. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.

You can find an excellent home security company with a simple Internet search. You can check out their packages and rates and also read some customer reviews. Once you have selected a few potential home security providers, set appointments to interview them and find out what they have on offer.

You can keep intruders away by always having your house lit up. This will deter crooks from trying your home. By minimizing dark and shady areas, you are taking away a potential burglar’s hiding spots. Secure your property by creating a well-lit area.

You should not enter your home if you find the door ajar. This is dangerous because the thief may be right inside. You should call the cops and then wait for them before you do anything else.

Have home-security companies come to your home so they can design the best possible system for it. Every person has specific needs and wants when dealing with securing your family, home, and items. You’ll get the best protection by using a company that can tailor a plan to your requirements.

Keeping thieves from the contents of your garage can be as simple as making sure they can’t easily look inside. Cover your windows in frosting, which can be bought at big box hardware stores, so people can’t peek inside. Make a habit of keep your door closed and locked.

Before checking out security systems for your home, think about your personal security and safety needs. They aren’t the right fit for everyone. Some neighborhoods feel more safe than others, but a good security system definitely makes you feel more safe. Learn about all of your options before choosing anything.

Your pup is a great crime deterrent. Dogs become extremely protective of their families and bark when uneasy. Your dog doesn’t have to be a big, burly attack dog. Small dogs also help, because intruders don’t want people to notice the barking.

Invest in a good paper shredder. You’d be shocked at how many times thieves search trash looking for personal documents to see when you’re not home so that they can get into your home. If you cannot afford a paper shredder, rip papers up into small pieces.

If there are certain rooms you want to keep unoccupied, then you don’t want to keep track of all the keys and locks. There are locks that use a code for entry, rather than a key. These can be installed either by you, or a home security company.

You need to get a good home surveillance system. Installing hidden and visible video cameras are great for securing your house. Visible cameras can scare intruders, and hidden ones can catch them in the act. Many surveillance systems will allow you to access them through your cell phone; therefore, you can ensure your home is safe even when you’re gone.

Find out about the various lengths of contracts your chosen home security company has on offer. There are likely pros and cons to each. A longer contract might give you a lower monthly bill, but you could be stuck with those monthly costs if you sell your home or decide to discontinue services. Shorter contracts mean more freedom along with higher costs.

Blinds, shades and curtains are best closed when no one is home. Leaving the curtains up invites people to peer into your living room. If they spot something desirable, they will seek access. You ought to keep them drawn while you are asleep.

You should never use your birthday as the password for your numeric keypad. Your birthday is readily available for burglars to find. Think instead of a more creative way to keep track of your code.

Avoid thinking that home burglaries only happen at the most expensive houses. Intruders could target your home if you have a few valuables. It is best to adopt good habits and invest in a quality home security system to keep your family safe.

Make sure you have the curtains drawn if your windows are faced toward the street. There’s no reason to extend strangers an open invitation to inspect your rooms. If one happens to be a criminal, they have an instant visual of many valuable items in your home, making you an easy target. Be discreet about what the public can see and you can reduce your chances of getting burglarized.