Most people envision a difficult process with regards to installing home security. But, there is no need for this process to be an annoyance. The tips included below will help you secure your home without a lot of additional hassle.

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you are away from home? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. If your dog is suspicious of strangers, you have found a good hiding place for your key.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Get a safe to protect your valuable items. This is vital if you don’t want diamonds, gold or other personal items exposed to a home intruder. The safe should be situated in an inconspicuous area of your home.

Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive security system for your home. Most companies have different price schemes for the the same general level of protection. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Check their references fully. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.

If there are people you don’t know that have access to your social media sites, then you don’t want to let all of them know you’re on vacation. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

Motion sensor lights on the exterior of your home is a great idea. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. You will receive advance warning of any potential issues, and a would-be intruder will probably be scared off. Get in the habit of checking and replacing the bulbs as necessary to ensure the lights remain effective.

Never open the door for a stranger. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Make it mandatory that doors in your home are only opened for expected visitors.

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Has a roommate or ex-lover moved out recently? If so, then you need to change out the locks in order to keep you and your home safe. It doesn’t cost much and they can usually show up within a day.

Listen to your intuition as to whether your system is being installed by a trustworthy home security company. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. Never hesitate to has for a new technician or even go with a different company altogether. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

Check out your garage to ensure that it is secure. There is a way to stop thieves from entering your home from the garage. Using a C-clamp on the garage door will prevent it from opening by staying on the door’s track.

If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. However, there is the belief that rural dwellers are more susceptible to break ins simply because there are no nearby neighbors. Still there are those that think that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Walls are the perfect place to hide. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. Just access unused switch plates, outlets or phone jacks. You can also install a fake one.

You should not be shy. It is important to communicate with others who also live in your area. Keep watch of their homes when they are away, and ask if they will return the favor. Listen to gossip also. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.

Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.

Just moved in? Time for new locks! Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.

Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. As time passes, keys end up getting into the wrong hands. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.

Rather than getting a security system put in, there are lots of other things you can do to add protection. Other options include purchasing a gun, installing a fence or extra locks on your doors. Keep these things in mind when thinking about home security.