Are you extremely concerned about home security? Are major security companies and systems beyond your budget? Do you wish more cheap options existed? Well, you’re in luck, and these options are right in front of you. Read this article for helpful and cheaper security ideas.

When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. You have no way of knowing how many folks might have keys to your house. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

It is important for your home to always look lived in. Purchase timers for electronics, lights, radios and TVs so that they will turn on and off at varied intervals. This will make your home appear as if someone is there. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. If you plan on giving them the key so that they can work in your home for over an hour, make sure that they’re reputable, hardworking, and honest. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Don’t announce your vacation agenda on your social networks. This is especially true if you have lots of unfamiliar “friends”. Though trips are always fun to talk about, you may be doing little more than telling burglars the best times to visit your house.

Put your spare key on your dog. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Just place your key on your dog’s collar.

Security System

Remember to have an annual inspection of your home security system. Your security company should send a representative to check your system. There are any number of problems that can cause malfunctions in your security system, from weather damage to animal activity. Sometimes, you may need a professional to locate the problem.

Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.

Don’t think you’re not at risk just because you don’t live in a big city. Others think that living in the country is more risky than other areas because houses are so far apart. That said, stranger things have happened.

Walls make the perfect hiding spot. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. Just use an unwired electric plug, light switch or phone box. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. You don’t want to put them in common spots, such as above the frame of the door or under the doormat. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. Intruders can enter through your windows too. Be sure your home alarm covers all entry points into your home. With this method, your family will be safer.

Replace all locks in a new house. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home prior to the seller.

During the summer, remove all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. This can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in an area with high heat. Clear up your yard so it looks good and is safe.

Are you aware of the value of your home’s wires? Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. Wiring can be removed from the outside of a home in a heartbeat. Be sure that you keep all your wiring hidden and make it hard to access.

You can only do what’s affordable when it comes to home security. While some options might seem rather expensive, there are always cheaper methods as well. Each of these options should be useful to you. They might be your best defense and the best bang for your buck.

See if your area police department has any home security programs. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, home security training and more. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.