Knowing how to keep your home safe is best done with a good understanding of the options open to you. This is not a decision to take lightly. Figure out what you can afford and what is most important.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. A ringing phone that goes unanswered may signal to a burglar that nobody is home.

If your home has a lot of valuable items inside, then you need to purchase a safe so that all of these items can be kept in a single location. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Your safe should be placed somewhere it is not readily noticeable.

Do not invite strangers into your home. Even if their story is compelling, they need assistance or want to sell you something. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

Consider changing your locks as a part of your home security program. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Every company offers different pricing. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.

Walls are excellent hiding spots. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You could utilize an electrical outlet, phone jack, or unused switch plate. You can also install a fake one.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. You can find areas in your walls that are pre-cut and use those. You could removed the wiring from an electric socket that you aren’t using, and stash jewelry inside it.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

No matter how soon you plan to return home, you should lock your doors. Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door is left open and an intruder just walks in. A burglar can steal a lot of expensive stuff in a short amount of time.

If you have just moved into a new home, have every single lock 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. Many other people could have keys to the property, and you probably don’t want them to all have access to your home.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.

Make sure your flashlights have charged batteries and are found throughout your home. Having these in an easy to find place will allow you to see in the dark much quicker. Train kids how to use the flashlights so that everyone may contribute.

Check references before giving anyone access to your home. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. If your car is in your garage there is less of a chance to vandalize or steal it. Additionally, if your car is put away, burglars will not be able to tell whether or not you are home.

When you hire a security firm, be certain to review all contracts carefully. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. You can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.

Since reading this article, you know more about home security. It is not advisable to approach home security blindly. Knowing that your family is safe is key. Keep these tips to consider as you go on.

Don’t be shy. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Keep watch of their homes when they are away, and ask if they will return the favor. Listen for gossip too. You may hear valuable information regarding security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.