There is good reason to be concerned about home invasions. You never know when someone is going to try and break in to steal your things and potentially try to do harm to you. Read on to learn how you can secure your home and your possessions.

After you buy your new house, get new locks. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. Have a locksmith install a brand new lock. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.

If you have a stranger at your door, do not open it. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

You should mute your land line phone if you are going on a vacation. Intruders might be attracted by a phone that rings constantly without anyone picking up.

If you live in a rural area, you may not be as concerned about home break-ins as people who live in the city. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. Some people think burglaries are less prevalent in rural parts.

If you reside in the country, you may be less worried about break-ins than urban dwellers are. Others think that living in the country is more risky than other areas because houses are so far apart. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. While you may feel that you are keeping yourself safe by allowing a way in for yourself, you are also allowing everyone else to visit whenever they want. Rest assured, thieves have a good idea about these hiding places. Instead, give your extra key to a neighbor whom you trust.

Don’t put spare keys inside plant boxes or beneath the welcome mat. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

Always lock your doors, even if you are just walking down the street. Most burglars gain entry to a home through an unlocked door. Once a thief is inside, he can steal a lot of valuables in a short amount of time.

When you choose an alarm system, pick one that offers protection that goes beyond the doors. Burglars often enter through windows as well. Each point of entry for your home should be monitored by the system. This can keep your family much safer.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This could be quite dangerous. Act cautiously to avoid potential dangers.

If your home security system is installed, be sure its wires are well-hidden. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Make sure the wires are installed inside the walls of your home. This helps keep you and your family safe.

You want to know what is included in a contract if you’re signing up with a security company. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. You’ll definitely want to avoid these types of fees if you can, so read carefully.

If you’ve bought large or pricy items, avoid throwing out boxes until the day the trash is scheduled for pick-up. If you leave the boxes out all week, it lets people know what type of items you have in your home.

Having your house lit up during the night is a good way to scare intruders. They prefer not to be seen. Good lighting in your home means that crooks have no hiding places. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.

Were you aware of how valuable your house wires are? Many people do not realize this until a crook steals it off of their home. Copper wiring can easily be removed. To keep the wiring safe, be sure that the wire is hidden from view.

Always keep your home’s exterior well lit. Burglars love to operate in the dark. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can use to enter your home. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.

Check each spring for any rotting frames on your doors and windows. Replace them immediately if you spot any problems. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Wood that is beginning to rot should always be replaced to make sure your home stays safe.

It might be time to get yourself a paper shredder if you haven’t already gotten one. Thieves can often be found looking through garbage cans in search of personal information found on bills and credit card slips. You can also simply tear papers with personal information into small bits before you discard them.

Rather than hoping your family will not be a victim of an intruder, be realistic. Things happen all the time, so preparation is key. Use these tips to ensure your home is secure.

Keeping a dog provides a great way to boost your home’s defense. Dogs naturally protect their homes and they make lots of noise when things go wrong. There is no need for a mean, big dog either. Even small dogs can deter criminals just by making noise when something is afoot.