Do you know someone who has been the victim of a break-in? Home invasions are not uncommon, and it’s important to take certain precautions. Break-ins can happen anywhere. In the article that follows, you’ll find some great home security tips that can increase your safety and reduce your risk.

Put your spare key on your dog. This only makes sense if your dog is outdoors a lot or you have a pet door. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Spare Key

A good security system has many more features than sounding the alarm during a break-in. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. This is a good way to know if your small child has opened a door or closed it.

Do you let your dog outside when you leave the house? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.

Remember to have an annual inspection of your home security system. Call the company and have them send someone to check it out. There are any number of problems that can cause malfunctions in your security system, from weather damage to animal activity. There are always ways your home is vulnerable, even if you don’t know it.

Hiding places for spare keys must be chosen with extreme care and caution. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. Try to find somewhere less obvious.

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

If there are folks you don’t know or trust in your social network online, don’t let them know you are going away. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

Make certain no one can see your valuable belongings through windows and doors. You might enjoy large windows so you can see out, but just remember that makes it easier for those burglars to see inside your home as well. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.

When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

When moving into a house, ensure that each lock has been replaced. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

The wires that are on your house are very valuable. Lots of people don’t know this until their wires are stolen. Copper, found in many wires, can be removed in little time, and is worth quite a bit of money. In order to protect yourself from this risk, make sure wires on your house are difficult to find and hard to access.

Never open the door for a stranger. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

If you move to a place that was occupied before, you should change the locks right away. The previous tenants may have returned the keys, but they could have a copy. If you own, you can have the locks replaced and only you will have had the key.

Do not be reluctant to meet your neighbors. Talk to your neighbors. Watch out for their homes, and ask them to do the same for you. Also consider listening in on some of the neighborhood gossip. While this is unorthodox, it may clue you into a possible home security threat.

Check someone’s references carefully before letting them come into your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You can’t know for sure about the integrity of people you hire, and blindly giving them access to your home can be a huge mistake.

Install lights that have motion sensors. These lights turn on if someone walks closely to your house. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. Be sure to keep these lights working, though.

If you are searching for ways to make your home more secure, one inexpensive way to accomplish this is to purchase exterior lights that have motion detectors. These lights provide extra light for your home and are very cost efficient. Whenever you properly position these lights, they will make it almost impossible for burglars to sneak in.

When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.

Use the Internet when you are seeking a new home security company. Many websites feature reviews, testimonials, and package details from home security services. Once you have selected a few potential home security providers, set appointments to interview them and find out what they have on offer.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. Many intruders bypass a security system by cutting the wires. Do not make things simple for a burglar, but rather bury all wires or hide them in the wall. This will make you much safer.

You want the security company to actually come to your house and install the system according to your needs. Different people require different plans. When you don’t want to compromise in any way on the safety and security of your home, a custom-built system is usually the way to go.

Don’t throw away boxes for expensive or valuable items until the garbage collection day. If you leave the boxes out all week, it lets people know what type of items you have in your home.

Think about your specific needs and risks prior to investigating security systems. Although automated electronic systems are powerful, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. Some neighborhoods may do better with self-defense classes or having a dog, while others may require the best home security technology you can get. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.

Are you aware of the value present in the wiring in your home? Most people are unaware of this fact until a burglar takes it from their house. It does not take much time to strip off the expensive copper wires from the exterior of your house. To protect this expensive asset, hide your wires or make them hard to get to.

If you get home and your door is open, do not enter ti investigate. A thief might still be in there, which could put you in danger. You should call the cops and then wait for them before you do anything else.

When a security company wants in your home ask for an ID and see if they’re in uniform. They might not be who you think they are. Don’t allow this to happen, as it is a direct threat to your house and its contents. Caution is always advisable if dangers like this are to be avoided.

Your precious pooch is one of your best home security weapons. Man’s best friend is very territorial and makes a lot of noise during anything happening out of the ordinary. You don’t even need a huge, vicious dog. Small dogs also have the ability to scare away burglars who definitely don’t want lots of ruckus when they appear.

If you are searching for ways to make your home more secure, one inexpensive way to accomplish this is to purchase exterior lights that have motion detectors. They lights will light up your property at night and they are cost-effective and efficient. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.

Keep blinds, shades, and curtains closed when you’re not home. Potential intruders will see what you are doing and get an idea of how many valuables you own if you keep your blinds open. They may break in if they spot something that they like. You should keep them closed while you are asleep.

Buy a paper shredder. Thieves may look through your garbage for information. If you don’t want a shredder, rip the papers up manually.

Talk to your home-security company to see if they provide buy and lease options for your equipment. Purchasing equipment outright will cost more initially, but may offer savings over the long term. While leasing might be less expensive, it also comes with high monthly fees and contracts. Think about both options before making a decision.

Ask your home-security company about what contract lengths they provide to their customers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. You might pay less each month for longer contracts, but it has its deterrents as well. Shorter contracts mean more freedom along with higher costs.

Do not hide your key in obvious places. Everybody knows about fake rocks. Hiding a key under the doormat is even worse; this cliched tactic will fool no one. A better plan is to ask someone you trust to keep your extra key in case you need it. This will reduce the chances of a burglary.

Avoid storing car registration in your glove compartment. If someone steals your car, this will tell them where you live too. Instead, carry them with you or find a more secure location in your car. Make sure you can easily and quickly access them in the event that a police officer pulls you over.

Keep your drapes closed at night. You do not want to invite people peeking in through your window. If possible burglars get a look at what you own, they might target you next. Reduce the risk of being burglarized by being careful about what people can see.

Don’t believe that only big expensive houses are susceptible to burglary. Easy access to the home is what most criminals look for. If you use the tips here to improve your home security, your family will be much safer.

If you have a door that isn’t solid wood or metal, change it for either one. Metal and solid wooden doors hold tight and fast. A burglar would not be able to kick that door in. It shouldn’t be too costly to replace your exterior doors, so go do it.