It is likely you know of someone who has been the victim of a burglary at some point. Paying a little extra attention to home security is never a bad idea. Homes can be broken into anywhere, at any time. This article discusses what you are able to do to enhance your home’s security.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.

Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. Timers can be used to turn lights and televisions on and off when required. This helps to create the illusion that someone is presently at home. This is a great way to keep your home safe and avoid burglaries.

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. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! Try to find somewhere less obvious.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? This is where you can put your spare key. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. These people might want to actually do you harm or could be casing out your house for a future break-in.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. This can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in an area with high heat. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.

If you want to have a spare key close to your house in order to prevent lockouts, make sure you give its hiding place some careful thought. Avoid cliched hiding places like over the door frame or beneath the doormat. Experienced criminals will check these places immediately. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

Get to know your neighbors. Speak with your neighbors. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. You never want to ignore gossip. You may learn some great information about security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.

Put motion sensor lights around your house. They will illuminate your property if they sense any movement near your home. This will discourage would be thieves and alert you to any movement on your property. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. Concealing small valuables in your walls is an easy and highly effective way to protect them. Any phone jack or electrical outlet that isn’t being used is a great place to hide valuables. You can also install a fake one.

If you do not reside in a big city, you may not worry as much about home burglaries. People who live in the country may even be more vulnerable because they do not have nearby neighbors. Then again, others think rural areas are not as much of a target.

Do you have skylights? If so, you should keep them in mind when protecting your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Check that skylights have heavy duty hardware that can stand up under unwanted tampering.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Thieves are aware of all these spots. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

Walls are great for hiding things. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. You put in a fake plate if there aren’t any unused in your home.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. Though you may not suspect that the seller is up to something, you still need to be careful. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.

Keep valuables out of sight of windows. Large windows at the home’s front can be beautiful, but it can make it easier for criminals to see inside. Make sure you keep your blinds closed or arrange your possessions in such a way that they can’t be seen from outside.

Use the Internet to find a reliable home security company. Check out reviews you find on the web. You can then make three solid selections and make appointments with them.

Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. They should take your concerns seriously and address any issues you have. You’ll get the best protection by using a company that can tailor a plan to your requirements.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

It is a mistake to assume that break-ins only happen in upscale neighborhoods. Any home which is simple to get into can be a target. Protect your family and your home against burglars by following the tips presented here.