We all want to feel safe in our own homes. After all, it is our sanctuary – a place to relax, unwind and feel comfortable. But what happens when that feeling of safety is shattered by the reality of a home invasion?
While no one wants to think about such a thing happening, the sad truth is that home invasions are becoming more and more common.
So what can you do to protect your home and loved ones from becoming victims of a home invasion? Here are 10 tips:
Keep your doors and windows locked at all times
Keeping your doors and windows locked is one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter would-be invaders. After all, if they can’t get in, they can’t rob you!
Make sure your locks are strong and secure – deadbolts are best.
Keep Curtains and Blinds Pulled
Another easy way to deter burglars is to keep your curtains and blinds pulled. This way, they can’t see inside your home and scope out valuables or potential entry points.
If you have windows that are difficult to cover, consider installing window film which makes it more difficult for outsiders to see inside.
Invest in a home security system
A home security system is one of the best ways to deter criminals. Not only will it alert you (and the authorities) if someone tries to break-in, but the sight of a security system can often be enough to send would-be robbers running.
There are lots of different types of home security systems on the market, so do your research to find one that best suits your needs and budget.
Install outdoor lighting
Criminals love the cover of darkness, so making sure your property is well-lit is an effective way to deter them. Install motion-sensor lights around entry points like doors and windows, as well as floodlights to illuminate larger areas.
Trim back bushes and trees
Overgrown bushes and trees provide the perfect hiding spot for criminals, so make sure to keep them trimmed back. If you can, try to avoid having shrubs and trees too close to your windows and doors.
Hire professional home security service
If you really want to step up your home security, consider hiring a professional home security service, e.g. residential security London. They can provide around-the-clock monitoring of your property, as well as rapid response in the event of an emergency.
Keep valuables out of sight
A common tactic used by criminals is to scope out a property before breaking in, to see if there are any valuables worth stealing.
To deter this, keep valuables out of sight – especially from windows and doors. If you have anything particularly valuable, consider investing in a home safe.
Get to know your neighbors
If you don’t already know your neighbors, now is the time to start! Getting to know the people who live near you can be a great way to deter crime.
Not only will they be able to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, but you can also look out for each other. In the event of an emergency, it’s always good to have someone nearby who can help.
Never let strangers into your home without supervision
It might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people let strangers into their homes without a second thought.
If someone comes to your door claiming to be from the utility company or another service, don’t let them in until you’ve verified their identity. The same goes for anyone else who you don’t know and trust.
Don’t announce your plans on social media
In this day and age, it’s all too easy to share our every move on social media. But if you’re going on vacation or will be away from home for an extended period of time, resist the urge to post about it online.
This is because criminals often trawl social media sites looking for easy targets – i.e. homes that will be unoccupied for a long period of time.
Conclusion
By following the tips above, you can significantly improve the security of your home and deter would-be criminals. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry – so don’t take any chances when it comes to the safety of your property!