According to the FBI website, there is a burglary in the U.S. every 15 seconds. While you want to keep your home safe and secure, not everyone can afford high-end security systems. There are many DIY solutions to increase your home’s security. These tips for home security will help you minimize your chance of becoming a victim of a burglary or break-in.
Keeping our home safe is a top priority for our family.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Believe it or not, strong bonds with your neighbors helps improve the security of your entire neighborhood. Most burglaries happen between 10am to 3pm. Find out if there are stay-at-home neighbors that may be able to keep an eye out while you are at work. Watch each other’s properties when on vacation. Maybe set up a neighborhood watch.
Install motion detector lighting
Motion detector lighting is a great way to keep burglars away. Putting them in a sudden spotlight can frighten them away for fear of being seen. The lights should be near any major entry like your front and back doors, garage doors and side windows on the first floor.
Minimize hiding spots
While your kids may like a few extra bushes for camouflage during a good game of hide-and-seek, you don’t want to give burglars the same opportunity to have hiding spots near your home. Cut back trees and shrubs that are too close to your home, especially first-floor windows.
Use easy DIY security systems like Guardline Driveway Alarm
Outdoor motion alerts and wireless driveway alarms are a great first step towards home security. The Guardline Driveway Alarm is super easy to set up in a matter of minutes. What’s also great about the system is that you can add up to 4 zones around your home. I’d like to add a few more sensors near our garage and back door.
Key features:
- Long Range: 1/4 Mile distance tested in real-world conditions
- Easy to Install: Pair and pick a melody with just a few steps
- Four Distinct Zones: A different chime and LED alert for each zone
- Fully Expandable: Supports 16 Sensors and Unlimited Receivers
- Industry Leading Warranty: 2-year warranty
- Extremely dependable system
- Backs by awesome Seattle-based customer support.
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The Guardline motion detector was very easy to install on one of the trees in my yard.
I followed the instructions and set up my first sensor on a tree in front of the house. It’s set about 4 feet above the ground so that my dog doesn’t set it off. She’s a good backyard “alarm,” but I like the added security provided by the Guardline system.
The set I received retails for $159. A set with 4 sensors is around $350. I like that I can basically secure the perimeter of my house for a very reasonable price.
Secure all access points
Burglars want to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible. Make it difficult for them to gain entry to your home. Deadbolt locks, bar windows, and sliding doors. Have pins installed for sash windows.
Take extra precautions when going on vacation
Burglars want to hit a home when they think it’s empty. If possible, keep a car in your driveway and have TVs and lights on timers to make it appear like someone is home. Suspend newspaper and mail deliveries. Let your neighbors and local police department know you’ll be out of town as well. DO NOT advertise your plans on social media. Save posting vacation pics until you return home.
Secure your valuables
Consider a home safe hidden somewhere a burglar is unlikely to look. They typically head straight to the master bedroom looking for jewelry. We keep our best items in a safe my husband’s bike repair room in our basement. Bolt expensive TVs to the wall. Install a key lock on at least one extra room to store other items like laptops and computers.
Don’t leave a key outside
Don’t leave a key under a doormat, planter or another obvious area for burglars to look. It’s best to give a key to a neighbor or two in case you lose yours or they need access while you are away.
Most thieves spend only 6-12 minutes in your home. Follow these tips to help make it difficult for them to get in in the first place. Consider installing a a Guardline Security product.
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That’s a great device to have, especially if you have a long driveway. I have two kids, and it is especially important to me to be able to protect my home.
A burglary every 15 seconds?! 😮 That is so scary! I really need to upgrade my home’s security system too.
A lot of people worry about pick pockets and muggers and are on guard safeguarding their wallets and purses when traveling but don’t take precautions to make sure their home is safe from burglars. With all the traveling during the holidays it is prime time for houses getting robbed so these were some nice tips to keep in mind this time of year.
This is such a great post and very informative as well. This kind of tips is a very big help to us securing our own property especially our family.
Ever since the break-in I am more aware of the scary break in statistics. I think people don’t tend to take this seriously enough until it is too late. I like that driveway alarm that is taller than the Dog. Having any kind of Dog is really helpful statistically to protecting your home!
We are currently researching different options for when we move. I’m always looking for tips! It’s so important.
This seems like an excellent home monitor. It seems like there are so many in the market but this one seems top notch.
I love the get to know your neighbors’ idea. A neighborhood watch party is cool to have too.
We live in the country and we have motion sensors everywhere. Installing some other cool stuff after Christmas!
Wow, a burglary every 15 seconds. Those statistics are scary. I work from home and I am definitely that nosey neighbor that is watching my neighborhood for anything out of the normal.
You can just never be to safe or careful in this world today. Guardline sounds like a wonderful product to install and use around the home.
I love that alarm! I’ve never thought about security that monitors the driveway before. That is pure genius.