Every person should feel safe in their home. With the introduction of video and doorbell cameras, people can know who is at their door before answering and see what is going on when they aren’t home.
However, there are many other things a person can do to increase the safety of their residence.
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Home Security – Visibility
Security cameras are an excellent way to deter burglars. Nevertheless, some criminals look at the cameras and assume the home has expensive items the owner wants to protect. Criminals are less likely to break into a home when they cannot see what is inside.
Protecting the home starts well beyond the walls of the residence. Criminals can sit in their cars and see inside peoples’ homes when the curtains are open and the family is moving about. They can gain a lot of information from this reconnaissance.
Prevent them from observing inside the home by purchasing and installing vinyl fencing materials.
If a fence isn’t possible, purchase sheers to go over windows. These window coverings allow light into the home while limiting what outsiders can see. Open the curtains while keeping the sheers closed to maintain a higher level of privacy.
Close curtains when other options aren’t available. If the criminal cannot see inside, they will wonder if the homeowner has anything of value they would want to steal. Also, avoid putting boxes out with the trash. They let criminals know when the homeowner has purchased an expensive item.
The box serves as a sign there are valuables in the home.
Access
Lock all doors to the home when everyone is home and when they are gone. At night, use deadbolts, chains, and other secondary measures to prevent unauthorized access to the house.
A storm door with a lock can be the first line of defense for the home backed by an entry door with a deadbolt. Confirm all windows are shut and locked at night, and make it difficult for criminals to enter the house without being seen.
Use exterior lights to keep the property well-illuminated. Don’t plant high bushes close to the house, as criminals can hide behind them and have more time to gain access without being detected. Unlocked doors and windows remain the most common way criminals access homes.
Radio and TV noises from inside the home may also scare criminals off. Consider leaving a TV or radio running when nobody is home.
Authorized Access
Know who is entering the home. Many service providers today send pictures of their workers before they arrive at customers’ homes. The customer knows who to look for, so they don’t let a criminal in, believing they are there to provide a service.
When someone does enter the home, have all valuables put away so they aren’t tempted to take something that doesn’t belong to them or return for it later.
When hiring a contractor to work on the home, require a background check and references. Verify that the information provided is valid. Use cameras inside the house to see what the contractor does when a family member isn’t present. Never invite someone who shows up uninvited into the home.
Unsolicited help from a stranger could be someone looking to case the house.
Talk with law enforcement officers to see if they have other home security recommendations. Many people believe they are safe when they are actually a prime target for criminals. Don’t make this mistake. Protecting the property is an ongoing process, and homeowners must remain vigilant.
One can never be too careful regarding the safety of their loved ones.
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