Property crime is going down.
In fact, it’s been falling for the last 15 years in a row in the US. Between 2016 and 2017, for example, it fell by a respectable 3%. Sounds good, right? We’re officially safer in our homes.
Well, yes…technically. But the reality is a bit more complicated. Indeed, that same FBI source states how there were still over 2,300 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants in America in 2017.
That’s more than 1 in every 50 inhabitants who suffered some kind of property crime that year. Doesn’t sound so good now, does it?
Thankfully, there are steps you can take right now to make your home in Preeminent Lakeshore more secure. Even better, they won’t cost an arm and a leg to put in place. Intrigued?
Keep reading to discover 8 simple home security steps.
Simple Home Security Steps to Take Right Now
Unfortunately, crime does happen. Everyone wants to stay safe in their homes. The following steps will help make that more likely.
1. Install CCTV
Closed circuit television is a brilliant home security measure, so is getting the Vivint doorbell camera pro.
It is helpful in two clear ways. Firstly, CCTV will act as a deterrent to potential intruders. Burglars, like bullies, tend to hone in on weakness. They want it easy. CCTV adds a level of difficulty (i.e. the chance to get caught) that may well make a would-be burglar think twice about targeting your home.
However, that’s not guaranteed. Some intruders will still go for it. Heck, they might not even notice you have the cameras. All is not lost though. The footage you get will be immensely helpful when it comes to identifying, finding and prosecuting them.
Set up your CCTV in all the obvious places. Cover entryways, gardens, and driveways to keep an eye out.
2. Get a Hidden Camera
Think of a hidden camera as subtle CCTV.
The benefits of capturing footage of your intruder still apply. This time it’s just less obvious where they are. Likewise, purchasing one (or numerous) hidden cameras is likely to be cheaper than a full CCTV system. Your front and backdoors are great places to have one set up.
Interested? Here’s a piece from Sentel Tech detailing some of the best budget hidden cameras on the market.
3. Install an Alarm System
A monitored security system would work wonders for your security.
When they’re set up, the best systems trigger an alarm when something happens at your home. You automatically get notified somehow (usually by text or call). You can then choose to contact the police if you wish.
Don’t want something so elaborate? A good old-fashioned intruder alarm may be the second best option. The alarm trips when it detects an intruder. The noise should scare off the intruder; your neighbors may contact the authorities.
Likewise, you may already have an alarm system in place. It’s good practice to check it still works every once and while!
4. Get a Spotlight
Only the most ballsy property crime happens in broad daylight.
More often than not, intruders prefer the darkness. After all, it’s less chance of getting caught, right?
A spotlight that’s set up on a sensor is a fantastic deterrent. A bright light shines down on your property whenever someone triggers the sensor. Knowing they’re likely to be seen will dissuade many would-be criminals.
Think about linking this system up with CCTV, or your cameras. Absolutely get a spotlight if your cameras don’t have adequate night vision. However, you can also find cameras that will turn on with a sensor.
It’s a double whammy. The spotlight shines and your cameras start recording all in one.
5. Update Your Locks
You should regularly update the locks on your house.
It’s just good practice. Even if you’ve never lost a key, or loaned one out, changing the locks on the regular will help prevent any unwanted visitors.
Think of it like changing the passcode on your phone. Over time it becomes more and more likely that someone will learn how to open it. Changing the code keeps people guessing.
6. Deadbolt Front and Backdoors
Over one-third of intruders get in through the front door. 22% get in through the back.
Those are terrifying stats! People are literally going in through the front door!
You absolutely have it make your doors are strong as possible. A deadbolt is a fantastic extra layer of defense. Remember, trespassers and intruders generally want an easy ride. Coming across a solid lump of metal blocking their path may be enough to put them off.
Even better, deadbolts are super cheap and straight-forward to install too.
7. Buy a Home Safe
Look after the valuables in your home!
Never leave your personal information, cash, credit cards, and car keys just lying around for anyone to steal. Why not invest in a home safe, instead? Keep it hidden, and get into the habit of locking away your things whenever you can.
Make the safe fire-proof while you’re at it. That way you’ll mitigate the disaster of a fire happening too.
8. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi
This one’s a little out of left field.
But cybersecurity is becoming just as important as physical security. Do you have Wi-Fi at home? Be sure to secure it by having a password that allows entry. It should never be an open network if you’re storing/exchanging personal and sensitive information. It’s akin to leaving the doors and windows of your house open.
Oh, and create a password that you couldn’t guess with ease. That means no ‘password’, or ‘12345678’, or family birthdays, etc! A lengthy, random combination of letters and numbers is best.
Speak to someone who understands tech if you’re not sure how to do it.
Time to Get Secure
There you have it: 8 simple home security steps that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Property crime is steadily going down in America. However, it absolutely continues to occur. Every year, millions of people around the country will experience an issue involving their home. Thankfully, a lot can be done to improve security with relatively simple steps.
Hopefully, the information here has given you some ideas to keep yourself safer.
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