In 2019, there were over 1.1 million burglaries in the US and nearly 63% of them were of residential properties. On average, burglary victims experienced losses of $2,600. A burglary at your home not only results in damaged or stolen property, but it also impacts your sense of security in your home. 

If you want to know how to protect your home, your loved ones, and your valuable belongings, read on for our home security tips. 

1. Light It Up

Homes that don’t have any landscaping lighting, motion lights, or porch lights make it easy for would-be burglars to move around the home undetected. 

To prevent burglars from being able to case your home unseen, install dusk-to-dawn lights or motion lights on your porch, your garage, and the backyard. Dusk-to-dawn bulbs ensure that the lights are always on when it is dark and motion lights come on any time they sense motion (the downside is that any motion can trigger them, including animals or people simply out for a walk, which may be annoying). 

2. Update Your Locks

Think about the last time you changed your locks and how many different keys might be floating around. House and pet sitters, friends or neighbors who have moved away, people who you may no longer keep in touch with, etc. all may have keys to your home. Consider changing your locks periodically, especially if it’s been a long time since you installed a new lock. 

If you are moving into a new home, one of the first things you should do is install new locks. You have no idea how many people the previous owner may have given keys to. 

3. Secure Your Valuables 

Even if a burglar manages to get into your home, you don’t have to make it easy for them to take your valuables. Invest in a fire-proof safe for valuable jewelry and other small items. Make sure valuable electronics are out of sight and can’t be seen by peeking through your doors or windows. 

Custom fitted blinds are a great way to make sure that no one can see inside your home, no matter how oddly shaped or sized your windows are.

4. Install Security Cameras 

A security camera system can act as a deterrent as well as a way to help law enforcement if someone does successfully break into your home.

You can install motion-detecting cameras that will turn on and record as soon as they detect motion. Make sure they have night vision capabilities and get ones that have a mobile app that you can access any time you are away from your home. 

5. Automate Your Home 

Smart home technology allows you to automate pretty much everything in your home. You can schedule lights to come on at a certain time to make it look like someone is home, you can install locks that are controlled from your phone, and install doorbell cameras that have two-way communication capabilities, allowing you to scare away anyone who may be lurking around your home. 

Use These Home Security Tips to Keep You and Your Home Safe

These home security tips will help you keep you, your family, and your belongings safe from potential burglars. A few simple steps can do a world of difference in deterring potential burglars from targeting your home. Don’t delay in ensuring that your home is burglar-proof. 

If you found these tips helpful, be sure to explore some of our other home security articles and tips before you go.