Do you know how safe your neighborhood really is? In reality, it doesn’t matter how safe you think your neighborhood is or how safe it’s been in the past. Anything can happen, and it’s always essential that you take steps to make your home a safe place for you and your family.
There’s a burglary in the U.S. roughly every 15 seconds. This translates to a large percentage of homes falling victim to break-ins each year. It’s time to take action to keep your home safe. Follow these tips below for 5 ways to make your home more secure.
1. Install an Alarm System
Do you have an alarm system in your home? If you don’t, you might become a target for criminals. A report from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice discovered that over half of all convicted burglars consider alarm systems when choosing which home to target.
Simply put, having an alarm system in your home will decrease your chance of becoming the target of a crime. Check latest prices here to see which alarm system is right for you.
2. Be Mindful of Neighbors
How well do you know your neighbors? It’s becoming more common to not introduce yourself to your neighbors at all, and this is a dangerous trend. There’s safety in numbers, and getting to know your neighbors helps you be more vigilant.
Not only can you keep an eye on your own home, but your neighbors can learn what’s normal for your home. This makes it easier to spot suspicious activity that might be cause for alarm.
3. Protect Your Privacy
How focused are you on your privacy? In the age of social media, it seems like we’re willing to put just about anything online. Did you know that what you post online could paint you as an easy target? For example, if you post about that fun vacation to the beach, you’re telling criminals that your home is empty for the weekend. Make sure your privacy is locked down on social media to keep your updates safe.
4. Skip the Jewelry Box
Crime happens quickly. Criminals don’t have the time to purposefully search your home, taking the time to turn over every item. They’re very methodical, and they know the areas to target. The “prime” areas include popular hiding spots like jewelry boxes, dresser drawers, and even under your mattress. Think out of the box when it comes to storing your valuables, and use a safe that’s bolted to the floor if possible.
5. Keep the Light On
Despite popular belief, most crimes happen in the middle of the day when people are away at work or school. Thieves know that homes are likely to be empty during this time, so you need a way to make it look like someone’s home.
The best way to do this is by leaving a light on, leaving a radio on, or using smart devices. Smart devices like smart lights can set automatic lights so you never have to worry about leaving your home in the dark.
Take Your Safety Seriously
How serious are you about home safety? If you’re not careful, you could become another statistic. Homes are targeted every day, even in so-called “safe neighborhoods.”
What can you do to protect your own security? Start with these 5 tips above. They’ll go the extra mile to keep your home safe no matter what.