Protecting your home with proper security features is key to sleeping peacefully at night. The world is a scary place with crazy people out there. Homeowners want peace of mind that their home is secure. Home security is much more than simply locking your front door or turning on your alarm system. Sadly, there is a home burglary every 30 seconds in the United States—that’s over 1 million burglaries a year! The numbers don’t lie. It’s essential to enhance your home security features to keep your house safe.
Here’s how to cleverly safeguard your property and feel safe sleeping at night.
1. Add Security Decoys
Deterrence is a game of psychology when it comes to protecting your property. Sometimes, illusion can be just as effective as reality. Setting up mock security can serve as a powerful deterrent for those with ill intentions. Burglars may get scared off if they think you have a formal home security system in place.
Consider installing dummy security cameras complete with the red blinking light. This can prevent robbers from breaking into your home and stealing your personal belongings. If you can’t afford to build a mote around your property, a cheap way to protect it is by adding fake security cameras. Make sure they are indistinguishable from real security cameras.
Place them at key entry points, making sure they’re visible to anyone scoping out your home. New construction homes are oftentimes broken into unless they have cameras set up along the perimeter. Also, consider adding a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign. This home security decoy can protect your property more than you think. A burglar typically scopes out their target before striking. These simple visual cues can significantly shift the risk-reward calculus in their minds. It will nudge them toward easier, less ‘secure’ homes to target.
2. Natural Defenses Through Landscaping
Who knew your green thumb could double as a security measure? Landscaping can act both as curb appeal and protection against intruders. Planting thorny shrubs like roses or bougainvillea under windows can act as a natural barrier, deterring any would-be burglars from considering an easy break-in.
It’s vital, however, to maintain these prickly plants to prevent them from becoming convenient hiding spots. If your landscaping gets too overgrown, it can make your home more vulnerable. Burglars will identify these large bushes as hiding spots when attempting to break into your home. Additionally, overgrown shrubbery can lead to wildfire risk around your property. Maintain your landscaping in an effective manner.
Other landscaping efforts you can implement to protect your home are incorporating gravel along pathways and beneath windows. This creates a crunchy sound when people walk on them. The noise created by the gravel can make it hard to be silent when creeping around your property. Ultimately, it will make breaking into your home more challenging and will protect your property.
3. Community Watch
Isolation is a burglar’s best friend. Inversely, community is the antidote. Connecting with your neighborhood on an intimate level is vital to protect your home while you’re away. Regardless of how noisy your neighbors can be at times, it’s worth befriending the good ones. Create a network of watchful allies in your area by joining a neighborhood watch program. Especially if you are away from home often, it’s worthwhile getting to know who you share property lines with.
Use technology to your advantage by creating online groups where neighbors can report suspicious behavior. Here, you can also share security tips with each other. This digital neighborhood watch can act as an extended family keeping eyes on each other’s properties. The mere presence of an active community can be a powerful deterrent to criminals. Look outside the interior of your property when ramping up your home security.
4. Smart Home Tricks
In the digital age, your home should be as smart as your phone. Embrace the era of smart home technology to make your house more secure! Automating your home with smart lights, cameras, and sound systems can create the impression that someone is present while your property is vacant. It’s a simple yet effective strategy to ward off potential burglars. Plus, you can manage it right from your smartphone.
Use programmable devices to randomize the operation of these systems. Ideally, you make it seem like there’s natural human activity taking place inside your home. Even if you live in a condo vs a single-family house, the appearance of someone being there will dissuade most burglars from entering. The goal is to make it difficult for someone to figure out your exact schedule of being away from home. This will make your property a less attractive target.
Smart doorbells and cameras that allow for remote communication can also be useful tools to protect your home. They allow you to monitor deliveries while interacting with visitors. Smart cameras give the impression of presence, which can be enough to send a burglar packing. Add these home security features to your property in order to stay safe at night.
Home Security Ideas
By combining traditional approaches with a dash of creativity and technological aid, you can significantly enhance the security of your home. These strategies go beyond mere gadgets and garden designs; they are about cultivating an attitude of proactive defense and community collaboration. Implement these tips to create a safer and more protected home. If you’d rather sell your house fast and move from your current neighborhood, contact us today.