Are you protecting your home as well as you can? Keep your priorities in order. It is best to consider the things a thief would consider–your goal is deterrence. The best security measure is an untested one that simply scares thieves off before they have a chance to attack. That said, run through some of the major points of home security before you consider anything else. Exterior doors–do they have good locks? Are they dead bolted? Are the deadbolt mounting screws at least three inches long? Make sure these conditions are met. These are crucial and perhaps the strongest deterrents you can set up.
- Make sure your door frames are properly reinforced. If they aren’t, they can be stomped down with a kick.
- Exterior doors should always, always be solid wood, if not metal. Hollow doors are only for interior use, as they are too easy to penetrate.
- Landscaping should consider visibility and transparency. Privacy may seem like a security measure, but in fact, it is a detriment. Privacy on your property means thieves can conceal their actions as they attempt to force entry into your domicile. Privacy gives a cloak to everyone involved, including those that shouldn’t have one. Don’t take this risk. Thieves are savvy enough to find hiding places without your help.
- Locks should be employed for all external doors, including tool sheds. Garages should be locked as well. Your tools can be used to break and enter, allowing thieves to travel light and evade being caught if a police investigation is carried out.
- Don’t ever neglect external lighting! As with landscaping, visibility should be considered at all times. Don’t let shadows collect, especially not near any of your exterior entry points. Motion detecting lights can save energy and spook would-be intruders.
- Use glass-break sensors on your windows. Glass does not always break noisily, and the resulting alarm will almost assuredly scare off a would-be assailant.
- Keep all hinges for doors and windows inside, even on the second story. There is no reason whatsoever to keep them outside, and removing them is a silent operation that will likely evade any security measures you possess. If your home has any external hinges, consider this a serious problem to be repaired quickly.
- Keep your possessions cataloged and inventoried. If anything should be lifted from your home, you can report it more effectively to the police or your insurance company.
- Don’t overlook any corner of your home security. Check thoroughly. If you think something might be a weakness, assume it is, and if you have the chance, have an expert double-check for you.