Actionable steps to keep thieves away from your home

You can take some preventative measures to keep thieves away from your home. It's not just about securing your property and belongings but securing your family and home. With the right security devices, it's possible to reduce or even avoid the risk of burglary altogether. Let's explore your possibilities!

Secure Your Doors and Windows

Locks are the first line of defence against burglars entering your property. A lot of people say that their locks are secure enough, but in most cases, this is not true. Your doors can be broken down with little effort, so invest in high-quality deadbolts and keep them well maintained at all times. You should also consider installing locks on all windows to provide maximum security. Your garage door might also be a weak link in your home's security. So, you might want to consider the installation of your new garage door that has a better lock and stronger materials. Your front door, back door (if any) and garage door need to be secure. Some people will recommend using the peephole when someone knocks on your door this way you can be sure that it's not an intruder before opening the door.

Windows are also entry points for burglars, so you should take precautions against break-ins. Invest in high-quality shatterproof glass that cannot be broken into or locks that can't be cut through easily. Make sure that your windows have protective bars, grates, shutters or aluminium grilles. If you live in a high-risk area, it's also advisable to install security systems on your windows and doors. Windows need to have a measure of protection like locks or security bars.

Video Surveillance System

If you're looking to secure your home and don't want to invest in a security guard, then installing a video surveillance system is an excellent choice. CCTV cameras can be installed both inside and outside the house for added protection. The best part about these devices is that they come with loud alarms when triggered so intruders can be deterred easily. This is the best way to keep your home secure even if you spend a lot of time away from home. A great option for video surveillance is these motion-activated cameras that can record anything around it while taking a picture of the intruder.

Hidden Cameras

Whether you want to keep an eye on your housekeeper or nanny, or are looking for evidence in case of a dispute with tenants, hidden cameras are the way to go. They're small and inconspicuous so they can be installed anywhere without attracting attention. Some come with night-vision capabilities that will allow you to monitor the premises at all times. If you're looking for a specific angle, some devices can move and adjust to point in the required direction. You could install it even if your camera isn't hidden if you want to monitor a particular area or entryway - especially useful when you go on holiday. 

Alarms

With so many security systems available on the market, choosing one can be a difficult task. A loud alarm is another effective way to prevent thieves from entering your property. There are several options available when it comes to alarms - both wired and wireless models are available so you can choose whichever option works best for your home. Wired alarms are usually more expensive but you don't have to worry about changing the batteries or recharging them. Wireless devices are easy to install and come in various features so you can choose accordingly. The main benefit of installing an alarm is that it notifies your neighbours when triggered so they can help out if something happens.

Keeping Your Home Organized

When looking to secure your home, you need to take a holistic approach and not just focus on locks and security devices. Keeping your house tidy is another effective way of reducing the risk of burglary as burglars typically go for homes that look unoccupied. That's why it's important to keep your belongings organized so that they can be easily detected by potential intruders. Organizing your belongings and keeping your place clutter-free is another way to keep burglars away since they'll have an easier time breaking in if it's messy and disorganized.

Security System for Businesses

If you run a business, then buying a security system to protect the building and the employees is a smart move. Security should be a necessity if you’re also renovating your office because a burglar is less likely to target a business that has security cameras, an alarm system or a guard as they can be charged for trespassing if caught on the property. Some of the latest security systems come with fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology so only authorised personnel can gain access to restricted areas. These systems can also be implemented in your home by buying a standalone security system or hiring a security guard to keep an eye on the property.

What If You're Robbed?

Once your home is secure, it's important to know what you should do in case of an emergency. Educate everyone living in the house about securing their valuables and making them less inviting for burglars. Keep a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher easily accessible if required. And lastly, it's important to know what steps you should take in case your home gets robbed. Contact the police immediately and file a report with them as that can help you get reimbursed for stolen property. Keeping shelves labelled with the value of each item will also help you get reimbursed fairly. Also, make sure you keep the serial numbers of your devices like laptops, mobile phones and cameras handy. This will make it easier for you to get reimbursed if they are stolen. It's also important to act fast in case a burglary attempt is made so that valuable clues aren't destroyed or stolen. Look around your home after a burglary and keep these clues in a safe place. 

Once your home is secure and tidy, you're one step closer to preventing burglaries from happening. However, you can't expect security systems and alarms to be foolproof. If you're expecting anyone - company or a friend, to make sure you tell them about the security measures implemented in your home so they don't accidentally trigger an alarm or leave doors open.