Home security is a rising issue, and many wonder what they can do to improve the security of their house against break-ins. Installing a safe for important documents and hiding valuables is a good idea, but there are also many things that can be done to deter burglars from targeting your house in the first place.
Here are 5 easy things that you should or should not do outside your house to keep your chances of being robed as low as possible.

Don’t: Hidden Keys
This is one of the most common mistakes – hiding an extra key somewhere outside your house in case of emergencies. The problem isn’t necessarily the act itself, but the inability to do it well. For example, hiding it under the door mat is a definite DON’T. The key idea here, no pun indeed, is to put it somewhere it is not easily discoverable. If you can get to the key and access it in a few seconds it’s not in a good hiding place, this includes anywhere around your door, mailbox or patio. A good place to start would be in your backyard, such as being buried deep in your storage shed. Remember, the idea is to rely on this key as less as possible, so it shouldn’t have to be conveniently placed.

Don’t: Visible Valuables
A common mistake is to make valuable items easily visible from outside your property. For example, expensive bikes, scooters, equipment and other valuables that are normally kept outdoors should be put in a place where they can’t be seen. Such as in a tool shed or garage. It is critical that your give as little reason for a burglar to rob your house as possible, and hiding as much incentives as possible is key to a good start.

Do: Lock Doors and Enforce Windows
A burglar will most likely try to break in through a door or window, so it’s imperative these be well protected. The first step it to always remember to lock them, it’s surprising that almost a quarter of people forget to lock their back door, according to ADT.
For your doors, ensure they are sturdy with enough weight to prevent them from being kicked in, also make sure their hinges on the inside. It is also vital that they have deadbolt locks installed in addition to the normal spring bolt locks on the door knob.
For your windows, always lock and close them at night, they’re far more frequent in a house than doors are and can be easily forgot about after they’ve been left open. In the case of sliding windows, a bar or pin should be placed to prevent them from being slid open. For windows that aren’t used much, such as those in basements, braces can be installed diagonally to prevent unwanted entry.

Do: Motion sensorlights
Visibility is a burglar’s enemy, and motion sensing lights installed on your property will not only keep then visible but also attract attention when they suddenly turn on. These types of lights are relatively cheap, for about $20 to $30 dollars each you can secure your most vulnerable doors and windows. Remember, the more you have the better; Cover as much of the home’s perimeter as possible.

Do: Open landscape
The more enclosed and covered up your house is, the more enticing it is for a prospecting burglar. This includes large hedges, secluded and shadowed windows, and large foliage around doors and windows. The more exposed you can make a burglar feel the less likely they are to take the risk. Make sure both your front and back yards are visible to your neighbours and trim down any bushes that could provide ideal cover for a burglar. An open landscape, coupled with the use of motion lights, should provide as an effective deterrent against burglars.

By: Thusara S.
FindMy3.ca