For locks near windows, use a double cylinder deadbolt, which requires a key on the inside and outside. This prevents thieves from breaking the glass, reaching in and unlocking the door. [2] X Research source
Put locks on your windows. Key locks work best. Otherwise, criminals can simply break the glass and turn the lock. [3] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source If you do wish to leave your windows open for ventilation, install a window stop that prevents the window from opening more than 6-8 inches. [4] X Research source Use safety or shatterproof glass, to make breaking the windows more difficult. For added security, consider putting bars or accordion gates on windows at street level or on fire escapes. [5] X Research source Install a metal grate to protect basement windows, or put a metal bar in the middle to make sure they are too small to crawl through. Secure window air conditioning units. Use a bracket or sliding window lock to prevent thieves from simply pushing in the unit and entering. [6] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
Don’t leave ladders out unsecured. Thieves can use them to reach second story windows. [7] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Consider installing plastic drainpipes, which are much harder to climb than metal ones. Cut back weight-bearing tree limbs that hang near windows or over the roof. [8] X Research source Place prickly bushes around first story windows to make them less tempting targets.
Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1. 75 inches thick. Be sure the frames are of equally strong material, and the door fits its frame securely so it cannot be pried open. [10] X Research source Make sure the hinges are on the inside. Inexperienced door installers sometimes leave them on the outside, making it easy to simply remove the door. [11] X Research source If there is a window near the door, put a ¼ inch covering of clear Plexiglas over the existing glass to prevent thieves from breaking the glass and reaching in to open the door. [12] X Research source If you have an automatic opening garage door, make sure it can’t be lifted open when closed.
Place a wood dowel cut to size or an adjustable safety bar in the interior floor track to keep the door from opening. [13] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Be sure to use shatterproof glass. If your glass is not, cover it with a thin film of plexiglass to prevent shattering.
If you are leaving your drapes open, be sure to move valuables so they are not in sight from the window.
It is best to have a neighbor pick up your mail, packages, and newspaper for you. Seeing deliveries will make criminals think someone is home. [22] X Research source You can also have your mail forward or held by the post office.
A monitored system will notify an offsite center if a break-in is detected. They will notify the police if they cannot contact you, or if they do contact you and you ask them to do so. [27] X Research source A simple security system will set off a shrill alarm if a break-in is detected. This might scare off the burglar, or lead neighbors to call the police. However, know that police often charge a fee for a false alarm. [28] X Research source Individual alarms for doors or windows or wireless cameras are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Landline, Cellular, or Broadband Monitoring – Each option for how your system communicates with the monitoring center has advantages and disadvantages. Landline – A landline phone connection is used to communicate with the monitoring center. It is the slowest option, and if you choose it, you should get cell uplink backup, or cutting the telephone lines will disable your system. Cellular – A cellular uplink is used to communicate with the monitoring center. Cellular monitoring is faster and more reliable, but also more expensive. Broadband – Your broadband internet is used to communicate with the monitoring center. It is much faster than a landline, and while not as reliable as cellular, it is cheaper. Professional or DIY Installation – DIY is usually quite simple, and it means you own the equipment. It is good for renters or people who move a lot. The professional installation allows for more complex systems, but if you will be moving soon, be sure you go with a company that will move your system for free. Home Automation – This provides the ability to remotely control not only your security settings, but also things like turning the lights on and off, and thermostat settings. It can also give you real-time updates and let you know when your kids come home. It is convenient, but more expensive.
Always use your system, even when you take a quick trip to the store, visit neighbors, or walk the dog around the block. [31] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Never post your passcode near the home security alarm keypad. [32] X Research source Make sure the yard signs and window decals that say your home is protected by a security system are clearly visible. [33] X Research source Use generic security signs. Knowing the security company can help thieves to disable the system. [34] X Research source
Doors – Doorknob alarms sound off loudly when they are moved. If someone tries to break in, they will emit a piercing sound just like an alarm system. Windows – Similar movement-triggered alarms are available for windows. In addition, you can purchase inexpensive alarms that trigger when a window is broken. [35] X Research source If you want to leave windows cracked for ventilation, window swags will sound if the window is opened too wide. [36] X Research source Webcams – Motion-sensitive webcams start at $100 and can be remotely monitored on a Smartphone or computer. Twenty-four hour surveillance can help dissuade criminals from entering your home, and catch them if they do. [37] X Research source
Put signs in the front and rear of your house, as well as stickers in any windows you are worried about. Adding fake motion sensors on your windows will make it even less likely that a burglar chooses your house.
Don’t keep a hidden key outside your house. Thieves know the most likely hiding places, so whether it is under a mat, in a flowerpot, or hidden in a fake rock, they will probably find it. Instead, give a spare key to your neighbor. [43] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Don’t carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot or with an attendant. [44] X Research source
Draw blinds and shut curtains to keep items out of view and prevent criminals from “window shopping. ”[46] X Research source If you have a fancy car, keep it in the garage. [47] X Research source Don’t advertise new purchases by leaving boxes on the curb. Put them in your recycling bin. Or break the boxes down and fold them inside out, then put them out just before the pickup time. [48] X Research source
Consider buying a small safe that bolts to the floor. [50] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Rent a safe-deposit box for extra-valuable items. Keep car keys and garage remotes hidden. [51] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Stash jewelry or cash in places where thieves are unlikely to look:[52] X Research source Use old, cleaned out shampoo, conditioner or moisturizer bottles. Use an old spice jar. Paint the inside with glue and add herbs so it looks full. Then put cash in a plastic bag, insert in the jar and keep with your other spices. Hide valuables in a full feminine napkin or tampon box. Make a slit in a tennis ball, squeeze to open, and hide valuables inside.
Engrave jewelry with your name or a number and take a photo of it. This will make it more difficult to sell and aid in catching the thief. Make sure you record the serial numbers for your smart phones, computers, televisions, and other expensive electronics, as this will make them easier to track. [54] X Research source Register your bicycle by serial number in the National Bicycle Registry. [55] X Research source
