7 Practical Ways to Burglar-Proof Your Home
Looking for tips on how to secure your home from burglars? You’ve come to the right place.
Approximately 7% of Australian households experience break-ins each year—and according to Budget Direct data, over 70% of these result in theft, and a shocking 11.8% lead to confrontation with the perpetrator.
With this in mind, whether you’ve been the victim of burglary or not, chances are protecting your home and your family ranks high on the list of priorities. The good news is that there are some effective ways to secure your home and give you peace of mind.
How to Secure Your Home in 7 Easy Steps
First, a security door is highly recommended for all major entry points to your home. Of course, these should be equipped with a top-quality security door lock from a trusted brand like Yale, Lockwood, Austral, or Whitco.
Our top tips on how to secure your home effectively are:
Invest In A Home Security System With Cameras
A comprehensive home security system is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your home. We recommend choosing one with a loud alarm—which is a great first step to deter thieves. Features worth considering include motion sensors, door and window sensors, and surveillance cameras.
Many modern security systems these days offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere via a smartphone app.
Use High-Quality Deadbolt Locks On Doors And Windows
More than 1 in 2 Australians have deadbolt locks installed in their homes, and for a very good reason!
Unlike spring-latch locks, which can be easily manipulated, deadbolt locks require significant force to break or bypass. This is due to a metal locking bolt protruding from the door or window into the wall, adding an extra layer of security.
When navigating how to secure your home, make sure to install deadbolts on all exterior doors, including front and back entrances, plus any leading to the garage or basement. For windows, consider a window bolt for all those located at ground level. Only choose high-quality brands, such as Whitco and Lockwood.
Importantly, deadbolts need to be locked and unlocked via a key. So, when you’re home and the deadbolt is on, always keep the keys easily accessible in an emergency. And don’t forget to keep them locked. Otherwise, well—they’re worthless!
Keep Your Home Well-Lit, Both Inside And Outside
If you’re wondering how to deter burglars before they’ve even stepped foot onto your property, lighting can play a role. A well-lit exterior, and a light left on inside, helps eliminate hiding spots and draws attention to any suspicious activity. Consider installing motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your home, particularly near entry points such as doors and windows. Landscape lighting that illuminates your pathways is another way of how to protect your home from intruders.
While lighting should not be a standalone strategy, it may be effective in combination with other tactics.
Secure Sliding Doors And Windows With Additional Locks Or Security Bars
Sliding doors and windows can be vulnerable entry points for burglars due to the fragility of the glass. Reinforce them with a security bar in the track to restrict opening, and invest in additional sliding door and window locks for added protection.
Consider also adding security film to the glass, which will keep all the pieces together and prevent shattering in the event of an attempted break-in.
Maintain Your Landscaping To Eliminate Hiding Spots For Burglars
When it comes to how to protect your house from break-ins, maintaining a tidy garden can help. Trim back overgrown bushes and shrubs near windows and doors to remove hiding places where intruders could lurk. Additionally, ensure that trees are pruned to prevent easy access to upper floors. This will increase visibility around your home and make it less appealing to potential burglars.
Consider A Guard Dog
Getting a pet is a serious lifetime commitment, but if you’re in a position to do so—a guard dog can be great for house protection. Consider family-friendly breeds such as the German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, or Boxer, whose strong bark and large presence will help send those criminals running off as fast as… well—a robber’s dog!
Build Strong Relationships With Your Neighbours
As they say, safety in numbers—and that applies to how to secure your home. Getting to know your neighbours and looking out for each other’s properties can significantly enhance your home security and safety. Encourage other residents to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement promptly. By working together, you can create a safer environment for everyone.
After More Advice on How to Burglar Proof Your Home?
Securing your home against burglary requires a combination of vigilance, technology, and common sense. By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in and protect your home and loved ones.
And the good news is, The Lock Shop offers a wide range of high-quality hardware, including locks and bolts for doors and windows, to enhance your home security and deter criminals. Our team is happy to assist you with any queries you have about how to secure your home. Contact us today!