The How-To Guide for Theft-Proofing Your Home: 7 Steps for Security

Your home is likely the most significant investment you’ve made in your life, so you want to keep it safe. However, you don’t want to spend a fortune on expensive security systems or complicated DIY projects.

Luckily, there are plenty of simple measures you can take to increase your home’s security. Here are seven steps to theft-proofing your home and safeguarding your property.

Invest in a digital mailbox

Unfortunately, porch package theft is on the rise. Nicknamed “porch pirates,” these opportunistic thieves follow delivery trucks and try to steal packages off your porch or out of your mailbox.

One way to avoid this problem is by investing in a virtual mailbox. A virtual mailbox is an actual, staffed location that receives mail and packages on your behalf. You can then have your mail re-routed to your home at a specific time or drive by to pick it up yourself. By incorporating an intermediary, you can keep your online orders safe from unscrupulous hands.

Put up a fence

A lockable, slatted fence will keep the kids in and the potential ne’er-do-wells out.

Types of fencing that work well for home security include thorny hedges, iron, chain link, and brick walls. You’re not only protecting your property when you put up a fence. You’re making a statement that you value your family and want to protect them from those who might harm them.

As a bonus, fences are also an effective deterrent against nosy neighbors.

Get a safe

Not only are safes great for stashing your cash, medications, jewelry, and other valuables, but you can also use them to store important documents like passports, deeds, birth certificates, and investment information. There are also options with fingerprint locks when you need the extra security of knowing only certain people can access your valuables.

If someone breaks into your home or office, a safe is your last line of defense for protecting your property against theft.

Secure sliding glass doors on the patio

Patio doors offer an easy way for burglars to see inside and even access your home.

There are several ways you can secure your doors. The best way to keep thieves out is by restricting access through the door itself. You can do this by removing the handle and replacing it with a locking pin lock, such as an epoxy or a screw-in pin lock.

You should also have the door professionally inspected. This measure will ensure it measures up to the safety standards that prevent thieves from prying open your sliding glass door with a crowbar.

Invest in a home security system

Investing in a monitored alarm system is another excellent way to keep your family safe.  A security system can act as a deterrent against criminals and alert the police in the event of a break-in.

There are also systems that couple with a camera feature. This feature lets you take a peek at what’s going on in your home when you aren’t around. You can keep an eye on your pets or check to make sure no one enters the house while you’re out and about.

Thieves aren’t the only threat that your home faces. Other innovative home security system features include temperature and humidity sensors. These will alert you if there’s a spike in temperature or humidity. These are often signs of a fire.

Other alerts include:

• Break-in for whenever someone or something opens a door or window
• Water leak alert for sinks and appliances
• Freeze warning when the temperature in the home has dropped below a certain level
• Carbon monoxide alarm for when carbon monoxide levels in your home surpass safe limits

These sophisticated systems keep your home safe in more ways than one, and they go a long way in deterring thieves from entering your property.

Don’t tell social media followers you’re on vacation

Posting photos of your vacation or status updates is part of the fun of social media, but it also lets thieves know that you’re out of town. Instead of broadcasting your activities online, let your family and friends know via private messaging.

Also, when you get back from your trip, wait at least a day or two before posting anything online about your vacation. That way, no one has any funny ideas about whether or not your house is unattended.

Install motion sensor lighting

Motion sensor lights on the garage are another excellent way to deter criminals. These lights turn on anytime they sense movement, be it animal or human. This tool works well to scare off would-be intruders by literally shining a spotlight on them.

You should also have motion sensor lights by the door and other entry points around your home. Your goal is to make it as difficult as possible for burglars to feel hidden while accessing your home. Most thieves will give up after it becomes clear you’ve put some thought into home security, so let them know with a few bright lights.

Wrap up

No one wants to fall victim to a break-in or theft. By following these steps, you can keep your home and property safe from sticky fingers.