6 Simple Tips to Improve Residential Security

You don’t need to be an expert in residental security to keep your home safe. Most burglaries and thefts at homes are crimes of opportunity. With the right security measures, you can do a lot to prevent this type of crime at your home. 

Most people already know the obvious security tips like always locking their doors or installing a home security system. While those are great basics that can do a lot to protect your home, there is more you can do.

Consider Installing a Doorbell Camera

Installing a doorbell camera can be one of the best ways to protect the home from all sorts of crime. A model like the SkyBell doorbell camera is a great example. These doorbells come with HD video recording, two-way audio and the ability to view video and get alerts on your phone.

With this type of doorbell camera, you can always see who is at your door, whether you are at home or not. You can see the person on video and you can also speak to the visitor over the two-way audio. It acts as an effective deterrent against package theft, and it can deter burglars who might ring the bell or knock to see if someone is home before they try to break in. 

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No Hidden Keys

People often hide keys outside the home to prevent being locked out. While this can be a way to make sure you don’t get locked out, it can also be a way to provide easy access to burglars. And don’t think your hiding place is too clever or inventive. Experienced burglars know where to look.

If getting locked out is a major concern, consider smart locks. Depending on the locks, you can use methods like a PIN code or wireless unlocking from your phone. Another benefit is that you can also use the smart locks with your doorbell camera to unlock the door for visitors when you are not home or when you are too busy to come to the door.

Don’t Use Fake Signs or Devices

This is a common home security mistake. People try to save money by using fake signs or security devices as a deterrent. While this might seem like a way to prevent property crime, it is not as effective as you may think. 

Experienced criminals already know that people may try to use fake security system signs or devices. Most of them know what to look for, and you do not need to be an expert to tell the difference between fake security cameras and real ones. Once criminals see that you have fake signs or devices, it can actually embolden rather than deter them.

Keep Your Second Floor Secure

Windows on the second floor are an often-overlooked security issue. So many homeowners just assume that second-floor windows don’t need the same attention because they are harder to access. While it is true that doors and windows on the first floor are the greater risk, you would be surprised to see some of the methods burglars use to get to less secure second-floor windows.

The first tip concerning second-floor windows is the simplest: make sure to close and lock them when you are not at home. Beyond that, look for ways a person might be able to climb to the windows. If you have a tree close to the house, consider trimming branches that could provide access. If you have a ladder, make sure it is secure in a garage or shed.

Secure Home Automation

Home automation is becoming more popular. Automation devices make the home more convenient and they can save time. When you use them the right way, they can even provide better security. The trick is to use a home automation platform with the right security features.

One option is the Qolsys IQ panel 2. Qolsys makes smart home security panels that also support home automation devices. The wireless signals are encrypted for enhanced security, and the automation devices can even be programmed to work with your home security system.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Your lighting choices can have a significant impact on home security. If you want to protect your home from burglars, you should consider exterior lighting. Dark areas of your yard could provide the cover a burglar needs to break into your home. With just a few motion-activated lights, you can take this cover away.

If you want to increase your security even further, you could consider smart lights. Smart lights are a convenience feature, but they can also enhance security. First, you can program some of the lights to come on when a motion detector is tripped or when a camera turns on. Along with that, smart security systems can set smart lights to a pattern that mimics that of an occupied house. This can be a good way to deter burglars when you are out of town.Much of home security is about making your home more trouble than it is worth to a criminal. By eliminating easy access and using the right features as deterrents, you can make your home less attractive to criminals. Click this link to learn more about what you can do to improve security at your home.