15 Home Security Mistakes You Need To Avoid
Home security is one vital aspect that should never be overlooked or neglected. Instead, you must continually analyse and enhance the safety of your living space.
There is always an opportunity to achieve this, but what is most vital is knowing where to look and the mistakes to avoid while putting these security measures in place.
Research indicates that 46.9% of homeowners do not have a home security system installed. Below are some frequent blunders homeowners make and tips to ensure your house is always safe, secure and protected.
Hiding a key under the doormat
Photo by RDNE Stock project
It should go without saying but never leave your spare key hiding under your doormat outside. Experienced home invaders will know all typical hiding areas, so avoid them entirely.
If you need an alternative or a backup plan to enter your house, try handing a spare to a trustworthy neighbour or getting modern door locks which will allow you to access your door remotely even if you don’t have your keys.
Too much privacy
Is a privacy fence beneficial to your home’s security? What about gates and fences?
They can assist robbers with hiding places and concealment. An intruder can enter your home undetected if you have too much privacy.
Every house and property has its plan.
However, if feasible, arrange your privacy fencing such that at least the main doorway may be seen from the street. Criminals still use doors as their primary access point, and a highly visible one makes their task more difficult.
You can work with professionals like Chaytor Fences can propose the appropriate solutions to keep invaders clear of your property. A reinforced door is an excellent home security measure that may also increase the value of your house’s aesthetic appeal.
Doors and windows left unlocked
This may sound obvious, yet there are numerous times when you fail to latch and lock your doors or windows. For instance, you can keep a few windows open during a hot day while away from home.
In a hurry, you may leave the house without locking your door.
Unlocked doors and windows are an open invitation to your home invaders, so double-check them before leaving the house. If you purchase smart locks, you may use your smartphone to ensure they are locked while you are gone.
Failure to secure your garage door
In addition to doors and windows, your garage is one of the most susceptible locations in your home. Universal remotes control many garage doors electronically, which other modified remotes may easily open.
Avoid leaving your garage door opener in plain sight, and always secure it with a heavy-duty padlock or an automated door lock.
Bushes that hinder your view
Like a fence, your landscape decisions make your house more or less inviting to individuals with bad intentions. Bushes and trees against the side of the house give shelter in the same way as a privacy fence could.
Correct this error by keeping low-growing or thin-growing bushes close to your house and taller, denser trees farther away.
You dont have to get rid of all your plants, just think about where they are going. Taller or thick plants and bushes are okay against solid walls as long as doors and windows are not obstructed.
Visible assets
In addition to safeguards outside your property, consider what may be seen within your home.
Many homeowners overlook that windows serve as a two-way portal. just as you can see out of them, a possible invader can see in.
Consider if expensive goods may be seen from a ground-floor level window. Also, jewellery or other costly items may be stored on dressers.
Some big products, such as televisions, provide challenging home security positioning issues. In such a situation, draw the shades or close the blinds at night.
Similarly, think about storing valuables by tucking them out of sight or in a specific secret hideout.
Alarm systems in sight
Alarm systems are fantastic tools, but installation workers do not always provide adequate guidance to clients. Too often, personnel place the control pad in a location visible from a first-floor window.
This allows potential invaders to look in and check if the system is turned on. The alarm company yard sign won’t be effective if they know the system is turned off, so keep this in mind.
Travel posts on social media
After your journey, social media is an excellent tool for connecting with friends and sharing travel stories and images. Remember that social media channels are designed to be public venues.
If you don’t want the entire social media community to know about your trip plans, do not disclose them.
This is because thieves may quickly search for phrases like trip, travel, holiday and out-of-town to discover residences with people who are gone. Wait until you return home to provide details about your vacation to prevent tipping off criminals.
If you need to inform others about your holiday, designate the posts as “private” on that social media networking platform.
Mail backlogs
Few things advertise an absentee homeowner more than a stack of mail and newspapers. Criminals dont even need to slow down to see an overloaded mailbox or newspapers strewn on a doorstep.
To avoid this, contact your local post office and newspaper and request that service be suspended when you are away. It is also good to ask a friend or neighbour to swing by and collect any accumulated mail or newspapers.
Installing static outdoor lighting
Many homeowners begin by adding outside lights to address house security concerns. They either switch on the security lights at night or install a light sensor or timer so that lights turn on automatically at night.
While those bulbs illuminate your yard, they also produce thick pockets of shadows that serve as an excellent hiding spot for intruders.
Motion sensors provide a far superior option. You still have the lighting, but it may surprise someone prowling about the house, and most burglars are scared off by surprises.
Furthermore, the abrupt shift may draw a notice. Motion sensors conserve energy, resulting in cheaper utility costs and long-lasting bulbs.
Leaving ladders outside
You may have noticed that most of these tips have focused on first-door difficulties – criminals who want to remain out of sight and move fast will seldom carry a ladder with them on a break-in. On the other hand, some homeowners make things easy for the bad guys by offering easy access to their second storey.
Ladders should not be left around the yard or on the back of the garage where prowlers can reach them. Most thieves take advantage of the opportunities and will not attempt a second-floor entrance unless you make it simple for them by keeping a ladder nearby.
Instead, put the ladder somewhere safe where it won’t be easy to reach.
Having no visible security outside
Smart house invaders will know all the newest security gadgets and avoid homes with excellent security systems. Even a simple security sign can discourage a criminal from breaking in, so get your gadgets set up and ensure house invaders know your home is secure.
Some homeowners will try to save money by installing false or fake security cameras around the property. Still, skilled home invaders will be aware of the inefficient fraudulent equipment installed.
Home security should never be compromised, but there are methods to save money on excellent solutions.
Overlooking daytime risks
Break-ins are commonly associated with the dark and nighttime. While thieves like the cover of the night, they truly want an empty house.
People frequently stay at home at night. Instead, with everyone at school and work, robbers find houses more appealing.
Because most break-ins occur during the day, take the necessary precautions. When you leave, activate your alarm system, watch for unusual activities and close and lock any doors and windows.
Discarded packaging at the curb
Many communities have curbside garbage and recycling pickup. Do not simply leave the packaging of a costly item, such as a television or a laptop, at the curb.
This announces the presence of a costly new item in the home. Cut the package into smaller pieces using a utility knife and stack them to hide what they originally housed.
Packages left outdoors
If you are waiting for a delivery, listen for phone notifications if feasible or plan the delivery for a day when you are certain you’ll be present to receive it right away. Online shopping has become the new standard which regrettably implies that parcel theft is more widespread than ever.
The good news is that there are several simple ways to monitor your parcels, beginning with outside security cameras and video doorbells. Many of today’s top models have smart alerts that can detect parcels allowing you to know when your delivery or shipment came and keep a watch on it until you get home.
Should someone steal your goods, you will also have video evidence to show the police.
This is a collaborative post.
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