Seven Ways to Enhance Your Home Security

You’ve already got an alarm system to protect your home, what else can you do to avoid being a victim of a burglary? According to FBI crime statistics, one out of every six homes will be burglarized this year. There are some simple things you can do to protect your home, here are seven tips to help keep you safe.

1. Never automatically open your front door. Always acknowledge a caller at your door to determine who they are, and what they want. Some burglars ring the front doorbell, and if there’s no answer, they break in.
2. Lock your doors and windows! Although it may seem like common sense, be sure to check that all your doors and windows are locked. 70% of burglars use forced entry to get into homes, which means that 30% of them have gained access simply through an open door or window.
3. Be a good neighbor. Get to know your neighbors and establish trust. A good neighbor will look out for your home while you’re not there. Encourage your neighbors to say something if they see something suspicious, and do the same for them.
4. Lighting is key. A dark home night after night makes burglars think that you are away on a trip. Light timers are inexpensive and a valuable tool in protecting your home. They should be used on a daily basis, not just when you’re away. This way you set up a routine that your neighbors can observe and this will allow them to become suspicious when your normally lighted home becomes dark. Typically, you want to use light-timers near the front and back windows with the curtains closed.
5. Consider investing in a home safe. The prices of good home safes are falling, and they can help protect your home in case a burglar does manage to break in. They’re good for keeping expensive jewelry, cash or bonds you may have, or important family mementos.
6. Operation Identification. This is a new program that is supported by most police agencies. They recommend that you engrave your drivers license number (not your social security number) into important items like computers, televisions, stereos, and small electronics. This makes it easy to prove to pawn shops that it is your stolen property they are selling.
7. Be sure to have an alarm! Finally, if you don't have one, having a reliable alarm system is the best way to make sure your home is protected. Having a home security system like SimpliSafe is an important tool in keeping your home and family safe.