5 Ways to Protect Your Home From Burglaries

There are a few things worse than getting home and realizing that you’ve been the victim of a burglary. Unfortunately, it’s more common than we might like to believe. As many as one out of six houses are burglarized in one form or another at some point.

Which is why it’s up to you to make sure that you take the proper steps to protect yourself. Here are some of the most useful tips to keep it in mind when keeping your house safe from break-ins.

Install a Security System

Installing a security system is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to ensure that you keep the burglars out where they belong. Security systems don’t just scare away burglars when they see the sign posted outside, but you can also rest assured knowing that if the alarm goes off the police will be called immediately. If you’re away on vacation, or at work, it’s extremely reassuring knowing that the authorities will be called without you having to do anything.

Lock Your Windows

You’d be surprised how many people forget this simple yet important step. Burglars are no strangers to the ends and outs of how to get in in ways you might not have thought of. If you don’t have window locks, all the burglar has to do is a little manipulation and pushing, and they can get in quite easily.

Investing in window locks may seem like an unnecessary expense when you’ve got a security system. However, the more precautions you can take, the more you’ll safeguard yourself against theft. You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting yourself from burglars.

Get a Dog

Statistics show that homes with dogs are 50% less likely to be broken into. In addition to posting a “beware of dog” sign, you should also ensure that your dog’s presence is visible. Even though it might be annoying to hear your dog bark all the time, it’s incredibly intimidating for a burglar—particularly one that is afraid of dogs.

Don’t Hide a Key

Even though you might be convinced that hiding a key in your backyard is a foolproof way to get into your house if you ever get locked out, the truth is that burglars are on to this trick. They’ll leave no stone unturned looking for an extra key in places you might assume they would never suspect. So, rather than hiding a key somewhere around your home, consider instead leaving it with a close friend or neighbor who doesn’t live too far away.

Don’t Announce You’re on Vacation on Social Media

Even though you might be excited to announce to all your friends and family that you’re going away on a trip, it’s one of the worse things you can do in terms of keeping your home safe. If you must, announce you’re going on vacation, but never say the dates. Instead, post about your vacation when you get home!