Protecting your home is incredibly important, especially if you live somewhere that does not have a community watch or a security company on hand when required. It falls to you to make sure that you have a secure home to deter burglars and protect yourself from a potential break in.
If you are unable to set up a home security system that includes security cameras or a state-of-the-art alarm system because of finances, then there are other ways that you can make sure your home security is airtight.
You may worry that you will leave your house vulnerable to burglars or accidentally give them direct access to your home, but with the right system in place, you will be able to secure your home without a fancy electronic security system or security camera to keep you safe.
Is a Home Security System Worth it?
If you are here, then you may have suddenly had a thought about the security of your home. Is your garage door secure enough? Have you hidden the spare key properly?
All of this is a worry for homeowners and renters, and whilst a security system seems like the right way to go, not everyone can afford one that will deter burglars and keep personal and financial information safe from prying eyes.
If you can afford a home security system then yes, it is worth it as it has been said that most burglars will check for security cameras and an alarm system to see if they should break in or not, and they will go for a home that looks like it is not protected.
Whilst this seems worrying and may have you running out the door to buy one, it’s important to note that if they do see you as an easy target, you now have to do everything else to stop them in their tracks before they get up your driveway.
Just because you don’t have a security camera pointed at them to scare the would be burglar, it doesn’t mean you are going to make it easy for them.
How to Secure Your Home Without Home Security Systems
You may have noticed an uptake of crime in your area and have been looking around your house to see what you may need to change.
In some cases, small changes can be achieved that give the desired effect, such as installing second hand safes by Trident Safes or a similar provider in your home to store all your valuables. Whilst others, e.g. getting a new front door or replacing first-floor windows, are considered to be bigger jobs that need time and attention.
Upgrade/Change Your Sliding Glass Doors
Anything in your home that slides open is a worry for your home security. These are just big windows that can be the source of break-ins. If you think that your sliding glass door needs to be changed or upgraded to perhaps a more secure double glazed door, then now is the time to do it. Furthermore, there are additional changes you can make as well, such as:
Security Bar
You may want to install a security bar that goes in the bottom tracks which can stop it from sliding open so they do not have an entry point to your home.
Plexiglass & Locks
If you cannot replace them completely, you could look at placing a layer of plexiglass on top of the glass doors to stop them from smashing the glass in. It would also be good to change the locks and add deadbolts so that if they try and open it they won’t have a chance.
Sliding doors are known to be quite flimsy and are a good area for burglars to make an attempted break in.
Post Security System Signage on Your Windows or Outside Your House
They don’t know you definitely don’t have a security system in or outside your home. With the way that technology is made nowadays, it is a lot more discreet so they can be hard to see and dodge.
Where You Can Put The Signs
There are decals that you can put in your front windows, plus plaques that can be affixed to the wall by your front door. If you want to go a step further you can put security signs in your yard as well to drive it home to them that your house is secured.
The Downsides to Security Signs
However, there is a flaw in this plan. If you are a home they really want to burgle, then they will take the time to go around and see if there are any signs of a security system, security camera, or security alarm on the premises, and if they do not see one then they will know you are lying.
Put Your Spare Keys in a Lock Box
If you need to have spare keys somewhere outside your home, just in case you forget yours and you can’t go and pick them up from one of your family members who have a spare key, then you need to find an innovative way to keep them safe.
The old plant pot trick or putting it under the mat won’t work in this instance as it is not a burglar proof method anymore and it gives criminals direct access to your home.
Lock Boxes Would be Best
Getting yourself a secure and heavy-duty lockbox that has a combination on it will stop them in their tracks as your spare keys may be right in front of them but they can’t access it, plus, it would look incredibly odd and out of place if they are standing there for ages trying to figure out the code, that will raise suspicions with your neighbors.
Make Sure to Secure Windows and Lock Doors
Before you leave anywhere you should make sure that your windows are locked as well as your doors, but if you have old windows and flimsy door frames, it makes it easier for them to gain entry into your home.
Replace Them
Replacing your windows and doors may be the safest bet here as installing new locks may not fit with old window frames and wooden doors. Look at getting double glazing with strong locks, as well as try out window locks that can prevent them from being opened.
Once you’ve put up a new door, you could consider doubling up your security with Automatic door closers and a code-enabled locking system. It may also be a good idea to install safety glass in your windows so that it is harder for them to break when they are trying to get inside.
Keep Your Garage Door Updated
An old squeaky garage door is not going to do your home security any good, and if you have a garage door opener that is old and plays up, you are creating a problem for your home. Upgrade your garage door and get a new garage door opener that works properly.
Smart Home Options
If you do want to splash the cash here, then you can always look into smart home gadgets for this part of your home that will help you monitor this door and notify you if there is suspicious activity or when it has been opened and closed.
Install Lighting
You need to protect the perimeter around your home, so installing lighting systems that go on as soon as someone walks by will help with deterring burglars and keep your home safe.
Smart Home Options
Once again, you could look at smart home gadgets that provide smart lighting inside your home, so that if you are away sometimes or on holiday it comes on when you are not there so that people believe you are home and it doesn’t open you up to people trying to break in.
Get a Dog
One of the most effective ways at making sure people do not cross the threshold of your home unless invited in is getting yourself a dog.
Dogs are great at noticing the slightest sound and looking around to figure out where it came from. They can alert you too and have you spring into action quickly.
Only Get a Dog if Necessary
There are different breeds that you can get, so you need to think about what you want. Obviously, you should never get a dog just for security, you should only get a dog if you plan on loving it and giving it a safe home.
Whilst they are great at safety, you need to make sure that they are not in harm’s way and that you don’t use them as a barrier between you and the burglar. Think of them as a safety feature, but don’t just see them as that.
Hire a security guard
In the event that you do not have CCTVs and other modern home security installed in your house, you may benefit from the services of a highly-trained security guard who can act as a deterrent to potential criminals. They can discourage any unauthorized activity on the site and send a clear message to passersby that your home is well protected.
How to Hire a Security Guard?
A convenient approach is to reach out to a well-regarded firm known for its exceptional Security services in your local area. They can provide you with armed or unarmed security services either on a regular basis or for specific events. If, however, you are not aware of the existence of any security service provider near you, conduct an online search to locate a few companies in your vicinity. Schedule an appointment with them and visit them in person. Do not forget to get an estimate of their services.
Get Someone to Get Your Mail & Look in
If you are going out of town and you don’t have a security system to check up on when you are gone, then you may need the help of your neighbors.
They will be able to check out your home and ensure that everything is in order, plus they can pick up your mail, water your plants, and check your doors and windows to see that they have not been tampered with.
Stick to a Schedule
Speak to them about specific times you think would be best and ask them to check in with you once they have done it so you know that it has been completed. It will help you rest easy knowing that there is someone out there helping you look after your home.
Conclusion
Whether you need an extra layer of security or you are just planning for the future, making your home secure now will help you in the long run.
No one wants to come home or wake up in the middle of the night and see that their home has been broken into.
Putting the right safety measures in place will help reduce that risk and give you peace of mind whenever you turn out the light or leave your home.