Residential Property Security Enhancements

Looking for some tips to help you improve your home security? Below you will find recommendations and suggestions that are sure to help you improve or increase your home security!

Rekey Your Locks

If you are a new homeowner, one of the first things you should consider upon moving in is rekeying the house locks. Since it may be impossible to know for sure how many copies of your new house key may be floating out there, it is best to start fresh with a new key set. Rekeying your locks does not require that the original lock be removed. Instead, a locksmith will simply manipulate the mechanisms inside of the lock to accommodate a newly cut key. That way, any previous owners or friends of the owners that may still have keys will be unable to get in.

Replace Worn or Old Locks

If you have lived in your home for some time now, you may want to consider replacing the locks about your home completely. Older or worn out locks are not as effective at keeping our intruders since they can be picked more easily or broken. Replacing your home locks will not only allow you to start over with a brand-new lock on your door, but you will also receive a new key set, just as you would if you were only to rekey the lock. 

Have Deadbolts Installed on All Exterior Doors

Most homeowners know to have a deadbolt or high-security locks placed on their front doors. However, what about the back door or side doors of your home? These entrances and exits should also have the same locks you would use for your front door. Criminals will often look for alternative entrances that may not have deadbolt locks or other more secure locks placed on them. You can protect your home from robberies by ensuring that any doors leading into your home are secured just as you would your front door.

Eliminate Hiding Spots

Robberies, break-ins, and other forms of criminal activity are more likely to happen in or around your home if there are convenient places for criminals to hide. Make sure the perimeter around your home is well lit. You should have some kind of exterior lighting to help light up the walkways and darker areas surrounding your home. Poorly lit homes are more likely to attract criminal activity.

Cover and Reinforce Glass Doors 

If you have glass doors on your back patio leading into your home or elsewhere, it is important to note that these doors can make you the target of a home invasion. You should not only cover your glass doors with curtains or blinds, but you may also want to invest in window film. Window film is made of strong material that holds the glass in place when there is an attempt to break it. Window film is clear, so it will not disrupt one’s view outside of their glass door and criminals will not be able to tell it is there until after they attempt to shatter the glass. Overall window film can minimize property damage you might suffer as a result of an attempted break-in, and also prevent an intruder from breaking the glass completely, unlocking your door from the outside, and unlawfully entering into your home.

Install Security Cameras 

Every year, home surveillance systems become more affordable. It is not difficult to find a model that not only fits your budget, but also the security needs of your entire family. Having security cameras of some sort around your property is invaluable when it comes to break-ins, robberies, and other unfortunate mishaps. Most of the time, having physical proof of theft or any damage to your property will help you to get reimbursed much more quickly from your insurance. It is also possible that your home owner’s insurance provider may be able to offer you a discount just for having home security cameras in place since they act as such a great deterrent to criminals.

Take Extra Precautions When Leaving Town

There will be certain times throughout the year when you will want to increase your home security measures. Leaving town for any length of time will require more steps to be taken to protect your home while you are away. Here are some important tips to help secure your home and assets if you plan on leaving town:

• Temporarily Cancel Any Newspaper Services

One of the tell-tale signs that a homeowner is out-of-town is a stack of newspapers piling up. If you can temporarily pause your newspaper delivery while you are away, this is highly recommended. If you have to leave on short notice and do not have time to cancel, you may need to have a neighbor collect your newspapers and mail for you.

• Have Someone House Sit for You

Most homeowners feel most comfortable leaving their home to a house-sitter, especially if they are going to be gone more than one or two days. This is an excellent way to give yourself peace of mind while you are enjoying your time away from home. You can relax knowing that someone you trust will be there to watch over your property and assets in your absence.