You may think that you live in a safe neighborhood, or that your home is well-protected, but robberies can happen to anyone. It’s important to take steps to improve your home’s security to deter burglars from targeting your house. Here are a few easy things you can do.

1. Secure Your Exterior Doors to Improve Your Home’s Security

One of the most obvious ways to improve your home’s security is to check all of your exterior doors. The hinges should be in good shape and the frames strong. Check that the mail slot doesn’t allow a burglar to reach through and unlock the door. You can take an extra step and install smart locks or a video doorbell. If you’ve recently moved into the home, it’s a good idea to change all of the locks so you know who has the keys.

2. Install Outdoor Lights

Exterior lighting deters burglars. Motion detector lights scare intruders away if they are lurking in the yard trying to find a way in. It is harder to find places to hide in a well-lit yard.

3. Lock Up Your Windows

Second to doors, windows are the most common way burglars enter a home. Improve your home’s security by locking them. If your locks are a bit worn or too weak, add sturdier locks or new windows.

4. Secure Your Garage

People often forget to lock the garage. You likely have a lot of valuable things in your garage, so improve your home’s security by locking it up. Get into the habit of locking the exterior doors to your garage and concealing your garage door opener so that a burglar cannot use it to access your garage.

5. Invest in a Security System

The most surefire way to improve your home’s security is by installing a security system. Whether you’re looking for a monitored system or something more basic, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

6. Trim Back Vegetation

Burglars are often able to approach people’s homes unnoticed due to large trees or shrubs that provide cover for them. Remove large trees, bushes, and other greenery that is close to your home. Vegetation near your home allows burglars to get close to the house without being seen.

7. Secure Your Home’s WiFi Connection

Another way burglars can invade your space is by hacking into your WiFi network. Doing this can give them access to confidential information, and if you use any sort of home automation systems, it makes the home vulnerable. Improve your home’s security by securing your home’s wireless network following these simple instructions.

8. Install Cameras to Improve Your Home’s Security

Security cameras are a great way to improve your home’s security. Install a few at your home’s easiest access points to catch burglars in the act. The most convenient cameras have mobile apps that allow you to check in on your home while you’re away.

9. Install Home Automation Devices

Home automation devices can be a good way to improve your home’s security if used correctly. This feature can give you the ability to lock your doors and control your lights remotely. You can also get alerts about anything suspicious that may be occurring in your home while you’re away.

10. Improve Your Home’s Security With a Safe

Sometimes, it’s hard to prevent someone from getting into your home. Make sure you have a safe to store valuable items in case someone does successfully get in. Look for something sturdy, too heavy for a thief to walk away with, and secure enough that they cannot break into it.

Your home contains your most precious items. Take these essential steps to protect your home from burglars.

Dave Holt Home Inspections provides inspection services to New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule a home inspection.