Most burglaries are opportunistic: someone sees an easy target and takes the chance. Good security makes your home look and be harder to get into than the house next door. Start with the basics, which cost little, before buying technology.
Doors: the most common way in
- Use solid wood or metal exterior doors, not hollow-core ones.
- Install a deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw on every exterior door.
- Replace the short screws in the strike plate and hinges with 3-inch screws that reach the wall framing. This simple change makes a door much harder to kick in.
- Secure sliding doors with a bar or dowel in the track and an auxiliary lock.
- Do not hide a key under the mat or a plant. Use a lockbox, a trusted neighbor, or a smart lock with codes.
Windows
Lock windows, especially ground-floor and basement ones. Add pin locks or window stops so they cannot be opened more than a few inches. Thorny shrubs under windows deter access. Trim bushes that hide entry points.
Light and visibility
Motion-sensor lights at entrances, the garage and along the sides of the house remove hiding places. Timers or smart bulbs make the house look occupied when you are away. Keep the front of the house visible from the street.
Habits
- Lock doors even when you are home or in the yard.
- Close the garage door and lock the door from the garage into the house.
- Do not announce trips on social media until you are back.
- Pause deliveries or ask a neighbor to collect packages.
Choosing a security system
- Professionally monitored: a monitoring center receives alarms and contacts you and emergency services. Monthly fee, often with a contract.
- Self-monitored: alerts go to your phone and you decide what to do. No monthly fee or a small one, but you must respond.
- Wired systems are reliable and suited to new construction or renovations; wireless systems are easy to install yourself and move when you change homes.
- Components: door and window sensors, motion detectors, a siren, video doorbells and cameras. Smoke, CO and water leak sensors add protection beyond burglary.
When choosing cameras and smart devices, use strong unique passwords and two-factor authentication, and keep the firmware updated. Check privacy settings, and avoid pointing cameras at neighbors’ property.
Do not forget the inside
A small safe bolted to the floor protects documents and valuables. Keep an inventory with photos for insurance. If you replace an exterior door, see how to install a new door; for outdoor lighting ideas, see the best ways to increase curb appeal.
