Top Signs Better Home Security Measures Need to Be Taken

There is no doubt that your home security is important to you. It is likely that you already take certain measures to ensure that your home is protected and your loved ones remain safe around-the-clock. However, there are inevitably going to be times when you will need to take notice of where your home security is lacking and make the appropriate adjustments.

How are you supposed to know when it is time to upgrade your home security? There are several signs you should look for and times when you should be more on guard when it comes to your home security. The following signs described below will let you know that it is time for you to reevaluate your personal and property security.

Your Valuables Can Be Seen from the Street

One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is allowing their valuables to be visible. If you have expensive items such as televisions, artwork, or other valuables, you will need to make sure that these are kept out of view from those passing by. While it is great to let some light into your home by opening the blinds or curtains, know that you may be making yourself a target for a break-in by keeping valuables visible to those outside your property. Criminals are more likely to break-in to home if they know that the homeowners have expensive items that they can steal or these expensive items indicate that the homeowners have money. Be sure to keep your windows covered as much as possible if you want to avoid making your home a target for criminal activity.

Your Current Locks are Worn or Old

Worn or aging locks are never as secure as newer models. If your locks have been breaking down for some time or just don’t seem to be working as well as they used to, it is time to replace them. Older locks are much easier to break and tamper with. You should consider replacing your locks entirely with newer models or upgrading to electronic or smart locks if you have the budget to do so. Regardless, make sure to never use traditional locks past 5 or 7 years, as they typically are not meant to last longer than this span.

Your Home is Not Well Lit

Proper lighting is one of the best ways you can protect your property. Homes that are dark or have inadequate lighting are more likely to become targets of break-ins and other criminal activity. Make sure to install new exterior lights if you haven’t already or replace any burnt-out bulbs that you may be neglecting.

You may also consider keeping your living room light, kitchen light, or other interior lights on even when you are not home. This can give the appearance that someone is inside even if no one is. This is a common trick that homeowners will use to give an added layer of protection to their properties while they are away.

You Frequently Leave for Extended Periods

If your home is left absent overnight or for long periods of time due to work, vacations, or other outings, you will need to take several precautions to make sure your home is secure in your absence. Depending on their schedule and budget, a lot of homeowners opt to hire house sitters to oversee their properties while they are on vacation or work trips.

At the very least, it is advised that you have someone collect your mail, packages, and any newspapers you may have delivered to your home. It is obvious when a homeowner is absent for more than a day if mail or newspapers begin to pile up at their door. Always make sure to have someone you trust collect these items for you until you return or contact your local post office to see if they can temporarily hold your mail for you.

One of Your Neighbor’s Has Experienced a Break-in

Your guard should be raised if there is any sort of criminal activity in your area. Even though you may think it is unlikely that a robbery or break-in will occur again in your neighborhood, this is actually a possibility you should be aware of. Criminals may take advantage of the fact that some homeowners may believe that if their neighbor experienced a break-in, it is unlikely they will, too. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for criminals to target the same neighborhood more than once.
You Are Transparent on Social Media About Your Whereabouts

While it can be great to share with our family and friends where we may be going on vacation or for various outings, you should use caution when sharing your location. It is easy to deduce where someone lives based on their social media profile. Any view of your home, street, or neighborhood can make it easy for criminals to find you. Then, if you make it apparent that you are away from home, you may become a target of a break-in or theft of some sort. Refrain from sharing your exact location as much as possible on any public social media platform.