Tips for Making Your Home Unattractive to a Burglar in 2024
Protecting your home from a potential burglar is a top priority for any homeowner. While security systems and surveillance cameras play a crucial role, there are simple and effective steps you can take to make your home less appealing to potential intruders. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to fortify your home and make your home unattractive to burglars.
Visible Deterrents
Burglars are more likely to target homes that appear easy to access without drawing attention. Make your property less appealing by installing visible deterrents such as:
Security Signage
Place signs indicating that your home is protected by a security system. Even if you don’t have one, the mere suggestion can discourage intruders.
Motion-Activated Lights
Illuminate the exterior of your home with motion-activated lights. Bright lights can startle potential burglars and draw attention to their presence.
Surveillance Cameras
Install visible security cameras near entry points. The sight of cameras can dissuade criminals and provide valuable evidence in case of a break-in.
Landscaping Strategies
Your landscaping choices can either enhance or diminish the security of your home. Here’s how to make your garden an ally in crime prevention:
Trimmed Bushes and Shrubs
Keep shrubs and bushes near windows and entrances well-trimmed. Overgrown vegetation provides cover for burglars to approach unseen.
Thorny Plants
Plant thorny bushes or hedges near vulnerable entry points. Intruders are less likely to risk navigating through prickly obstacles.
No Hiding Spots
Ensure there are no hiding spots around the property. Remove large items or structures that could provide cover for potential intruders.
Secure Doors and Windows
Strengthening your home’s entry points is a fundamental step in making it less attractive to burglars:
Solid Doors
Reinforce exterior doors with solid cores and quality deadbolt locks. A sturdy door is a significant deterrent.
Window Security Film
Apply security film to windows to make them more resistant to break-ins. This transparent layer can deter burglars by making it difficult to shatter glass.
Create the Illusion of Presence
A vacant home is a tempting target for burglars. Create the illusion of an occupied residence, even when you’re away:
Smart Home Technology
Invest in smart home devices that allow you to control lights, thermostats, and even TVs remotely. This gives the impression that someone is home.
Timers for Lights
Use timers for interior and exterior lights. Set them to turn on and off at different times to mimic the patterns of an active household.
Hold Mail and Packages
If you’re away for an extended period, arrange for mail and package deliveries to be put on hold or collected by a trusted neighbour.
Securing your home doesn’t necessarily require elaborate and expensive measures. By implementing these practical tips, you can make your home less appealing to burglars and create a safer living environment for you and your family. Remember, a combination of visible deterrents, strategic landscaping, reinforced entry points, and the illusion of presence can go a long way in deterring potential intruders and protecting what matters most.
