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.

Invest in a Burglar Alarm

A surefire way to make your home unattractive to burglars is investing in a home security system.  We recommend NoEntry by Sonis, which offers the following:

• Activates before entry
• Covers ALL doors and windows
• Pet-friendly
• With no motion, door, or window sensors, NoEntry gives you whole-home protection from a single-unit
• Plug and play – set up will take you under 5 minutes and can be operated via an app or with a key fob
• ‘Learning Mode’ for a badly fitted door or window
• A panic button for when you feel unsafe and quickly need to turn the alarm on

Conclusion

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.