12 Ways to Protect Your Home from Intruders

A privacy fence that keeps unwanted eyes out provides an excellent way to conceal your home and valuables.

One of the primary goals of adding a fence to your property is to deter intruders from making your home their next target.

Typically, fences cannot physically keep someone off your property, but because intruders will be unable to assess and readily access your home, they may decide to move on to an easier target.

Installing well-placed lights on the outside of your property can also discourage intruders, who want to remain inconspicuous, as lights will ruin their cover.

If you would like to add lights to your property, there are two common options:

• All-night lighting. As the name suggests, this type of outside lighting stays on throughout the night. Because of its convenience, all-night lighting is the most popular option. However, this kind of lighting uses more energy and may raise your energy bill. If you opt for all-night lighting, using energy-efficient bulbs will help cut your cost.
• Motion-activated lighting. This type of lighting switches on when visitors trigger the sensor. To intruders, motion-activated lighting can be alarming when it suddenly turns on, which makes it a smart choice for homeowners. You can also save on your energy bill with this option, but to effectively utilize these lights, install them in areas where they will be activated by unwanted visitors, such as near the garage and first-floor windows.

Your mailbox could give outsiders too many clues about your life. By having your name on your mailbox, intruders could gain access to personal information you would not want them to have.

A full mailbox is also a good indicator that your home is empty and defenseless. When you’re away from home for an extended period, have your mail service temporarily postponed.

High shrubbery gives intruders places to hide while they’re trying to find a way into your house. To eliminate these hiding spaces, trim shrubbery down, especially in front of windows.

Avoid advertising new purchases by the curb. If possible, break down large boxes from items such as TVs or other expensive electronics.

For boxes too large for the recycling bin, wait until pickup day to put them outside.

Real or fake, security system signs have been known to ward off potential intruders.

When searching for a home to target, intruders prefer homes that will allow them to enter and exit quickly. Homes with actual security systems stop intruders from entering undetected.

Entry doors should be made out of solid wood or metal, and they should be at least one-and-three-fourths of an inch thick.

If you’re installing a new lock, use mounting screws that are long and sturdy—the strike plate’s screws should go at least half an inch deep. Professionals recommend using quality hardware for entry doors.

Buying lower-quality hardware reduces the security of your door.

Windows that are unable to open more than six inches help prevent intruders from entering your home. You can buy windows that include this feature, or you can install a window stop that limits the opening of your window.

Also, utilize your blinds and curtains to keep unwanted eyes out.

A protective security film can be installed on vulnerable windows such as first-floor windows and sliding-glass doors. Security films hinder intruders from entering your home quickly by holding glass fragments together.

The glass remains whole and complicates the intruder’s entrance into your home. There are many varieties of security film available to homeowners.

If you are interested in learning more about your options, speak with a window tinting specialist to find out which type will best suit your needs.

Perhaps the best deterrent to potential intruders is a security system that quickly alerts you to unwanted visitors.

Over the years, security systems have become more sophisticated with the addition of cameras and video-monitoring capabilities. Have your local security system company install sensors on all your entry doors and windows.

Place the security company’s sign in a visible area of your front lawn, and put its stickers on your windows.

If an intruder enters your home, you can still protect your valuable possessions. Place heirloom and expensive or priceless items in a safe hidden from prying eyes.

Homeowners can also use converted objects such as hollowed-out books to hide their things in. The primary goal is to keep your most valuable items hidden and safe from intruders.