Home burglary rates are generally on a downward trend, thanks in part to more user-friendly home security, but that also means burglars take more care in targeting the most vulnerable, promising homes. Don’t let home security mistakes make your home a target.
I know I can get a little lazy in home safety when things get busy. If you’re the same way, here are the bad habits I’ve noticed with homeowners and renters alike, and how to cut down on risks right away with good habits and the right home tech.
1. Failing to lock windows or doors
This is going to sound obvious but one of the worst things you can do when maintaining your home security is to leave windows or doors unlocked. You might assume that a robber or burglar is going to be willing to brute-force their way into your home but they’re often looking for the lowest effort and lowest impact when breaking in because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. Nothing makes that easier than leaving the door unlocked and allowing them to waltz right in.
One way to prevent this is by placing a security camera outside your front door to create a sense that someone is watching. Another option is to invest in a sensor system that can tell if a door or window is opened. Internet-connected locks may even allow you to lock the door from anywhere and some systems will alert you when a lock has been left unlocked so you can address it.
2. Hiding keys in common places
Keeping a spare key outside in case you forget your keys, or if one of your friends or relatives needs to get in, is convenient. It’s also convenient for other parties who may want to enter your home without permission. Placing a key in a common location can result in a burglar entering your home without any interference — even when someone else is home, meaning it may put someone inside in danger.
Instead of placing a key in a place where anyone looking can find it, consider more secure options. Put your key in a lock box that requires a code for access. Use a lock with a keypad that requires a PIN. Smart locks can also allow for remote unlock so you can allow someone into your home even when you aren’t there. You can also create digital passes for other people to make management easier.
3. Not maintaining your tech
Smart home technology has brought us security cameras, smart locks and alarms. But technology also introduces a number of potential points of failure for your security system — and ones that you might not consider if you assume that the technology “just works.”
Consider how your smart home security devices operate. Do they plug in for power or do they use a battery? Check your plugged-in devices after any power outage to make sure they’re working and check battery-powered devices regularly to make sure they’re functioning as expected. “Check that your cameras are recording and that the lenses are clean,” MacDowell told me, “Just like you winterize your home, think about ‘summerizing’ it too — especially if you’ll be away more often.”
Also, make sure to keep the software up to date. Failing to do so can render your technology faulty or inoperable and can leave you open to cybersecurity attacks.
4. Keeping the yard dark at night
A dark yard may feel private and keep the light away from your windows but it can also be an invitation to skulk around. It makes it easier for trespassers to peek into your windows and see what goodies are inside your home. Enhancing your yard’s lighting at night is a more effective alternative for home security.
This is why we have a complete list of the best home security cameras with lights. These lights work with motion detection and object recognition so they will only light up if they see a person, saving your eyeballs during the dark hours.
5. Letting your bushes and trees get wild
Bushes, shrubs or trees look great, help with curb appeal and provide shade during hot days. But if you let them grow too high or wild, they can get in the way of your smart cameras and even provide cover for trespassers trying to get inside your home. Watch for plants that are:
- Obscuring your windows
- Blocking lines of sight for security cameras
- Growing against your walls or roof (this is also a fire hazard)
If you notice these problems, it’s time to plan a trimming project or consider taking these obstructive plants out and putting in some newer landscaping instead.
6. Being casual with packaging
One common way that thieves look for potential break-in opportunities is watching what people put in their trash. If they see lots of boxes, especially big boxes for electronics, TVs and so on, they know a house has valuable, new items. Nip these signs in the bud by always cutting up your big boxes when disposing of them. Avoid any obvious outdoor clues that you recently made a big purchase.
7. Talking about all your home activity on social media
We understand the urge to share fun news with friends but one of the most common home security mistakes we see now is people oversharing on social media. You don’t always know who’s looking at your posts, especially if you have a lot of followers with tenuous contact to your personal life. Those pics and posts about your new game console or current trip to the seaside could be an invitation for burglars or others with ill intent.
Mitigate your risks by culling your followers of any strangers and keeping trip plans off social media until you’re back home. Try not to boast too much about big new purchases, especially if you don’t know who’ll be seeing them.
Since you’re already considering home security, learn about using an old smartphone as a security camera and the most effective places around the house to put security cameras. Plus, learn how to deter porch pirates.
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