How secure is your home?

Street

Let’s look at the street level of your home. Examining the street level of your home can expose unknown security breaches that thugs may see as an easy target.

• Doors and Windows – Doors and windows that are covered by things like foliage or fencing can provide intruders with a shield from a passerby. Most won’t take a risk if they don’t have to. Knowing that most burglaries are during the daytime, visible entry points take away a window of opportunity for intruders.
• Visible Deterrents – one of your first lines of defense is a visible deterrent. This can include a security alarm sign, beware of dog sign, or a visible alarm. Alarms can be beneficial but shouldn’t be the only thing you use to defend your home. In the end, they are designed to deter and not prevent.
• Vacancy Triggers – when you are away, make sure that all triggers are taken care of so that your home doesn’t look empty. Have someone pick up the mail and packages. Set your lights to go on at a particular time. Simple timers are sold at any hardware store and are easy to set up.

Yard

Your yard is like the second line of defense. Making your home harder to get to may be too much for a burglar who will opt for a home that they can take advantage of.

• Lighting – put an auto or sensor light at the main entry points like front doors, low windows, and garage doors.
• Trash Bins – To a burglar, they are a giant step stool. Move them to a wall that doesn’t have a fence or window. It’s all about taking away an easy opportunity.
• Garage and shed – a lot of homes have an attached garage. Make sure the garage door or at least the door that connects to the home is always locked. Many garage doors are simple to open and are a gateway to your home. Sheds also provide tools to make breaking in easier like hammers, knives, and gardening tools. Keep them locked.

Home

This one seems simple but there are so many things to consider about your home’s protection. Let’s look at your home front to back and see what the best tips are.

• Doors – your doors should be of good quality wood or metal that can’t be destroyed with a kick. In addition, all doors should be equipped with 3-point locks or at least a deadbolt. Also, think about their maintenance. Replace damaged or worn doors. Last but most importantly, keep your doors always locked. An unlocked door is an invitation to burglars.
• Visibility – Make sure you can see out of your door when someone does come knocking. What seems like a surveyor is really a lookout for potential intruders. Also, keep the glass location in mind when getting a new door. If you can break the glass and reach the locks, consider another door.
• The Extras – some simple tips often make all the difference. Signs that someone is home or there is a dog present are often the reason why an intruder will skip your home. Put some shoes at your doorways or keep a tv or radio on.

The best of the best way to keep intruders is to outfit our home with an entry barrier. Crimsafe Security Screens provide homes with a physical layer to their most vulnerable areas, doors, and windows. Although they look like a standard mesh screens, Crimsafe screens are made of stainless steel and cannot be cut open or kicked through. If you are ready to move your home defense from a deterrent to a shield, contact one of our local Dealers to get a free, no-obligation quote.