How to Prevent Home Break-Ins: Security Tips for Homeowners

Feeling safe and secure in your own home is incredibly important. Unfortunately, break-ins do occur, leaving homeowners feeling violated. According to recent FBI crime statistics, over 1.5 million home burglaries take place annually in the United States. With some helpful tips and preventative measures, homeowners can deter break-ins and protect their property.

Key Takeaways
Lock all doors and windows consistently when at home or away
Invest in sturdy deadbolt locks, security film coatings on all windows and sliding doors
Install a comprehensive video surveillance system with high-resolution cameras covering exteriors and entrances
Leverage monitored alarm systems with door, window and motion sensing built in for real-time alerts
Document burglary damages thoroughly and upgrade home security in consultation with professionals like Jefferson Security Cameras

In this guide, we provide home burglary prevention tips covering all aspects of home security for homeowners. We discuss creating barriers, target hardening tactics, using technology like security cameras and alarms properly, community awareness programs like neighborhood watch, and even getting a dog for better protection. By following these carefully designed crime prevention strategies, you can safeguard your castle and gain real peace of mind knowing your home and loved ones are secure.

Burglary Prevention Basics

Implementing some fundamental home security precautions can greatly decrease your risk of a break-in. Burglars typically look for the path of least resistance, so making your home an inconvenient and unattractive target is key.

Make your home look occupied

When heading out of town, make your home appear lived-in with these tips:

• Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or family member to regularly:
  • Collect mail and newspapers
  • Park a vehicle in the driveway
  • Turn different lights on and off in various rooms at different times
• Set lamps and select outdoor lighting on automatic timers to mimic occupancy patterns when away
• Consider smart home devices like WiFi-enabled plugs to automate lighting schedules and patterns
• Keep up with lawn care and snow removal services so an unkempt property doesn’t hint at vacancy
• Avoid posting out-of-town updates on social media that advertise your absence

Lock all outside doors and windows

Being diligent about securing all possible home entry points is vital for keeping intruders at bay. Carefully check that every exterior access way is locked before leaving your home unattended:

• All exterior doors, including less obvious ones like garage entry doors. Ensure each exterior door has a sturdy, high-quality deadbolt lock properly installed.
• Garage doors should be kept fully closed and locked. For additional security while away, unplug automatic garage door openers.
• Lock gates, fences and any exterior-facing storage sheds or outbuildings to eliminate blind spots and potential access.
• Verify that all windows are fully shut and their locking mechanisms are engaged. Install window pins or dowels for an added layer of security on sliding windows and doors. Blackout curtains also help conceal vacancy.

Burglars look for quick and easy ingress opportunities, so diligently defending all plausible entry points can make households significantly less appetizing targets. But taking supplementary precautionary home security steps helps further strengthen safety too.

Don’t Tempt a Thief

In addition to physical security weaknesses, burglars also strategically target homes that appear to contain appealing valuables to steal. It’s crucial not to showcase or advertise high-value possessions that might catch a would-be intruder’s eye.

Avoid showing off expensive items

• Close curtains and blinds at night to conceal attractive targets like TVs, computers, and other electronics from outside views
• Store fine jewelry, collectibles, heirlooms and other tempting valuables in less obvious hiding places instead of openly displayed
• Position large plants or screens to keep pricy furnishings and home tech devices out of sight from exterior windows
• For multi-level homes, restrict valuables only to upper floors out of sight
• Tree and shrubbery placement around windows can help obstruct visibility into rooms showcasing valuables

Be cautious about what you share on social media

• Avoid posting pictures flaunting expensive tech gadgets, jewelry, artwork or other desirable targets
• Be selective in accepting follower requests from those you do not personally know well
• Leverage maximum privacy settings on accounts to restrict what details are shared publicly
• Never advertise upcoming vacations or other times you will be away from home which signals optimal break-in opportunities

The more enticing a home’s contents appear to outsiders, the more appealing a target that residence becomes. Burglars often specifically seek out homes that seem to offer alluring contraband to steal and fence or pawn. So keeping valuables discreetly out of sight and being exceptionally careful about what ownership details or absence schedules get shared publicly online are pivotal.

Additional anti-burglary home protection measures involve actively blocking intruder access too. Upgrading home security technology is key for hardening household defenses.

Locks…Get the Best

When it comes to securing doors and protecting entry points against forced intrusions, the quality of locksets and latching hardware matters immensely. Investing in sturdy, rugged, advanced security lock systems can provide pivotal reinforcement for any home’s defenses.

Install heavy-duty deadbolt locks on all exterior doors

• Seek out solid metal deadbolt locks made of brass, zinc alloy or stainless steel for maximum attack resistance
• Ensure slide bolt throw reach extends at least 1-inch deep into the doorframe when fully engaged
• Compare the construction quality of inner chassis components not just the exterior housing
• Select certified Grade 1 or Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA labeled deadbolt models indicating durability
• Choose keyway locking mechanisms protected by patented keys to resist picking and bumping techniques
• Require keyed operation triggers on both interior and exterior sides for comprehensive security
• Install protective strike guard plates shielding the deadlatch and bolt housing from brute force smash attacks
• For French doors, use flushbolts at the top and bottom in addition to standard deadbolts

Consider advanced electronic smart lock systems

• Network-enabled smart locks allow homeowners to control access remotely via smartphones
• Digital passcodes, keycards or biometric fingerprint scans enable keyless unlocking
• Built-in device cameras and motion sensors can capture footage of each opening event
• Receive real-time notifications when anyone enters through an equipped smart lock
• Lock and unlock doors no matter where you are in the world via connectivity
• Integration compatibility with comprehensive home alarm systems
• Capabilities to instantly lockout lost or stolen access cards/phones remotely

By implementing the most rugged specialized lockset and latching hardware available supplemented with advanced smart access control systems, homeowners can formidably fortify defenses across all exterior entry vulnerabilities. But keeping the home’s perimeter secured requires additional diligence as well.

Targeting the Outside

While rugged locks bolster door defenses, comprehensively protecting the rest of the home’s exterior perimeter and enveloping property is also imperative to provide fully layered safety. Implement specialized exterior-focused fortification tactics to eliminate blind spots and rigorously block property accessibility.

Invest in bright, smart LED lighting systems covering all exteriors

• Install powerful 2500+ lumen motion-activated floodlights around garages, patios, walkways, driveways, yard entrances and any vulnerable areas
• Illuminate all sides of garages, sheds and outbuildings with zero dark corners that could hide trespassers
• For homes set back farther from streets, ensure long driveways and sidewalks are fully brightened
• Strategically position additional motion-triggered spotlights intermittently to overlap lighting coverage
• Choose smart lighting models offering custom settings for light intensity, trigger sensitivity and timed duration per activation based on the detection zone
• Consider wireless lights with built-in batteries to provide maximum exterior placement flexibility
• Replace light bulbs annually for maintained maximum brightness

Install surveillance cameras covering all exteriors

• Position high-resolution security cameras monitoring garage, patio, yard and all entry points
• Overlapping camera coverage ensures no blind spots around the property
• Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras can scan activity in wider areas
• Infrared (IR) illumination enables low-light and nighttime recording
• Storage and viewing of camera footage deters and helps identify perpetrators

Creating extensive visibility without shadows or hiding spots around the entirety of a home’s outer property eliminates exploitation opportunities stealthy intruders leverage when trying to breach defenses unseen. However, optimizing accessibility control considerations also plays a key role in protecting people and valuables inside.

Windows

Windows often get overlooked as accessible exterior access points, but inadequately secured panes and sliding doors can provide conveniently easy ingress opportunities for intruders. Comprehensively protecting all windows with multilayered fortification is crucial.

Install high-security, multipoint window locks on all windows

• Seek out reinforced steel or carbide deadbolt window locks delivering maximized pry and impact resistance
• Ensure lock designs engage multiple sturdy steel intrusion barrier points into frames
• For sliding windows/doors, supplement with secondary window pins or vent stoppers for additional protection
• Use snugly fitting dowels, blocks or bolts within window and door channels as additional barriers

Consider adding unbreakable window bars or security screens

• Closely spaced window security bar grilles, gates and grates provide impenetrable protection
• Heavy-duty internal metal anchor plates with one-way tamper-proof screws block removal attempts
• Ornamental security screen mesh obstacles maintain daylight aesthetics
• For slide windows, install extra locks and pins along edge tracks at the top and bottom

Apply shatterproof window security film coatings

• Thick mil safety window films create glass segmentation making shattering impossible
• Bonds the layers together to provide intrusion resistance and added insulation benefits
• Optically clear options maintain visibility without dark tinting

Install glass break acoustic sensors with alarm monitoring

• Highly sensitive glass break sensors detect the characteristic frequencies of breaking glass types
• Detected glass shatters instantly trigger loud onboard siren alarms
• Connect detection sensors directly into central home security systems for monitoring

Hardening windows and sliding doors through impenetrable multipoint locking mechanisms, unbreakable security screens and films augmented with shatter-activated alarms provide robust protection. Monitoring window statuses centrally is vital for full perimeter defense as well.

Alarms

Installing an advanced monitored home security alarm system powered by cellular connectivity provides an added critical layer of perimeter protection. Sophisticated multi-sensor alarm systems deter potential break-ins through visible deterrence while ensuring rapid priority law enforcement response if threatening activations trigger.

Invest in professional installation from a reputable security provider

• Seek reputable security providers specializing in premium alarm system installation like Jefferson Security
• Require systems inclusion of door/window sensors, motion detectors, vibration detectors on windows/walls and high-resolution surveillance cameras
• Demand systems support both cellular signal and broadband WiFi with battery backup for maximized connectivity reliability
• Select equipment with cellular broadband antennas or VSAT satellite connectivity support for strengthened transmission redundancy

Prominently display alarm system warning signage

• Visibly post clear warning signs about sophisticated active alarm system presence with 24/7 monitoring
• Indicates exponentially elevated response risk to prospective intruders
• Further enhanced deterrence when also noting surveillance camera constant recording presence

Activated alarm events should alert homeowners in real-time while simultaneously notifying professional monitoring centers and emergency contacts for urgent coordination. Response protocols can also notify neighborhood watch programs and local police.

If Your Home Is Broken Into

Even fortified homes sometimes suffer successful break-ins. Reacting properly after burglaries helps capture crucial info for investigations and insurance protections.

Remain calm and call the police immediately

• Don’t confront the intruder if still inside. Ensure all occupants’ safety by gathering in a secure room first. Call emergency services when safe to do so.
• Provide the most accurate details possible on the perpetrator including: gender, height, clothing, any distinguishing characteristics
• Note direction and mode of transportation the burglar may be used to flee like vehicles, bikes, etc.
• Answer all initial questions from the responding officers about stolen items, property damages and other inquiry details

Document any damages and missing items for insurance purposes

• Take date-stamped photos/video of vandalism damages, forced entry points and crime scene evidence if safe to capture and preserve
• Make a comprehensive list of all stolen items with detailed descriptions of each to streamline insurance claims procedures
• Review homeowners insurance policy terms on break-in event financial protections, reimbursements and claims instructions
• Work with insurers to implement recommended security improvements preventing repeat victimization

Staying secure in the aftermath involves preventing future break-in attempts through security upgrades while recovering losses where possible via insurance protections and claims. Implementing preventative measures should help provide greater confidence and peace of mind.

Other Precautions

Beyond installing primary security fortifications like alarms and locks, taking some additional prudent safeguarding precautions also helps fully protect homes.

Keep spare keys and garage door openers concealed

• Avoid leaving any spare keys openly accessible places for would-be intruders to conveniently find
• Conceal keys discreetly on the property exterior in rugged hide-a-key cases only known family members know the locations of
• For in-home hiding places, use discrete furnished false bottoms or secure small safes to prevent easy discovery
• Alternatively, trusted neighbors could retain secured spares in their residence to lend in emergencies

Shred documents containing personal info before discarding

• Use crosscut shredders rated at DIN 3 or higher security levels on any docs containing sensitive identifiable details
• This includes bank statements, tax forms, medical forms, invoices, credit offers or anything with full names, addresses, ages, phone numbers
• Buy locking shred bins to securely contain documents marked for destruction
• Prevents identity theft if improperly discarded paperwork gets accessed from external trash sources
• Safely purge data from old computer hard drives before recycling or discarding

While not directly preventing physical break-ins, rigorously controlling sensitive information access opportunities helps prevent serious personal data exploits or cyber intrusions after the fact.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Home

Some supplementary protections beyond core alarm systems and locks provide comprehensive security.

Get to know your neighbors

• Proactively connect with neighbors on either side of your home to exchange contact info for establishing relationships
• Agree to cooperatively keep eyes on each others’ houses when away and report any suspicious activities to each other
• Swap schedules for trash bins, travel, house sitters, etc. to help identify abnormalities

Consider getting an alert dog

• Many experienced burglars intentionally avoid targeting homes where dogs are present
• Visible “Beware of Dog” signs on gates can further deter potential break-ins
• Even small dogs trained to bark at noises can provide effective warning

Invest in complete IP surveillance camera security systems around the property

• Install high-resolution cameras externally monitoring gates, patios and all entrance access points
• Position additional cameras internally overlooking valuables storage locations, hallways and rooms
• Select camera models offering premium night vision, wide 180-360°viewing angles and mobile app monitoring
• Enable motion-triggered video recording with instant notifications to owners for detected activities
• Use sizable multi-terabyte NVR recorder storage able to retain weeks of continuous footage securely
• Captured video evidence aids police investigations and insurance claims processing after incidents

Seeking professional consultation on system installation ensures ideal positioning, intrinsic settings for lighting conditions and reliable networked integration with existing platforms.

Conclusion

Safeguarding your home requires paying diligent attention to protecting all viable entry points a burglar could exploit with layered security measures. Leveraging high-quality locks, windows, adaptive smart lighting and IP cameras strengthens defensibility while alarm systems enable rapid response activations. Displaying strong deterrent precautions also will caution would-be intruders that illegal trespassing guarantees consequences.

Comprehensively installed, professionally set up home defenses should instill peace of mind that your family and property remain shielded even when away for extended periods. And if break-ins still occur despite safeguards, creating extensive documentation evidence supports effective investigations to catch perpetrators while recovering losses through insurance protections.

Summoning assistance from veteran residential security specialists like Jefferson Security Cameras ensures robust, reliable implementations. Their expertise equips properties with ideal customized equipment configurations meeting specialized requirements through ongoing maintenance. Contact Jefferson Security Cameras at ☎ (267) 662-1423 or visit them online to schedule consultations securing your house or business locations. Defending what matters most warrants partnering with the best in the industry!

FAQs

What are the most important basic steps for home burglary prevention?

Securing your house starts with consistently locking all exterior doors and windows to defend against easy access points. Making the property appear occupied even when empty through automated lighting and parking cars also helps deter burglars from targeting your home.

Should homeowners invest in security cameras or monitored alarm systems?

Both professionally installed home security cameras and advanced monitored alarm systems provide critical protections homeowners should leverage. Visible surveillance cameras deter criminals while documenting evidence. Alarm systems detect and activate real-time alert responses. Utilizing layers of both technologies delivers optimal home protection.

What security steps should be taken regarding windows?

Windows unfortunately often get overlooked as prime intruder access opportunities. Every window should have high-security multi-point locks installed to bolster defenses against forced entry. Adding window bars, unbreakable security screens or shatterproof safety films provides further impenetrable reinforcements. Connecting glass break sensors to central alarm systems enables detection response capabilities too.

Why are deadbolt locks so pivotal for securing exterior doors?

The equipment construction and installation quality of locks defending entryways greatly impacts their ability to prevent intrusions. Exterior doors should always have heavy-duty cylindrical deadbolt locks made of hardened steel alloy materials highly resistant to lock picking, prying, bumping or physical attacks. Proper installation by following manufacturers’ placement guidelines optimizes functionality.

What should homeowners do if their house suffers a break-in?

In break-in events, personal safety is the top priority before confronting criminals potentially still inside. Homeowners should gather in secure rooms, contact law enforcement immediately, then document all property damages or stolen items for insurance claims. Taking prudent actions aids investigations and prevents extra losses.