Your home is among one of the places you should expect to feel safe. It’s where you spend the majority of your time. However, there are many things you probably need to update in your home for security reasons. According to the FBI, “Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 74.5% of all burglary offenses.

 

At Twin City Security, we want you to have the peace of mind that your home is safe. Here are our 6 suggestions of things to update for the security of your home.

 

 Security System

One of the best ways to deter and catch break-ins rapidly is to install a security system.

 

According to “Securing Home and Business” by Simon Hakim/Erwin Blackstone, homes without security systems are 2.7 times more likely to be targeted by a burglar. Therefore, just having a security system makes your home significantly less likely to be targeted for a break-in.

 

A security system also allows the family to be notified of a break-in. This leaves time for the family to get to a safe location while the police are notified automatically.

 

Doors 

Doors are the main targets of intruders. A standard lock will not keep your home safe from break-ins. They are easy to pick and easy to get through. Consider upgrading to a high-tech lock. A coded lock is a great option for those that wish to leave their keys behind or are forgetful. A deadbolt code lock is an even greater option for added security. Now, with technology advancements, you can even check the status of your lock and when the lock is activated from your phone or computer.

 

Installing new doors will increase safety by a substantial amount. The FBI found that 34% of burglars enter through the front door. Burglars are not hesitant to enter through the front door.

 

You can make it significantly harder for a break-in to occur by simply reinforcing your door frame making it extremely hard to be kicked in. A peephole is another way to upgrade the security of your doors. You can see out but no one can see in. If you do have glass windows on your door, make sure they are a “safety glass” such as tempered glass.

 

Windows

Burglars are almost as likely to break in through the windows in your home at 30% compared to doors at 33%. You can reduce the ability to break in through windows by adding to your simple window locks a security lock. One of these is a pin lock, which is great for bottom floor windows that help to prevent lifting of windows. Another great lock addition is keyed locks, you just have to remember to keep up with this extra set of keys.

 

Lights

Burglars are more likely to break into a home that seems unoccupied as opposed to one that looks occupied. Exterior lighting should be used in the back and front of the home because intruders are less likely to hide in well-lit areas. Motion sensors can also deter an intruder and allow you to know when someone is moving outside of your house.

 

Technology also allows you to set timers to turn your TV or radio on. This gives the appearance that someone is home when they aren’t since burglars usually target vacant homes. This technology is especially great for protecting your home when you are traveling out of town.

 

Trim trees and shrubs

Whether they are staking out your house or getting ready to break into it, intruders are inclined to hide in spaces that give them coverage. Trees and shrubs are easy hiding places, especially if they are large and overgrown.

 

Providing a space for intruders to hide is not something that you want to do. Another bonus to trimming your trees and shrubs is added curb appeal. This safety measure has a dual positive outcome!

 

Cameras

Installing cameras is a smart way to keep an eye on the comings and goings at your home. They provide you with 24/7 access to your home whether you are 20 minutes away or across the country.

 

You will want to install multiple cameras for maximum coverage. Even though most cameras can rotate, one camera will not be able to show every part of your home and yard.

 

A few places that you should be sure to install cameras at is at all of your entrances to your home, driveways and windows. If you don’t mind having cameras inside your home, you can also install them where your valuables are, such as common spaces if you have a TV.

 

Cameras are great for intruder prevention because they will deter criminals, but they are also great at helping to catch your intruder if they do break-in. You have their face and actions on camera.

 

We care about the safety of your home and your family at Twin City Security. We aim high to provide superior service by having highly trained security specialists for every industry, by adapting to all security concerns that may arise and by protecting the assets of our clients.

 

To learn more about how we can help protect your home from break-ins contact us today through our website form or at (334) 749-8385.