Home security systems are great for protecting the things that you hold dear. We offer top-of-the-line solutions to help you protect your loved ones and your property. But there is more to home security than investing in security system, here are 6 Easy Home Security Tips that you can use today to discourage burglars and protect your property.

Let There Be Light

Install motion controlled outdoor lighting.

It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and oftentimes more than enough to scare off any would-be intruder. You can take this up to the next level by adding plainly visible cameras near any entrances to your home. Most burglars will avoid homes with well placed and highly visible cameras—it’s just not worth the risk.

It’s also a great idea to Install window and door shades that offer light filtration. This not only gives you privacy, but it also allows you to enjoy natural light during the day and presents an occupied home at night.

Lock It Down

Guard garages & sheds. Keep your garage and shed doors closed, even while you’re home. This way thieves won’t be able to “window shop” for items they may want to steal later. You could even kick things up to eleven by pointing an outdoor camera at your outbuilding to keep an eye on your belongings 24/7/365.

It’s also a good idea to lock-up any valuable items, like bicycles, grills, and tool cabinets with a chain and pad lock—even in your garage!  And while were on the topic, make sure to lock up that ladder when working on a home improvement project. In other words, don’t leave ladders out overnight. If you simply can’t put them away, at lease move them out of sight. Ladders can be an open invitation for burglars to climb into your home.

Finally, keep your car doors locked and windows closed, even if you’re just making a quick stop for gas. Never leave valuables, especially electronics or money, in the car. It seems like a no-brainer, but statistically most property theft from vehicles involves an unlocked door or open window.

Make Friends

You don’t have to organize the Independence Day block party, but you should get to know your neighbors. If your neighborhood doesn’t already have one, start a neighborhood watch and install some signage! Be observant, knowing what your neighbors look like, knowing their schedules, knowing what vehicles they drive, etc., will help you to notice when things “don’t look right”. Plus, having a network of people looking out for each other is a great safety precaution.

The more eyes the better!

Enlist Mother Nature

Mother Nature is the great equalizer. Not only can she be beautiful, but she can also play a role in your home security.

One of the ways that you can use nature to your advantage is by planting low, thorny bushes under your windows. There are a bunch of really attractive thorny bushes that will look great, plus they’ll deter intruders from using those areas to gain entrance to your home. Getting stabbed, cut, and scratched by thorns isn’t the best way to start to  “B and E” and most criminals will avoid the pain and move along.

On the other hand, sometimes you have to keep Mother Nature in check. You can do this by pruning or replacing large shrubs adjacent your home. Intruders love to hide behind shrubs and bushes while prying open a window or door.

Vacation Smart

Hey, we get it. Traveling can be really exciting, and although no one likes to admit it, we all get some enjoyment in rubbing our vacation plans in the faces of others. Especially Denise from accounting who took that trip to Tahiti last February… and kept texting that quintessential “feet by the pool picture” while you were shoveling the snow off your back deck.

So yeah, we get it.

Here’s the thing though. As much as you may want to, don’t indicate when you’re away from home. Don’t change your voicemail or answering machine message—and please, don’t share those vacation photos until you return from your trip. Criminals use social media too!

You should also use Smart Outlets to turn lights on and off and make it look like someone’s home while you’re away —and put your lights, TVs, and radios on timers so that you can create the illusion that someone is home, even when you’re not. A simple timer will work, OR take it to the next level with an automated security system.

Take Notes

That’s right. Take notes… and throw them directly in the trash.

You should never leave a note on the door for delivery people indicating you are away. We understand how difficult it can be to get packages when you’re working 50-hours a week—but in this day-and-age you just can afford to share that kind of information. Porch pirates and burglars both love to get these sorts of notes, even more than the FedEx person does.

If you’re an Amazon addict and absolutely have to leave instructions for delivery people, try a video doorbell or intercom solution. They’re affordable and a much more secure solution than a sticky note and a prayer.