The first thing many of us do when moving into a home is to try to make it more comfortable and as attractive as possible by buying furniture and other items that really make it a home. Another initial concern, however, is making your home unattractive to burglars. While installing a home security system, sturdy doors and locks help keep burglars out, there are a few tricks you can do yourself to deter most intruders.
- Lighting
Lights are extremely important to home security. Let’s start with interior lighting. When a home is dark, it looks empty. For a burglar, that’s an ideal time to attempt a break-in. You could simply leave a light on when you go out, but intelligent burglars will notice that the same light stays on at all times. Instead, consider adding timers to lights so that a different room is lit each time a potential intruder drives by. For exterior lighting, similar tricks can be used. Whether you use a timer, motion sensors or light sensors, be sure that each entry point to your home is well-lit at all times. This is helpful when you come home after dark and shows burglars that they’ll be extremely visible when they attempt to break-in.
- Landscaping
Did you know the trees and bushes around your home also play a part in security? If you have large, mature trees on your property, it’s important to keep them trimmed. Otherwise, you may be providing a way for strangers to access your roof or upstairs windows. Shrubs and bushes around your home provide hiding places for burglars. They use them to remain hidden from passers-by so they can break in unnoticed. Keep these trimmed as well so neighbors can see if anything suspicious is happening on your property. Finally, when your lawn gets long, it suggests to burglars that you might be on vacation. Keep your lawn mowed and well-maintained to show that someone is often at home. If you do go on a trip, ask a friend or neighbor to cut your grass while your gone. They can also pick up the mail, newspapers and any flyers that are left.
- Signs of security
Burglars are typically looking for the easiest home to break in to. That means the key to deterring them is to make your home look well-secured and like too much trouble. To do so, consider adding a security company’s yard sign to your front lawn or flower bed. Even if you haven’t installed an alarm system, the presence of the sign might be enough to keep an intruder from even trying it. You can install other signs of security as well. For example, fake cameras can be installed on your porch that give the impression that a surveillance system is in place. Motion sensor lights also give the impression that additional security equipment is in place.
In addition to these tips, be sure to keep valuables and electronics out of sight to avoid enticing burglars and thieves.
If you’re ready to build your next home, contact us at Perry Hood Properties. We build high-quality homes in some of Tulsa, Bixby and Broken Arrow’s best neighborhoods. You can also browse through our already constructed and available homes and move in almost immediately.