12 Things That Can Protect Your Home While You’re Away

The thought of a home burglary can bring about a lot of questions. Do we have a chance at protecting our homes from burglars even if we can’t afford expensive security alarm systems?

12. Hide valuable belongings while strangers are at your home.

While a plumber is fixing something under your sink, they have enough time to have a look around. They can turn out to be bad guys who inform their accomplices. They can also steal your purse or earrings lying on the table. Of course, it doesn’t mean that all plumbers and other workers are burglars, but you should always be careful. We recommend getting acquainted with a company’s reviews before calling an electrician or a plumber.

11. Don’t let a thief hear your phone ringing.

Some thieves use a landline phone trick: they call your home phone and wait for an answer. If no one picks up a phone, it means that nobody’s home. If you mute or lower the sound, you confuse a potential burglar since they don’t hear any sound.

10. Install a reliable lock.

Thieves can often enter through the front door. The locks that are most at risk of lock snapping are cylinder ones and the most complicated locks are those that have to be opened with lever keys. It’s recommended to lock the door with a lever key since it can be considered very reliable. There are also some locks that literally crumble if someone tries to open them without using a key.

9. Protect your windows.

Another popular way to enter your property is your windows. That’s why it’s recommended to install grilles if you live on the first or second floor. Don’t forget that you should have an escape route in case of an emergency: buy grilles that can be unlocked.

8. Take care of the territory surrounding your property.

If you have a house, don’t let burglars think no one lives there. Take care of the lawn in summer and keep the path clean in winter.

7. Use thieves’ fears against them.

Thieves are scared of being caught. We recommend putting out a sign that says, “protected facility”. This trick will make burglars think twice before breaking in.

6. Throw away boxes for expensive items correctly.

If you’re throwing away a box from a new TV or refrigerator, you’re likely to attract potential burglars who can steal your new item. To avoid troubles, tear the box apart before throwing it away as not to attract intruders.

5. Pretend.

Imagine you’re leaving your home for a while. You’re already in the street and you suddenly notice a strange person. They might be waiting for you to go away to be able to break in. Don’t be shy: turn around and wave your hand as if someone stayed at home.

4. Check your locks.

If you notice scratches on your lock, it means that burglars have tried to open it. So before you open the door and enter your home, check your lock so that you have a chance to react quickly in case of an emergency.

3. Let sunlight in.

If windows are curtained for a few days in a row, it may indicate that nobody’s home: there aren’t so many people who like to live without sunlight. So when you leave your property, make sure you don’t completely curtain your windows to create an illusion that you’re home.

2. Put plants with abrasive foliage in front of your fence and windows.

To turn a usual fence into a barrier, plant something with abrasive foliage: like a dog rose or a dewberry plant. You may also plant some roses right under your windows. All these plants will make burglars’ mission really challenging.

1. Don’t pass any information via phone.

You should be careful with strange communal service companies that call you and ask questions about your working place and hours or about people who live with you. It’s one of the methods that thieves use to find out the history of a property and the most suitable time for breaking in.

Please note: This article was updated in March 2023 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.
Illustrated by Anastasiya Pavlova for Bright Side

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A small digital camera with motion detection is a good idea. Set it up in a spot that faces the door, but isn't easily spotted. Most of these come with rechargeable batteries and use micro-SD cards for storage. Since these don't need to be permanently mounted, they can easily be used in a home or apartment... one for each door. When you get back you can review the images to see who, if anyone, entered while you were away.
If you plan on being gone for a long time, put your paper/mail delivery on hold and/or get a trusted neighbour to watch for things that are being left.

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I've a trick. Live on a flat on at least the 12th floor and lock the door with iris scans and lever keys. That'll make it impossible for thieves to open the door, and impossible for them to get in through the windows. I'll use some of these tricks too.

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