8 Easy Tips to Keep Your House Safe and Secure From Burglars

Burglaries are typically crimes of opportunity. A burglar is a stranger, and the only thing they know about your place is that it’s an easy target. Studies show that most burglaries take between 90 seconds and 12 minutes and happen between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. While you’re away on vacation, open windows on a hot summer day or an unlocked door can be all it takes for trouble to strike. Luckily, you can use several expert tips to outwit thieves and keep your family and belongings safe.

The Bright Side team has compiled specialized guidance on how to make your home less vulnerable to burglars and protect your peace of mind.

1. Keep large worn men’s boots by the door

Burglars are usually cowardly people who are afraid of confrontation. They are out there looking for a vulnerable target to rob. Keeping large men’s boots by the door shows that there’s a big young guy at home. This gesture screams, “Someone is home right now, and it’s possibly a big dude who can hurt you.”

2. Glue a fake spare key under the door mat.

Many people keep a spare key lying around the house, usually under a rock or a doormat. Make a false spare key to trick the thief. Once the burglar has the key, they will try to open the door in vain. Moreover, they might also suspect that they are being watched. Their fear will lead them to abort the mission in case someone sees them.

3. Get a timed light switch.

You may want to install a timer switch on your lights if you leave home for more than a few hours at night. It will deter burglars who prefer to strike when no one is home. Additionally, it can reduce energy usage and eliminate wasted electricity from lights left on all day or night.

4. Keep your valuables out of sight.

Burglars most often break into homes through the front door or windows. In this case, make sure your valuables are locked up and out of sight from intruders. As a precaution, close your blinds during the day, draw your curtains at night, and make sure all doors are locked when you are not at home.

5. Don’t accept the free tickets you find in your mailbox.

If you get a free ticket to an event in the mail, don’t accept it. It could be a hoax to get you out of your house for several hours so it can be robbed.

6. Don’t talk about your vacations on social media and don’t post when you’re out.

Make sure thieves don’t find out you’re out of town and won’t be able to defend your home. Most likely, they’ll target your house when it’s empty, but if they think you’ll be there, they’ll mostly leave you alone. Moreover, don’t post stories or pictures when you’re on vacation. If you post photos of yourself hiking or sunbathing, it will only give thieves a heads up that your property is unprotected.

7. Get a dog.

Getting a dog is one of the most effective ways to deter intruders. A barking dog can discourage prospective attackers while also alerting you to any odd behavior on your property. Most burglars are after a conflict-free robbery. So once they know that there’s a dog, they might just back off.

8. Use double-glazed windows.

Installing double-glazed windows in your home will make it much safer. In order to break into your home, the intruder would first have to break one pane and then move on to a second. The process will be time-consuming and noisy. Due to the noise, the burglar may either decide to stop or get caught.

What was your favorite piece of advice? Do you have any other tips on reducing your chances of being burglarized?