Secure Your Home

There was a time when it was OK to leave your home unlocked and unsecured. That time is past. When we inspect homes, the doors and windows are part of the structural system we evaluate. Many times I find points of access to the home because it is not secure. The home is supposed to protect you from the weather and unwelcome intruders. Most home burglaries are crimes of opportunity—burglars look for easy, quiet targets with quick entry/exit and signs that no one's home. The goal is to make your house a harder, riskier, and less attractive target than your neighbors'. Today many burglaries happen in daylight, 10am-5pm, often through an unlocked door.

1. Lock Everything, Every Time

• Always lock doors and windows when you leave, go to bed, or even step out briefly (like to the yard or garage). Many break-ins happen through unlocked doors—burglars just walk right in.

• Use deadbolt locks (with at least a 1-inch throw) on all exterior doors. Reinforce the strike plate with 3-inch screws into the door frame.

• For sliding glass doors: Add a track lock, dowel/rod in the track, or vertical bolts so they can't be lifted or forced open. Sliding doors are notoriously not secure.

• First-floor windows are a top entry point—install window locks or alarms.

• Garage doors: Keep them closed and locked. Secure the door from garage to house the same way.

Heres a tip: Get in the habit of locking up even when you're home during the day.

2. Strengthen Your Entry Points

• Upgrade to solid wood or metal exterior doors (hollow ones are easy to kick in). Hinges should be on the inside or secured with non-removable pins.

• For doors with glass near the lock, add a floor bolt or security film to prevent reaching in and unlocking.

• Consider security screens or bars on vulnerable windows (check local codes).

• Don't hide spare keys outside—give one to a trusted neighbor instead.

3. Use Lighting to Eliminate Hiding Spots

• Install motion-activated outdoor lights around entrances, pathways, driveways, and dark corners. They startle intruders and light up their faces for cameras.

• Use dusk-to-dawn lights or timers for consistent illumination.

• Trim bushes and shrubs below window level—don't give crooks a place to hide.

Gravel or noisy pathways can also alert you (or neighbors) to footsteps.

4. Make Your Home Look Occupied

• Use timers for indoor lights, TVs, or radios so it seems like someone is home when you're away (especially evenings).

• Stop mail/newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect it when you're gone. Mow the lawn or arrange for service.

• Close curtains/blinds at night so valuables aren't visible from outside.

5. Add Visible Deterrents

• Home security system: Alarms that sound and/or notify police/monitoring services are highly effective. Even a yard sign or window sticker saying "Alarmed" or "Security Cameras" deters many burglars (studies show most avoid homes with visible signs).

• Video doorbells (e.g., Ring or similar) and outdoor cameras covering doors, garage, and sides. Opt for ones with night vision, motion alerts, and two-way audio so you can speak to anyone at the door.

• Fake signs or dummy cameras can help on a budget, but real ones are better.

6. Landscaping and Boundaries

• Plant thorny bushes (like roses) under windows.

• Add a fence (with pointed tops or secured posts) to control access, but avoid ones that fully block visibility—burglars like total privacy too.

• Lock gates, sheds, and side yards.

7. Additional Smart Habits

• Secure valuables: Don't leave keys, wallets, or high-value items (like guns, jewelry, electronics) visible. Use a bolted safe for important items. Avoid advertising new purchases with boxes in the trash.

• Neighborhood watch: Get to know neighbors and report suspicious activity (loitering, unknown cars, etc.). Many police departments offer free home security surveys.

• Pet doors: Lock or block them if they're large enough for a person.

• Test your system monthly and keep Wi-Fi secure (strong passwords, updates).

Quick Home Security Checklist

• All exterior doors/windows locked?

• Deadbolts and reinforced strike plates installed?

• Motion lights working?

• Cameras/signs visible?

• Shrubs trimmed?

• Home looks lived-in when away?