20 Proven Ways to Secure Your Home and Prevent Home Invasions

Table of Contents

Introduction

The importance of home security:

As a homeowner, it is important to consider the security of your home and the safety of your family. One way to achieve this is by installing an alarm system. An alarm system can deter burglars and other criminals from entering your home, protect your family and possessions from harm, and provide peace of mind.

Not only do alarm systems provide added security, but they also have other benefits. For example, having a good security system in place can increase the value of your home and lower your insurance rates. Additionally, modern alarm systems often include remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to control and monitor your home from anywhere using your smartphone or other device.

When considering purchasing an alarm system, it is important to research the different options available and choose one that best fits your needs. Consider the size of your home, the location of your home, and any additional features that you may want such as remote monitoring or control of appliances.

In summary, an alarm system can provide added security and peace of mind for you and your family, increase the value of your home, and lower your insurance rates. Additionally, it can also assist with remote monitoring and control of appliances. Investing in a good alarm system is a wise decision for any homeowner.

Brief overview of the 20 actionable tips for securing your home:

As a homeowner, the safety and security of your home is of the utmost importance. To help ensure the protection of your home and loved ones, we have compiled a list of 20 actionable tips for securing your home and preventing home invasions. These tips will cover physical security measures, behavioral measures, and smart home automation security measures. By implementing these tips, you can increase the security of your home and make it less likely to be targeted by burglars.

These tips include measures such as installing motion sensor lights, securing doors and windows, and creating a neighborhood watch program. Additionally, by taking steps such as being mindful of who you let into your home, and keeping valuables out of sight, you can also deter burglars. And with the advancements in smart home technology, you can now also use automation to control and monitor your home remotely.

By following these tips and taking a comprehensive approach to securing your home, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your home and loved ones. It is important to remember that by implementing a combination of physical security measures, behavioral measures, and smart home automation security measures, you can greatly increase the security of your home.

Physical Security Measures

Importance of physical security measures:

It’s important to take proactive steps to protect your home from potential invasions. One of the most effective ways to do this is by implementing physical security measures. These measures serve as the first line of defense and include securing doors, windows, and other entry points, as well as using lighting and landscaping to deter burglars.

By installing strong locks on doors and windows, you can make it more difficult for burglars to gain entry to your home. Additionally, by using motion sensor lights and keeping your property well-lit, you can deter burglars from even attempting to break in. Furthermore, by strategically landscaping your property with thorny bushes or installing a fence, you can create physical barriers that will make it harder for burglars to access your home.

By implementing these physical security measures, you can greatly increase the security of your home and make it more difficult for burglars to enter. Additionally, if a burglar does manage to break in, the physical security measures in place will increase the chances that they will be caught.

In summary, physical security measures are essential for protecting your home from home invasions. By securing doors, windows, and other entry points, using lighting and landscaping to deter burglars, and simple DIY hacks like adding a rod in the window or sliding door track, you can make it more difficult for burglars to enter your home, and increase the chances that they will be caught if they do.

How to secure doors and windows:

When it comes to securing your home, one of the most important things you can do is make sure your doors and windows are properly secured. This is often the first line of defence against burglars, and it’s essential to make sure that these entry points are as secure as possible.

First off, let’s talk about doors. Installing deadbolts is one of the most effective ways to secure your doors. Deadbolts are a type of lock that is much more resistant to forced entry than regular locks, which makes it much more difficult for burglars to gain entry to your home.

Another important measure for doors is reinforcing the door frame. The door frame is the part of the door that the lock is mounted to, and if it is not sturdy enough, it can be pried open easily. By using a reinforced door jamb, you can make your door much more secure.

Now, let’s talk about windows. Using window security films or bars can provide an extra layer of protection for your windows. Security films are placed on the inside of windows, and they make them much harder to break. Window bars or grates can also be installed on the outside of windows to prevent burglars from breaking in.

It’s also essential to make sure that all of your doors and windows close and lock securely. You can check this by going around your house and checking that all the doors and windows are locked and properly closed.

Another simple yet effective physical security measure is to put a rod in the track of sliding windows or sliding doors. This DIY hack will prevent the window or door from sliding open and make it much more difficult for a burglar to gain entry.

By implementing these measures, you can greatly increase the security of your doors and windows, making it much more difficult for burglars to gain entry into your home. And let’s be real, there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected.

Trimming bushes and trees:

It’s not just about the doors and windows, it’s also about the surroundings of your property. One often overlooked aspect of home security is landscaping. Trimming bushes and trees near your home can play a big role in reducing hiding places for burglars and increasing visibility around your property.

First off, it’s a good idea to keep bushes and trees near windows and doors trimmed. Bushes and trees that are too close to windows and doors can provide cover for burglars, making it easier for them to break in without being seen. By trimming these bushes and trees, you can eliminate this cover and make it more difficult for burglars to enter your home unnoticed.

Another important aspect of landscaping is removing any trees or bushes that are close to the house. Trees and bushes that are too close to the house can provide easy access to second-story windows and can also block the view of your home from the street, making it easier for burglars to break in without being seen.

Additionally, it’s also important to have good visibility around your property. A well-lit property makes it harder for burglars to hide and increases the chances of them being caught. You can achieve this by installing motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your property.

By taking these steps to trim bushes and trees near your home, you can increase visibility around your property, making it harder for burglars to hide and more likely that they will be caught if they try to break in. It’s a simple yet effective way to improve the overall security of your home.

Lighting the exterior of the house:

When it comes to home security, lighting plays a crucial role in deterring burglars and creating a sense of safety for you and your family. One way to improve your home’s lighting is by installing motion sensor lights at all entry points. These lights will activate automatically when motion is detected, making it difficult for anyone to approach your home undetected.

In addition to motion sensor lights, utilizing lights on timers is another effective strategy. This will create the illusion that someone is home even when you’re away, deterring burglars from targeting your property. Smart alarm systems often include home automation features that allow you to easily schedule and control your lights remotely, making it even more convenient.

Exterior lights are also a great addition to your home security plan, illuminating the outside of your home and making it more difficult for anyone to hide. Not only it deters burglars, but it also provides safety for you and your family when entering and exiting the house at night.

Overall, incorporating motion sensor lights, lights on timers, and exterior lights into your home security plan can greatly increase the safety and security of your property, making it less likely to be targeted by burglars. Utilizing a smart alarm system can make it more convenient to schedule and control the lights remotely.

Smart Doorbells, Peepholes and Security cameras at the front door:

Knowing who is at your front door before opening it is a great way to increase your home security. A peephole or security camera can help you to identify visitors and make sure that you’re not opening the door to a stranger. Additionally, it also provides a way to keep an eye on your front porch, even when you’re not at home. This can deter burglars from attempting to enter your home, as they know that their presence is being monitored. A smart doorbell camera is a great option as well, it allows you to see and speak with visitors via an app on your smartphone, even when you’re not at home. Overall, installing a peephole or security camera at the front door or even a smart doorbell camera is a simple yet effective way to enhance the security of your home and protect yourself and your family.

Spare keys hidden outside of the house:

Leaving spare keys hidden outside of the house may seem like a convenient solution, but it can actually make your home more vulnerable to burglars. They often check common hiding spots such as under door mats, inside fake rocks, and even in mailboxes, so it’s best to avoid leaving a spare key outside. One alternative is to give a spare key to a trusted neighbour or friend, who can keep it safe for you and let you in in case you forget your keys or lock yourself out. Another option is to install a keyless entry system, such as a smart lock, which allows you to open your door with a code or even with your smartphone. Smart locks also provide an added layer of security as they can’t be picked like traditional locks. So, instead of leaving a key hidden outside, consider one of these options to keep your home secure and prevent burglars from easily gaining entry.

Behavioral Measures

Importance of behavioural measures:

When it comes to protecting your home, it’s not just about physical security measures. Behavioural measures play a crucial role in deterring burglars and keeping your home safe. These measures include being aware of your surroundings, being vigilant, and taking the necessary precautions. For example, consider installing a security camera or smart doorbell at your front door to help identify who is at your door before opening it. This can also be a good way to keep an eye on your front porch and deter burglars from attempting to enter your home. Additionally, it’s important to avoid posting about your whereabouts or vacation plans on social media, as this can attract burglars to your home. By being mindful of your actions and habits, you can make your home less attractive to burglars and increase the overall security of your home.

Tips for keeping valuables out of sight:

When it comes to protecting your valuables from burglars, it’s crucial to keep them out of sight. One way to do this is to avoid displaying them in windows or other visible areas of the home. This can be achieved by closing curtains and blinds, or by using furniture or decor to conceal them. Another option is to store your valuables in a safe or hidden location, such as a locked cabinet or a diversion safe that looks like a common household item. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to keep your valuables in a location that is not easily accessible to burglars, such as a bedroom or home office. A good way to deter burglars is by making your valuables less visible and harder to access.

Advertising when away from home on social media:

Sharing your whereabouts on social media can make your home vulnerable to burglars. Criminals often share information on easy targets and use social media platforms like Facebook to identify potential victims. They may even look through the pages of your friends and friends of friends. If you are going away on vacation, it’s important to avoid posting about it on social media or to wait until you return to post photos or updates. This will help to keep your home more secure and less attractive to burglars. Additionally, you can also consider adjusting your privacy settings on social media to make it more difficult for strangers to access your personal information.

Neighbours or family members keep an eye on your property when you’re away:

Having a neighbour or family member keep an eye on your property when you’re away can be an effective way to deter burglars. This person can collect your mail and newspapers, and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.

Neighbourhood watch programs:

Neighbourhood watch programs are a great way to stay informed about crime in your area and to work with your neighbours to deter burglars. These programs typically involve regular meetings and communication with the local police and can include patrols and other activities to help keep your neighbourhood safe.

Smart Home Automation Security Measures

Benefits of smart home automation for home security:

When it comes to protecting your home, smart home automation technology can be a game-changer. With smart devices, you can control and monitor your home remotely, giving you the ability to keep an eye on things even when you’re away. One of the biggest benefits of home automation for security is the ability to create the illusion of someone being home, even when you’re not. For example, you can set your smart lights to turn on and off at certain times, giving the impression that someone is home even when you’re away on vacation. This can deter burglars who may be looking for an easy target. Additionally, smart home automation systems can alert you if there is any unusual activity, such as a door or window being opened unexpectedly, providing you with an extra layer of security. Overall, smart home automation can give you peace of mind and help you respond quickly in case of a security breach.

Smart locks that can be controlled remotely:

Smart locks are a great way to enhance the security of your home. By being able to control access to your home remotely using a smartphone app, you can easily grant access to friends and family even if you’re not physically present. Additionally, these locks can be programmed to automatically lock and unlock at specific times or based on certain conditions, giving you added control and peace of mind. With the ability to check the status of your locks remotely, you’ll never have to wonder if you remembered to lock the door again. These cutting-edge locks can be a real security boost for your home.

Smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely:

When it comes to home security, smart lighting systems can be a real advantage. With the ability to control your lights remotely, you can set schedules and turn them on and off from anywhere, giving the appearance that someone is home even when you’re not. This can be a major deterrent for burglars, as they are less likely to target a home that looks occupied. Additionally, being able to change the brightness of your lights and even set different scenes can add an extra layer of security to your home. Imagine coming home to a well-lit house every night, or being able to turn off all the lights in your home with just a tap on your smartphone. These are the kind of convenience and peace of mind that smart lighting systems can provide. Not to mention, it’s also a great way to save energy and money on your electricity bill. Smart lighting systems can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as motion sensors, to create an even more comprehensive security system for your home. With these capabilities, it’s easy to see why smart lighting systems are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to enhance the security of their homes.

Smart cameras that can be accessed remotely:

Smart cameras can be a valuable tool. With the ability to access and monitor your home remotely, you have the peace of mind of knowing that you can check in on your property from anywhere, at any time. Smart cameras can be set to record and store footage in the cloud, which can be accessed later, giving you the ability to review and investigate any suspicious activity. This feature can be especially useful for homeowners who travel frequently or are away from home for extended periods of time. Additionally, smart cameras can also be integrated with other smart home devices such as smart locks, to create a comprehensive security system for your home. This allows you to not only see what’s happening in your home but also take action to secure it if necessary. With these capabilities, it’s easy to see why smart cameras are becoming an increasingly popular option among homeowners looking to enhance the security of their homes.

Smart sensors that monitor doors and windows:

When it comes to securing your home and preventing home invasions, smart sensors can be a valuable tool. These sensors can be placed on doors and windows to detect when they are opened or closed, providing you with real-time information on who is coming and going. With the ability to receive notifications on your smartphone, you can stay informed and take action if a door or window is opened when it shouldn’t be. Additionally, smart sensors can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as cameras and alarms, to create a comprehensive security system for your home. By monitoring your doors and windows, you can take proactive steps to keep your home and family safe from intruders.

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are an essential part of any home safety plan. These devices can detect smoke and carbon monoxide and send notifications to your smartphone, alerting you to potential hazards in your home. Unlike traditional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, smart detectors can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as lights and cameras, to provide a complete home safety solution. This way in case of an emergency, the lights and cameras can be activated to help you navigate the home to safety or for emergency services to find the location of the emergency. It’s important to note that while these devices may not directly pertain to the topic of home security and preventing home invasions, they play a crucial role in keeping your family and property safe in case of an emergency.

Smart security systems that integrate with other smart home devices:

Many smart security systems can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as cameras, lights, and door locks. This can provide a comprehensive security solution that can be controlled and monitored from one central app.

Smart doorbells with cameras and intercoms:

Smart doorbells with cameras and intercoms can be a great way to secure your front door. They can be accessed remotely and can be set to record and store footage in the cloud. They can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as lights and cameras, to provide a complete security solution.

Smart garage door openers:

Smart garage door openers can be controlled remotely, allowing you to open or close your garage door from anywhere. They can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as cameras, to provide a complete security solution.

Smart security cameras that can be set to record and store footage in the cloud:

Smart security cameras can be set to record and store footage in the cloud. This can be useful for monitoring your home while you’re away and can help you respond quickly if a security breach occurs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing your home is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety and protection of your family and property. By following the 20 actionable tips outlined in this article, you can take steps to protect your home from potential invaders. From physical security measures such as securing doors and windows to behavioural measures such as keeping valuables out of sight and not advertising your absence on social media, to smart home automation security measures such as smart locks, smart lighting systems and smart security cameras. By implementing a combination of these measures, you can increase your home’s security and give yourself peace of mind. Always be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

References

Australian Government, “Home Security,” https://www.staysafe.gov.au/home-security
Crimestoppers, “Home Security Tips,” https://www.crimestoppersqld.com.au/home-security-tips/
Australian Security Industry Association Limited, “Home Security Tips,” https://www.asial.com.au/home-security-tips
Australian Institute of Criminology, “Home security,” https://www.aic.gov.au/crime-types/property-crime/home-security

Please note that the above sources are for reference purposes only and not an endorsement for any particular product or service. It’s important to conduct further research and compare different options before making any decisions.