Simple Security Solutions
for Families

Did you know that, according to the FBI, there were over 1,400,000 burglaries in the US in 2017? Additionally, burglaries made up 18.2% of the estimated property crimes number.

If you're a homeowner, then you want to be able to make your home more secure so that burglaries like this don't happen to you. However, some security solutions can be expensive.

That's why simple security solutions might be a better choice for you. If you aren't sure where to start, you might be asking yourself frequently asked questions such as:

"How can I improve my home security?"

"How do I protect my home from intruders?"

"How you stop burglars from targeting your home?"

In this article, we'll review all the answers to these questions. That way, you can learn about how to implement a simple DIY home security system in your home, feeling safe and secure at all times. Read on to learn more.

Secure Your Doors

The first of our home security tips is to secure your doors. Considering that 34% of break-in entry points are the front door, you should inspect your home's exterior doors to make sure that they're strong. Additionally, check that the hinges are well-protected and you have a deadbolt lock installed.

If you have a mail slot in your exterior door, put your hand through to check if it's possible for someone to simply unlock the door from inside that way.

Have you just moved into your new home? In this case, the first thing you want to do is change the locks. This way, there will be no chance that someone else has a key they can unlock your front door with.

Additionally, this is an opportunity to buy a new, better lock.

Some additional things you can do to improve your door security are to add a strike plate, install a deadbolt, use a security doorbell to boost your security and upgrade to smart locks.

Use Smart Lighting

Here's another simple security tip: use smart lighting. Even if you aren't home, if these lights are on, a burglar will think you are home and decide not to go into your home. All you have to do is buy smart LED lights that you can control from anywhere with a computer or tablet.

You can use them when you're stuck in traffic, at work, or out of town on vacation.

If you don't want to be constantly turning the lights on and off yourself, you can program these smart LED lights to change according to a schedule.

This way, burglars won't think you're away from your home when you actually are.

Of course, these lights are an investment in your home security system. If you want to spend less money, you could pay for an outdoor light that automatically turns on at night if it senses movement near it.

Get a Dog to Protect Your Yard

Another home security solution that's tried and true is getting a dog to protect your yard. If you buy a big dog that's territorial by nature, they'll be sure to scare off any potential home intruders. However, we recommend training your dog so they only bark at unwanted people.

Otherwise, you might end up with your friends being scared of your dog when they come over. For some tips on how to train your dog to bark at intruders, check out this guide from Wag.

If you don't actually want to buy a dog, there are a few other options. You can install a "Beware of Dog" sign or put a dog bowl or dog house in front of your house. There are also electronic watchdogs that are motion-activated.

They'll bark when they notice motion near your home.

Buy a TV-Mimicking Light

Another solution for how to keep your home safe is by buying a TV mimicking light. You can turn it on when you're out for dinner or away from home taking a vacation. It'll create a blue light that makes it look like you're at home, snuggled up on the couch watching your favorite show.

It's a great deterrent, and affordable, too. All you have to do is turn it on before you leave the house.

Don't Hide Your Keys Outside Somewhere Obvious

Many people hide their keys outside, thinking that they're hard to find or safe because they live in a neighborhood where there aren't many burglaries. However, you can never be too safe. If a burglar sees someone taking the key out of its hiding spot, they'll have easy entry into your home.

If you want to leave your key available for a family member, friend, or person coming in to service your home, there are some strategies you can use.

For example, if you hide your key in a small plastic rock, you should put that rock in your garden among many other rocks. It can also be smart to invest in a lockbox, so you can give the code to whoever needs it.

Reinforce Your Sliding Glass Doors

Another easy way for burglars to get into your home is through sliding glass doors. Even though these are a beautiful addition to a home, they're easy for burglars to open. A cheaper way of avoiding this is placing a dowel or window bar in the track.

That way, it won't be possible for the burglar to force your sliding glass door open.

There are also some high-tech solutions available, such as a glass break sensor or door sensor. This way, you can get an alert if a thief tries to get in.

This will also scare them off when it goes on, so they won't actually go into your home after breaking through the door.

Use Rods

Another simple way to keep your home safe is by jamming rods between the floor and a doorknob.

You can make one of these yourself, for example, with a broom handle. They're also available to buy if you want one that's easier to install.

Buy a Security Camera

Just because a security camera is a tech solution for home security, this doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money on it. There are plenty of options for cheap security cameras.

Different features you might want to look for include panoramic views, motion detection, Google Assistant or Alexa compatibility, automatic alerts, and element-proof build.

Get a Motion Sensor

If a bright light or alarm suddenly comes on when a burglar is attempting to break into your home, they're sure to run off in the opposite direction. That's why installing a motion sensor can be such an effective way to keep burglars out of your house.

With the best motion sensors, you can set these up so that they'll report and detect motion when you're sleeping or away from your home.

You'll also be able to decide which type of response you want it to have when an intruder passes by. This can be setting off additional electronics in your home or turning on all the lights.

Trim (or Remove) Bushes Near Your Windows

If you have bushes that are close to your windows, it will be easier for a burglar to sneak into your home. After all, even if they're right next to your back window, you won't see them. They could easily break in and get away with expensive items without you even noticing them.

Even though these bushes give you privacy, they don't make you safe.

For this reason, you should trim these bushes so you can see out of the window (even if neighbors can't look in). If it's not possible to trim them, then you may have to remove them.

Don't worry-you can always replace them with thin-growing or low-height shrubs.

If you're replanting your shrubs or putting in new ones, think about the additional benefits of placing them slightly farther away from your home. This makes it less likely that you'll have plumbing issues or foundation damage.

Lock and Reinforce Your Windows

In addition to doors, it's easy for burglars to break into your home through the windows. This is why it's so important to latch your window lock. However, you may have to do more than this, since many window latches and locks aren't actually high-quality.

If you aren't happy with the state of your window latches, you can add a key-operated lever or lock to feel safer.

You can also reinforce the glass by installing window security film. You can also plant bushes that are prickly beneath your windows-but just remember, as we covered in the last section, that you don't get ones that grow too high!

Put up Security System Signs

If a potential burglar thinks that you have a security system installed, this is likely to deter them from breaking into your home. However, keep in mind that this might not work with the most experienced burglars. They'll know how to spot a fake security system sign.

Hiding Your Valuables From Plain Sight

Another strategy you can use to avoid burglary is to hide your valuables from plain sight. Even if you want to show off your large television or other expensive items in your living room, it might not be the best place for these valuables if it's right next to a window.

If you have valuable items such as jewelry, ask yourself whether they can be seen through ground-floor windows. If so, you should consider moving these to a different room.

Of course, a desktop computer or full-screen TV can be challenging to move.

If you can't move these items away from the window, you'll want to shut your blinds or pull your curtains closed in the evenings.

Since it's easier for people to look in when it's dark out, this is an easy way to make your home a little less susceptible to break-ins.

Help Keep the Garage Door Secure

Finally, you need to remember to make your garage safe. This can be one of the easiest ways for burglars to get into your home, and it's often overlooked. Lock all the garage doors, both on the inside and outside.

This way, burglars can't steal from your garage or get into your home through it.

Some additional ways you can keep your garage safe include getting a smart door opener, covering the windows so no one can see what you have inside, and adding extra locks.

Need More Simple Security Solutions?

Now that we've reviewed different simple security solutions, you might have additional questions. Maybe you want to learn about other tips we can give on these types of solutions. Or maybe you want to learn about more high-tech solutions available.

Whatever you need, we're here to help. At ADT, we're experts when it comes to home security. We also provide packages, alarm system solutions, and home security services and more. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us now.