DIY Home Burglary Deterrents

Whether you’re leaving for a holiday or just taking a stroll around the block, it’s important to make sure that your home is secure. In addition to using a Kuna, there are many simple strategies that you can use to deter burglars. Because they look for easy targets, a little bit of prep work goes a long way when protecting your property. Here are 10 of our favorite do-it-yourself “hacks” for preventing break-ins.

1. Install a Kuna at All Home Entry Points

Kuna lets you set light on and off schedules right from the app!

Kuna is a smart home security system built into an outdoor lighting fixture. The camera detects movement at your door and sends an alert to your smartphone, allowing you to see and interact with visitors no matter where you are. You can set Kuna’s light to turn on and off on a schedule from your smartphone to give the impression that someone is always home.

2. Don’t Give the Impression That There Are Valuables in Your Home

When discarding gadget and appliance boxes cut them to smaller pieces and put them in garbage bags.  That 65″ 4k TV box waiting by the trash make it pretty easy to guess you have a new toy. Burglars may estimate the worth of breaking into your house by simply seeing the trash you take out every morning. Close your curtains and shades to keep people from peering in and assessing what is inside.

3. Go Social

Neighbors can keep a lookout for each other.

Security concerns affect the whole community. Speak to your neighbors and agree to report anything that looks suspicious. If you will be away for a few days, ask a trusty neighbor to periodically check around the house.

4. Replace Your Aging Locks

We can’t say it enough; doors and locks do not last forever. Locks in door knobs should be replaced with deadbolts. For more information read our post:  Your Home Security Hardware Replacement Schedule.

5. Get a Dog

Smaller dogs, such as this Jack Russell Terrier, are very alert and very loud.

If you’re a “dog person”, you can take advantage of the fact that dogs are naturally protective of their territory, and their families. A dog will sense an intruder before you do, and barking is enough of a deterrent for most burglars. There are many things to consider before getting a dog, of course, but if you’re looking for protection, certain breeds are better suited for the job than others.

6. Secure Your Sliding Doors

Make sure your sliding doors are aligned and the latches lock properly. If you will be away for a while, put long objects such as rods or brooms on the tracks to further prevent the sliding doors from opening.

7. Create Natural Barriers

A rose bush in key areas can be both beautiful and useful.

Do you have a green thumb? To deter burglars, the San Diego Police Department recommends that you grow thorny or prickly plants around your windows and fences. However, it’s important to make sure they are well maintained, which brings us to number 8…

8.  Trim Vegetation Around Entry Points

Plants can provide a convenient cover for someone who is trying to break in. Burglars may also use trees to climb onto balconies, or into upper floor windows, so make sure to trim your tree branches.

9.  Never Forget to Lock Your Door

Make it a habit to check locks each time you leave.

This item is number one in our list of  Top Ten Home Security Mistakes to Avoid: never forget to secure all your home entry points by locking your doors and windows. Do not forget upstairs windows and balcony doors.

10. Never Broadcast That You Aren’t Home

Do not share your vacation plans with strangers, or on social media, and don’t leave notes on your door with delivery instructions. If you have a Kuna, you can use the intercom to speak directly to delivery people with your smartphone.

Got any more anti-theft hacks? Sound off in the comments below.

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