An in-depth analysis of the latest home burglary statistics in Australia found that approximately 20.3% of Australian homes have been robbed off at some point. Between 2018-2019, an estimated 2.4% (231,000) of Australian households encountered a break-in. And it only takes less than 5 minutes for 75% of burglars to enter a property. This should make home security a top priority in every household. But doesn’t it mean having costly state-of-the-art home security systems? No, securing your home against intruders can also be done using inexpensive ways.
Keeping your house safe should not break your bank. Here are five cost-effective ways to improve your home’s security and avoid burglary.
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1. Make it Look Like You’re at Home.
When it seems like someone’s at home, the burglar will retreat from your house and probably find another house to steal from.
To do this, you can park your clean car in the driveway, put lights on timers, use motion-activated lights or add exterior lighting. Solar landscaping lights around your house can also make it uninviting to burglars. If you’ll be away for a long time, you can ask your neighbours to mow your lawn and do things that can help make your home look occupied. If you worry about your mail piling up, you can also ask them to collect it for you or put it on hold.
2. Secure the Doors and Windows.
You wouldn’t want the burglar to walk in right through your front door. That’s why you should make sure that your hinges are protected and your door frames are strong enough. If you just move into a new house, make sure that all of your door locks have been changed. If not, call for a 24 hour locksmith in the area so they can give you solutions to your lock needs.
If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your locks, it’s time to check for any damaged locks or whether an extra key has been handed to a stranger. The exterior locks may have also become easy to pick or bump open. Make sure that these will also be checked a locksmith. Other ways of securing your doors are adding a strike plate or installing a deadbolt.
Aside from the doors, windows are also common entry points. Having open windows makes it easy for burglars to enter so make sure to always shut them. You can also use window locks on your basement or first-floor windows to keep your windows secure.
3. Don’t Leave Things that can be Used to Break-in.
If you have already secured your doors and windows, don’t forget to clean up outside and keep things that can be used to break in out of sight. A toolbox or a stool left in the yard can give burglars assistance in gaining entry to your house. If you just used the ladder, put it away right after you’re done. It can be used to access your second-floor windows. Therefore, you should keep these things locked in the garage and not out in the open.
4. Get Rid of Hiding Places.
Although shrubs and trees can give your house a curb appeal, they are also good places for burglars to hide while they are trying to enter your house. To keep your place safe, prune bushes, especially if they are near the doors and windows. If possible, plant smaller bushes and flower plants. How about having thorny plants that can cause irritation or scratch the burglars if they get in contact with them? This can make their break-in not only difficult but also painful.
5. Keep your Valuables out of Sight.
You can make yourself out of a burglar’s list if your house doesn’t look like you have much to steal. If you just bought something new and expensive, don’t hang it around. Keep the box out of sight. Make your valuables hidden and do not make them visible from the street. Otherwise, you are making yourself an easy target.
When hiding your things, consider putting them in areas that are not usually searched out, not in the dresser drawers or the closets. Places to hide your valuables include a fake electrical outlet or a wall clock with a hidden compartment. You can also think about having a safe, which can be bolted down to the floor.
However, keeping your precious items safe should not only be done inside. Your yard may also be littered with toys that can give burglars an idea that your house may be filled with interesting things. So keep your bikes, even your grills, stowed in the garage to protect your property.
With so many cases of burglaries in the country, taking precautions and simple ways to safeguard your property and your family is a must. Take note of these inexpensive ways to enhance your home security and make your house a less likely target of burglary.