Keeping your home safe doesn’t have to mean spending thousands on high-tech security. Sometimes, small changes can make the biggest difference. Most burglars look for easy targets—unlocked doors, dark corners, or homes without security cameras. By fixing a few weak spots, you can make your house much harder to break into.
If you think home security is all about expensive alarm systems, think again. A few simple tweaks can make your home feel like a fortress without making it look like one. Let’s go over some easy ways to boost your security and give you peace of mind.
Lock Your Doors—All of Them
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people leave their doors unlocked, even when they’re not home. Many burglaries happen because someone simply walked in.
Make it a habit to lock all doors, even when you’re inside. Don’t forget about back doors, side doors, and garage entrances. If your locks are old, consider upgrading to deadbolts or smart locks that you can control from your phone.
Another simple fix? Install a CCTV system. Security cameras don’t just help catch criminals—they scare them away. Most burglars won’t take the risk if they see a camera watching them. If you’re thinking about adding one, CCTV is a great way to monitor your home, even when you’re not there.
Light Up the Outside
Burglars love the dark. It helps them sneak around unnoticed. If your house has dark spots near windows, back doors, or pathways, it’s time to brighten things up.
Motion sensor lights are a great choice as they stay off most of the time but turn on when someone moves near them. This not only scares away potential intruders but also makes it safer for you to walk around at night.
Regular outdoor lighting is another option. Place lights near all entrances, along walkways, and in any shady areas where someone could hide.
Get a Video Doorbell
Ever had a stranger knock on your door and felt uneasy? A video doorbell lets you see who’s there without opening up. Even better, you can check from your phone, whether you’re home or not.
Most video doorbells also record footage, so if anything suspicious happens, you’ll have proof. And just like CCTV, burglars hate being on camera.
Secure Your Windows
Doors aren’t the only way in. If a burglar can’t get through your front door, they might try a window. Many people leave their windows unlocked, especially on the second floor, thinking no one will climb that high. But experienced burglars will.
Here’s how to keep windows secure:
- Always lock them when they’re closed.
- Add window stops so they can’t be opened all the way.
- Use security film to make the glass harder to break.
- Trim bushes near windows so no one can hide behind them.
Don’t Make It Easy for Burglars to Hide
Burglars look for homes where they can break in without being seen. If you have tall bushes, thick trees, or big fences blocking the view of your doors and windows, that could be a problem.
Keep your landscaping tidy. Trim bushes and trees so neighbors can see what’s going on. If you have a big fence, make sure it doesn’t completely block the view of your house.
Stop Hiding Spare Keys Outside
That fake rock or doormat trick? Burglars know about it. Hiding a key outside is one of the easiest ways to let someone in who shouldn’t be there.
Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member. If you must hide one, choose an unexpected spot—somewhere far from the front door.
Or, better yet, use a smart lock. That way, you can give temporary codes to guests instead of leaving a key outside.
Make It Look Like You’re Home
Most burglars don’t want to deal with people. They prefer empty houses. If your home looks unoccupied for days, it becomes an easy target.
Here’s how to fake it when you’re away:
- Leave some lights on or use smart bulbs that turn on at different times.
- Have a neighbor park in your driveway.
- Use timers to turn on TVs or radios at night.
- Pause mail and package deliveries so they don’t pile up.
Be Careful What You Post Online
Social media makes it easy for burglars to know when you’re away. If you post vacation pictures while you’re still on the trip, you might as well put up a sign saying, “Nobody’s home!”
Wait until you’re back to share pictures. Also, be mindful about what you post regularly. Avoid showing expensive items like TVs, jewelry, or new gadgets in your pictures.
Get a Security System (It Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive)
You don’t need a top-of-the-line security system with all the bells and whistles. Even basic alarms can make a huge difference.
Some affordable security systems include:
- DIY alarm kits you can install yourself.
- Smart locks and cameras you control from your phone.
- Simple door and window sensors that make noise when triggered.
Burglars often check for security systems before choosing a target. Just having one visible can make them move on to another house.
A Dog Can Be a Great Alarm System
Dogs don’t have to be big or aggressive to be effective. Even small dogs will bark when they hear someone outside. That noise alone can scare off burglars.
If you don’t have a dog, putting up a “Beware of Dog” sign can still help. It makes criminals think twice before trying anything.
Know Your Neighbors
A good relationship with your neighbors is one of the best security measures. They can keep an eye on your home when you’re away and alert you if something looks off.
If you don’t know your neighbors yet, introduce yourself. A simple “Hey, I live next door” can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home safe doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Small changes—locking doors, adding lights, securing windows, and using CCTV—can make a big difference.
The key is making your home look like too much trouble for burglars. They’ll always choose the easiest target, so don’t let that be you. Take a few simple steps today, and you’ll feel a whole lot safer tomorrow.
