Keep Burglars Out: 18 Home Security Tips That Actually Work

I get it. The thought of someone breaking into your home can be unsettling. Whether it’s the middle of the night or broad daylight, the feeling that your sanctuary is no longer safe can shake you. But here’s the thing: securing your home isn’t as complicated as it might seem.

In fact, small, simple changes can make a world of difference. And it’s not just about expensive security systems. Some of the best theft-proofing strategies are things you can implement today without breaking the bank. From reinforcing doors to using smart tech, there are plenty of ways to reduce the likelihood of a break-in—and to make your home a place burglars won’t even think about targeting.

Let’s dive into these 18 proven ways to theft-proof your home. These tips aren’t just theory—they’ve been tried and tested by homeowners just like you. Ready to make your home safer? Let’s get started.

The Basics of Home Security – Why Simple Changes Matter

When it comes to home security, the most effective strategies often aren’t the ones you see in movies or TV shows. Sure, elaborate security systems and advanced technology are great, but the basics go a long way in making your home less attractive to burglars. It’s all about making it difficult for them to get in, without giving them an easy target.

Let’s break down the most important aspects of home security:

• Lighting and Visibility: Thieves tend to shy away from well-lit areas. Adding lighting to key spots around your home, such as entryways, driveways, and dark corners, reduces shadows where burglars could hide. Plus, visibility makes them feel exposed, which can be enough to make them move on.
• Lock Systems: The simplest and most overlooked security measure is making sure all your doors and windows have quality, high-grade locks. Deadbolts, for example, are a simple yet effective way to prevent forced entry. And don’t forget about secondary locks for sliding windows or doors, which are often easy targets.
• Reinforced Doors and Windows: If burglars can’t easily break through doors or windows, they’ll likely move on. Reinforcing these entry points with stronger materials, like steel or reinforced glass, significantly reduces your chances of becoming a victim.

Well, often it’s not the lack of an advanced security system that leaves a home vulnerable—it’s simply a matter of these basic principles being ignored. A few minor adjustments can make your home a much less appealing target.

1. Install Motion Sensor Lights

Let’s talk about lighting. We all know how much a well-lit area can discourage a thief. But did you know that motion sensor lights are one of the most effective ways to secure your home?

• Why This Matters: Motion sensor lights automatically turn on when someone approaches, making burglars feel exposed. This not only makes it harder for them to sneak around unnoticed but also alerts anyone nearby that something’s off.
• Strategic Placement: Install these lights near doorways, driveways, and areas with limited visibility. Areas like the back or side of your house, where it’s easy for a thief to hide, should be prioritized.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have a big budget for lighting, motion-sensor lights are relatively inexpensive and easy to install yourself.

2. Reinforce Doors and Windows

Imagine you’re a thief. Which house would you target—one with weak doors and windows or one with strong, fortified entry points? It’s an easy choice. That’s why reinforcing doors and windows is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent break-ins.

• Door Reinforcement: Your front door is the first line of defense. Install a solid core door and a deadbolt lock for added security. Additionally, consider adding a reinforcement plate to the doorframe for extra sturdiness.
• Window Security: Don’t overlook the windows. Use reinforced glass or window security film to make it harder for burglars to break in. Even simple things like adding locking mechanisms to sliding windows can be a game-changer.

The easier it is for a burglar to break in, the more likely they’ll try. Strengthening these basic entry points can drastically reduce your chances of being targeted.

3. Install Smart Security Systems

Gone are the days of only relying on traditional locks and alarm systems. Modern smart security systems offer a new level of protection and peace of mind. From cameras to smart doorbells and motion detectors, these systems allow you to monitor your home remotely and receive real-time alerts.

• Smart Cameras & Doorbells: Install a smart doorbell with a camera to see who’s at your door, whether you’re home or not. If someone’s lingering around, you’ll be notified immediately.
• Motion Detectors: Strategically place motion detectors in high-traffic areas. When movement is detected, you’ll get an alert right to your phone, allowing you to act quickly.

These devices provide continuous surveillance and immediate alerts, helping you stay on top of what’s happening at your property. The ability to control and monitor your security system from anywhere adds another layer of safety.

For more information about the importance of smart home security, you can check out this guide from III (Insurance Information Institute) on securing your home against burglary.

4. Create a Strong Outdoor Perimeter with Fencing

Your home’s perimeter is the first line of defense. A sturdy fence or hedge not only adds to your home’s aesthetic appeal but also helps create a clear boundary between your property and the outside world.

• Fencing: Install a solid, tall fence to make it harder for someone to just walk onto your property. If the fence is high enough, it can deter intruders from jumping over. Choose materials that are difficult to scale.
• Hedges and Bushes: If you prefer a more natural barrier, use dense, thorny bushes around the perimeter. These create an additional obstacle for intruders and give your property an extra layer of privacy.

Got it! Here’s a more natural and conversational version of the article:

5. Secure Your Garage and Shed

Most people don’t think to secure their garage or shed, but these areas can be a goldmine for burglars. Not only do they store tools and valuable items, but they can also serve as an entry point to the house itself. If your garage or shed isn’t locked, you’re essentially inviting burglars in.

• Lock up everything: Make sure garage doors and shed doors are equipped with strong locks. You can even consider using padlocks or smart locks to enhance security.
• Store your tools safely: Keep all tools, ladders, or equipment locked away inside cabinets. Anything left out in the open is another opportunity for a burglar to use it to break into your home.

A little extra effort to secure these spaces can go a long way in keeping your home safe from break-ins. If you’re concerned about package theft in your area, it’s also essential to secure your deliveries and make sure your deliveries aren’t an easy target for burglars. For more tips on securing your home and making it safer, Family Handyman offers excellent suggestions on inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home, which you can check out here: Family Handyman – Inexpensive Ways to Theft-Proof Your Home.

6. Use Security Signs and Stickers

Even if you don’t have a full security system, security signs and stickers can act as a big deterrent. The simple act of displaying a sign that warns of surveillance cameras or an alarm system can discourage burglars from targeting your home.

• Strategic placement: Place security signs near doors and windows, where they’re visible from the outside. If you have cameras, make sure they’re in clear sight—this will make thieves think twice.

Sometimes, it’s not even about having the actual system in place; it’s about letting burglars know your home is protected. This can also help if you want to understand how burglars typically break into homes and what common vulnerabilities they look for.

7. Keep Valuables Out of Sight

It’s tempting to leave your shiny new electronics or jewelry near the windows where you can admire them, but unfortunately, so do burglars. Valuables in plain sight can be an obvious sign that your home is worth robbing.

• Close your blinds: Keep valuables out of sight. If someone can see through your window and spot something worth stealing, they might not think twice about trying to break in.
• Store your items: Instead of leaving things like laptops, tablets, or expensive watches on display, hide them in drawers or cupboards where they’re less visible.

By simply hiding things away, you’re taking a huge step toward making your home less inviting to burglars. If a break-in does happen, make sure you’re prepared with the right steps to take after a burglary to handle the situation effectively.

8. Lock Away Spare Keys

We’ve all done it—hiding a spare key under the doormat or in a fake rock. But here’s the thing: burglars know exactly where to look for these hidden keys.

• Find a safer spot: Instead of using obvious hiding spots, invest in a lockbox or consider a smart lock that doesn’t require a physical key at all. If you have to give a spare key to a neighbor or friend, make sure they are someone you trust completely.

It’s small steps like this that can make all the difference in securing your home.

9. Join or Start a Neighborhood Watch Program

Sometimes, the best security measure is community collaboration. A neighborhood watch program is a great way to help protect your home and your neighbors’ homes too. Keeping an eye on suspicious activity can make a big difference in preventing crimes.

• Get involved: If your neighborhood doesn’t have a watch program, consider starting one. Share information, report anything unusual, and stay connected with neighbors about safety updates.
• Vigilance pays off: Criminals are far less likely to target areas where everyone is alert and watching out for each other.

When we all look out for each other, we create a stronger, safer community.

10. Keep Your Home’s Exterior Maintained

An overgrown yard or cluttered front yard can make your home an easy target. On the other hand, a well-maintained exterior signals to burglars that the homeowner is present and paying attention to the property.

• Mow the lawn: Regular lawn care goes a long way in showing that you care about your home and its security. Trim bushes near windows so burglars can’t hide.
• Clear the clutter: Remove any unnecessary items, such as old furniture or unused equipment, from your yard that could give someone a place to hide.

A tidy, well-kept yard not only looks great but also sends the message that your home is actively being maintained and secured.

11. Invest in Smart Locks and Doorbell Cameras

In today’s world, smart locks and doorbell cameras are becoming must-have tools for home security. These devices not only offer convenience but also provide an extra layer of safety that traditional systems can’t match.

• Smart Locks: With smart locks, you can control access to your home remotely, whether you’re upstairs or across the country. This means you don’t have to worry about lost keys or handing them to friends and family.
• Doorbell Cameras: A smart doorbell camera lets you see who’s at your door before opening it, even if you’re not home. It provides video evidence that can be crucial in case of a break-in.

With these devices, you’ll have more control over who enters your home, and the ability to monitor everything remotely adds peace of mind. For more insights on smart home devices, check out this guide from Good Housekeeping on how to protect your home from burglars.

12. Use Timers for Lights and Electronics

When you’re away, timers can help create the illusion that someone is home. Timers are an inexpensive and easy way to deter burglars by automatically turning your lights and electronics on and off.

• Simulate Occupancy: Set timers to turn lights, radios, or TVs on and off at different times of the day. This simulates activity inside the home, making burglars think twice before trying to break in.

This simple tactic makes your home appear occupied, which can be enough to prevent a break-in while you’re away.

13. Make Use of Security Cameras

Surveillance cameras aren’t just for catching criminals—they’re also a powerful deterrent. When burglars see that a property is under surveillance, they are less likely to attempt a break-in.

• Visible deterrent: A well-placed camera is an obvious sign that your home is being monitored, making it much less appealing to thieves.
• Evidence collection: If a break-in does happen, security cameras provide crucial evidence that can help police catch the thief and recover stolen items.

Whether it’s a high-tech system or a simple outdoor camera, the visibility of these devices can make your home a less attractive target.

14. Secure Your Mailbox and Deliveries

Package theft has been on the rise, especially around the holidays when deliveries are frequent. To protect your valuables, you need to secure both your mailbox and your deliveries.

• Secure your mailbox: Install a locking mailbox to prevent thieves from accessing your mail.
• Package Delivery Lockers: Consider using package lockers or having deliveries sent to a secure pickup location if you’re not home during delivery times.

Securing your deliveries means burglars won’t be able to walk away with your valuables before you even get a chance to unpack them.

15. Don’t Publicize Your Travel Plans on Social Media

In this age of oversharing, it’s tempting to post about your travels. But this can make your home an easy target for burglars who are watching for signs that you’re away.

• Be mindful of what you share: Avoid posting pictures or status updates about your vacation until you’re back home. Criminals often monitor social media to find out when people are away.

The less information criminals have about your whereabouts, the less likely they are to target your home while you’re gone.

16. Hide a Spare Phone and Cash in an Emergency Box

Imagine you’re in the middle of a break-in, and your phone is either out of battery or too far away to grab. That’s where keeping a backup phone and some emergency cash stashed away can really make a difference.

Having a spare phone means you’re not stuck if your primary phone is unreachable. You can quickly call for help, whether it’s contacting authorities or alerting a loved one. A small amount of cash hidden in a safe spot is also handy in case your wallet or cards are inaccessible.

Store these items in a hidden, secure location that you can easily access during an emergency. It’s a small investment in your safety that can come in handy when you need it most.

17. Install Security Film on Windows

Windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home when it comes to break-ins. Security film offers a simple yet effective way to reinforce your windows without needing to replace them entirely.

When burglars attempt to break a window, the film keeps the glass intact, making it much harder for them to get inside quickly. This extra layer of protection can give you time to react or alert the authorities before they can break through.

It’s an affordable upgrade that makes a big difference, especially in vulnerable spots like ground-level windows.

18. Keep a Detailed Inventory of Your Possessions

In case of a break-in, it’s crucial to know exactly what’s been stolen. A detailed home inventory helps you track your valuables for insurance purposes and makes it easier to file a police report.

Start by taking photos or videos of high-value items, like electronics, jewelry, and artwork. Include important details like serial numbers and receipts if possible. Store the list in a secure location—either physically or in a cloud service.

Having a record of your possessions makes it much easier to recover stolen items and speeds up the process with your insurance claim.

Final Thoughts – Making Your Home Safer Today

You don’t need to make all 18 changes at once, but implementing even a few of these tips can make a significant difference in the safety of your home. The key is to start with the basics—like lighting, locks, and securing entry points—and then work your way up to more advanced measures like smart technology and surveillance.

It’s about creating layers of security that make your home less inviting to burglars and more protected for you and your loved ones. The more proactive you are, the safer your home will be.

So, why wait? Start making your home safer today by implementing some of these simple but effective steps. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken action to protect what matters most.

What steps have you already taken to secure your home? Or do you have other tips that have worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more home improvement tips and advice on creating a secure and comfortable living space, visit us at Build Like New—we’ve got you covered.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. Always consult with a professional for specific security advice and solutions tailored to your home.