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Michigan is full of rural and residential areas, places we assume are safe and secure in their own right. The problem is that burglars know this, and will often target quiet subdivisions and homes a little farther out in the country because they’re aware that these homes are often less secure. While this might seem a bit frightening, you can easily amp up your home security with these 10 inexpensive changes:
- Lock the doors
Even if you’re just going out for an hour or so, it’s important to make sure your home is locked up. Many burglars gain entrance just by opening an unlocked door or window. - Have the right locks
When it comes to locking devices, burglars are very adept at breaking in. The best way to deter this type of activity is to install deadbolts on main entrances. The only way to get through a deadbolt is to cut it with power tools, so as long as your door is properly fitted in the doorway, this will be a huge deterrent to any burglar. - Lock your windows
While this may seem excessive, just locking the first floor windows will deter many burglars. You can buy inexpensive window locks for about 2 dollars at your local hardware store to ensure the task won’t be easy for anyone trying to get into your home uninvited. - Consider installing inexpensive door or window alarms
As we’ve already mentioned, most burglars will gain entrance through first floor doors and windows. If you’ve got these set with alarms or an alarm system, often times just the loud noise will send a burglar running. - Put up lights with motion sensors
If you’ve got a few dark entryways, it’s a good idea to put up motion-sensored lights. The sudden turning-on of the light is sometimes enough to scare a burglar away, and even if it’s not, most thieves don’t like to work in brightly lit areas. - Install a peephole in your front door
Putting in a wide-angle door viewer is a great way to know exactly who’s knocking on the door before you open it. This way you are protected from potential thieves who might be trying to check out your home before they attempt to rob it. - Ask for ID
Many burglars try to gain access to your home by pretending they’re someone they are not. So, if anyone comes to your door for any type of service, make sure you check their credentials before allowing them entrance. - Watch your social media posts
It’s not a good idea to post on social media – like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter – that you’re going to be out of town for a while. You never know who might be reading those posts, and knowing your house is empty is an open invitation for burglars and thieves. - Have someone watch your house
When you do go out of town, have a neighbor or friend come by to check the mail, maybe move extra cars around, and check that your house is safe. The more it looks like someone’s home, the better. - Install a small safe
In the event that someone does make it into your home uninvited, it’s a good idea to have valuables locked in a small safe. Most burglars are amateurs and won’t be able to break into it, and you’ll have that extra feeling of assurance knowing that even if someone did get in, your precious objects are safe.
