subject: Five Easy-to-Make Home Security Mistakes and How to Avoid Them [print this page] While a lot of so-called experts talk up the notion of common sense when it comes to protecting a living space, sometimes it takes a bit more guidance to do a good job. After all, not everyone is fortunate enough to have the life experience and logistical skills to think of every angle when it comes to safeguarding a home or apartment. Sometimes, the best-prepared homeowners are those who have already dealt with some sort of break-in before, since learning and experience are some of the best teaching methods. The only trouble with this is that most Americans cannot afford that kind of experiential learning experience when it comes to home security. It simply makes more sense to figure out mistakes and then devise ways to avoid them.
Here are five of the biggest home security mistakes that homeowners and renters make, and the simple yet effective ways that they are easily avoided. Whether it's learning how to light a home better or always canceling mail delivery before heading out of town, these simple moves make a world of difference in protecting any property.
#1 - Forgetting to use the deadbolt. When it comes to robbers, anything that requires less effort is always more desirable. So for those homeowners who make the choice to run out the door without securing the deadbolt, too, they are simply removing one step that would keep criminals from being able to get in. Those homes with secure deadbolts are less frequently successfully robbed, since burglars don't want to take the time to force their way in. Remembering to lock all locks is a great and affordable way to keep home invaders from succeeding.
#2 - Leaving valuables in the car. While the home might be locked up tighter than Fort Knox, sometimes cars are left with valuable electronics or other objects worthy of a crook's affection. Remember that it's a lot easier for someone to creep up to your car in the driveway while you're at home and rob it than it is for them to do the same with your actual home. If you have a garage, part of home security should be keeping your car in it, securely locked away. Taking care of your car is just as important a step in home security as shutting and locking your doors and windows.
#3 - Not canceling the mail and newspaper delivery service when going on a trip. A pile of papers sitting in front of the main door to your home is a gigantic signal to robbers that no one has been home in awhile. And because crooks prefer breaking into a home where they know they will have enough time to successfully and thoroughly steal everything, it's crucial to never advertise an absence.
#4 - Investing in a home alarm system and never using it. If you have already sunk the time and money into getting extra protection and don't remember to set it, then you're just wasting money. There's no reason to not take the couple of seconds required to utilize one of the most effective deterrents out there for home invasions. Don't let yourself get stuck without the proper protection, especially if it's right there.
#5 - Advertising things that aren't there. Sure, you might think that decal for a high-tech security company and placards that a home is protected are effective at keeping robbers out, but professionals look for more than advertising. Don't go to the trouble of making it appear that your home is protected, as it will only dissuade casual criminals.
Five Easy-to-Make Home Security Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
