You probably know someone personally that has had their home burglarized at one point in the past. Home invasion crimes are happening more often, which means that diligence is the key for home security. This article provides information that can improve the security of your home.

Your dog makes a great hiding spot for a spare key. This only makes sense if your dog can come outside. You could simply put a key onto your dog’s collar, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.

Place the spare key that you make on your dog. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

Always change the locks changed when you buy a new home. There is no telling how many keys the previous owner. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace your keys.

Do you let your dog outside when you go out? Your furry friend is also a great storage place for your spare key. Put it on the dog’s collar.This is especially well as storage if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

If you want to have a spare key hidden outside of your home, hide it carefully. Above a door frame or under a mat are not smart ideas. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

Security Systems

Home security systems aren’t just about sounding an alarm in case of a break in. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone entering your home. This is great for parents that have small children since they know if their kids open or close doors.

Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. A constantly ringing phone lets thieves know that you are not home and could increase the chances of you getting robbed.

Buy a safe to contain everything of the valuables in your home. Keep it hidden in your basement or attic to make it hard to find location.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spent, at least once a year.Ask a home security systems to take a look. You might be unaware of problems if they aren’t easily sighted.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. Some people are concerned about burglars entering through an attached garage. If your garage lifts up on a track, try using a C-clamp. This will prevent your door from opening up if the clamp is close to its roller.

Talk to your neighborhood.

Always check references from anyone you are considering hiring to do work inside your home. A background check is also be a good idea. You never really know if you can trust a service person, so do not give them a key to your home.

Be more proactive when you are determining the safety of your neighborhood. Get to know other people who live next door and others in your neighborhood. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Listen for gossip too. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.

Be sure to read all of the entire contract when you plan on signing for a home security company. There could be fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment down the road. You are going to want to avoid these kinds of hidden fees, so read everything.

Having your house lit up during the night is a great deterrent to crooks. They do not want to avoid being seen. Keep your lights turned on in the night.

Before doing anything else, install new locks in your home. Perhaps your roommate left town or you have gone through a messy divorce, and you need to feel that the home is safe. This is something that you can do yourself and does not cost much money at all.

Keep your home well lit. Burglars love to operate in the darkness. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can use to enter your home. This can include the garage, doorways, around windows and much more.

Don’t leave the boxes for big-ticket purchases outside on your curb. Burglars will see those boxes and realize that there are new valubles in your house. Cut the box up and wait until the writing when you put it out.

It is not a good idea to hide a spare key on your property. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

Spring Latch Locks

Don’t fit your exterior doors with locks of the spring latch locks. These locks can easily with a couple of minutes. Intruders just have to slide a credit card in between the latch and the door. Add a deadbolt if you do not want to replace your spring latch locks for maximum security.

If you have purchased any large and/or expensive items, do not throw the boxes away until the day before the trash man is scheduled to come. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.

Keep your curtains closed when you aren’t at home.Intruders can see into your house if the blinds are up. You should also have them down when you are asleep.

Do not think that only wealthy people get robbed. Thieves can target homes that look easy to enter. Make your home a safer place for your family by following the advice presented here and making your home unappealing to burglars.

When you hire a security firm, be certain to review all contracts carefully. Sometimes there are hidden costs involved if you decide to let your service go before the contract expires or add additional equipment at a later point. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.