It is likely that you know someone who has been burglarized at some point. Home invasions continue to go up, and people must be extra diligent with home security. This article goes into detail about some things that you can improve the security of your home.

Spare Key

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. This will only be ideal if you have a dog door or an outdoor dog. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!

Your dog makes a great hiding spot for a spare key. This really only works if you have a dog or if you’ve got a pet door.You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so it is always handy.

Buy a small home safe to keep your valuables in one place at home. Keep your safe in a hard to find location.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. Only select service people who are totally trustworthy. Make sure you verify all references. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

Don’t talk about your vacations on the web. While you may want to shout it from the rooftops, this is announcing to the world that your home is an open target.

Police Department

It’s important to shop around before you settle on the right security system for your home. You would be surprised to see that the prices are much different for each company, even though it’s for the same type of protection. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.

See if your area police department offers in terms of home security programs. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. Contact your local police department to see if they offer this type of program.

Put motion-sensor lights into your house. These are lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs in your motion activated lights so that they continue to work correctly.

Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. People will check your doormat and frame first. Try to find somewhere less obvious.

Walls can serve as a great hiding spot. You can hide small valuables within your walls.You can use phone jacks or other device that is not being used.You can easily install a fake one.

When deciding on an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Burglars can gain entry through windows as well. You want a security system that the alarm is connected to all windows and entry points. This can keep your family safe.

You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Home security also includes taking steps to prevent a fire from completely destroying your home.

Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your home.

Replace all locks in your newly purchased home. While the person you bought the home from may seem on the up and up, you don’t know who they actually are.

Never allow any strangers into your home. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. Some will come to your door just to determine how secure it is, and they may return later if they think they can easily enter your home.

Flashlights are essential since they let you move around in the dark. Teach your home to use the flashlights so all family members can see and help each other.

If you are moving into a home that had a previous owner, make sure you get the locks changed.The previous owners or tenants might have a key.You can install new locks yourself so that you know you have the only keys.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. You want your new system to protect you, not be the way the thief gets into your home.

Intruders could disguise themselves to inspect your house. This can be extremely dangerous to your home and your family. Be very careful with who you want to avoid danger.

The outside of your home should be well lit.Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their criminal activities. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can use to enter your home. This includes porches and doorways, the garage, your garage, which can invite an intruder.

Lock your home when you leave, even if you don’t think you will be away for long. A lot of times, burglaries happen due to carelessness. A burglar can steal a lot of expensive stuff in a short amount of time.

Thieves might go through your trash. Rip paper into tiny pieces if you can’t get a shredder.

Do not store your car registration documents in your car’s glove box. This is not wise since anybody who has access to them is going to know your address. Keep them with you or hide them somewhere else in your vehicle. You must have easy access to them on hand if you should be pulled over.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Keep the wires hidden in the walls or underground to keep intruders from getting in. Keep yourself safe.

Don’t put your key in obvious places. It is easy to spot a fake rocks.The first place an intruder will look is a doormat. A better plan is to ask someone you trust to keep your extra key holder than an inanimate object. If this is not possible, be creative where you put the key.

Solid Wood

Before you give a security company employee access to your home, make sure they’re in uniform and that they present acceptable identification. Thieves often pose as security company representatives in order to enter homes and look for valuables. This is dangerous to your valuables and your family. Use caution to stay out of danger.

Replace flimsy doors with some that are solid wood or metal versions. Metal and solid wood doors cannot be broken. A burglar could not be able to kick that door in. The cost of replacing your doors is very minimal if they were to break.

Do not think that only wealthy people get robbed. If your home looks vulnerable, it’s a target. By utilizing the advice in this piece, you can increase your home’s security level and keep burglars at bay.

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for their criminal history. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.