In a perfect world, there would be no wars, no accidents and no one would break into your home to steal your possessions. But alas, it is not a perfect world and there are some opportunists out there that think they can take things that don’t belong to them. That is why we, unfortunately, have to look at ways to improve the security of our homes.
Burglars are opportunists, walking around casing out the neighbourhood, looking for any weak spots. When looking to up your home security game, there are some different tips and tricks that you can implement depending on your budget and your specific requirements. Continue reading to learn six ways to improve your security in and around your home.
Use Cameras
We use them to take selfies, wedding photos and to capture the joy of birthdays, but cameras or a CCTV installation in Melbourne can also protect your home. Install some cameras in strategic places on your property. This will allow you to view what is going on outside from the privacy of your home or you can watch the recorded footage at a later time if there is an incident.
Get A Dog
The dog may be man’s’ best friend, but they are a burglars’ worst enemy. Even if it’s only a small dog, if it barks loudly it can deter burglars from entering the premises and act as an alarm system to warn you that an uninvited guest is lurking around. A properly trained canine could potentially save your life if a burglary takes a more sinister turn.
Use Your Garden
Who said home security has to mean unsightly sensors, monitors, cameras and wires? Plants can also be used as a discouragement for would be burglars. Think thorns. For example, the Acacia tree has curved thorns on its branches that hooks in and won’t let go. You can also plant climbing roses as prickly hedges to protect your boundary. There is a wide variety to choose from and the added bonus is they look pretty. You could also use a blackberry shrub to form a thick, thorny thicket of a thief deterrent. An added bonus will be the delicious berries you can enjoy in your brekkie smoothie.
Hide Your Stuff
If something is left out in the open and visible, it can be an invitation for opportunists to take it. So why make it tempting or easy for would-be thieves? Put your valuables out of sight. You can get rather creative with hiding places for your valuables. Why not hide your jewellery in empty tablet containers in the medicine cabinet. Stash your cash in a ziplock bag in the freezer. A quick hiding place for your laptop can be underneath a stack of magazines or in a bookshelf where it blends right in.
Sound The Alarm
Installing an alarm system will give you peace of mind. When it’s activated and if someone tries to break in, your alarm will make a horrible noise, either scaring the burglars away or warning the neighbours that something’s up. You may even qualify for a discount on your home insurance by using an alarm system.
Watch Out For Your Neighbor
Neighbourhood watch organisations can help to increase the security in your area. Today its very easy to stay in touch by creating a group on WhatsApp and organising night drives on a schedule. Letting your neighbour know that you are going on vacation and asking them to keep an eye on your property also diminishes the likelihood of a burglary. You can return the favour when they go on holiday.
Keep Safe
The suggestions above are some of the things you can do to improve your home’s security. Other ways to stay safe are to fit secure locks on your windows and use outside lights with motion detection. Oh, and please don’t tell everyone on social media about your upcoming vacation. We might not live in a perfect world, but we can improve it by making our neighbourhood a safer place. The key here is to be proactive. Don’t wait for something bad to happen before you improve your home security.
