Common Sense Home Security Tips

Is it just me, or do we spend more time worrying about the safety of our computers these days than the safety of our own homes? You've got firewalls and virus protection for your CPU, but have you changed your door locks since you moved into your house? Do you have ladders, tools, and other things lying around your yard that a burglar could use to break a window and access your home? Do you have an alarm system you never arm? Windows you leave open? Doors left unlocked? When was the last time you walked around your house and, thinking like a burglar, considered just how easy it would be to break in? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Let's take a look at some smart security tips that can help make your home safer for you and your family. And guess what? Most of them are easier to implement than the security software loaded on your computer.

First off, remember that in general burglars will avoid occupied houses. That doesn't mean your family is always safe when they're home, however. There always exceptions to the rule, and you shouldn't assume that nothing can ever happen just because someone is there. If a burglar breaks in while you're not there, your belongings are at risk. If a burglar breaks in when your family is home, your family is at risk as well.

Now that I've got you thinking, let's look at some measures you can follow in order to minimize the risk of being targeted.

Keys: Don't hand out keys to friends, even if they're trustworthy. Make sure you know the location of all your house keys all the time. Never use hide-a-keys or leave the key under the doormat, above the door, in a flowerpot, or anywhere outside the house. You may think you're being clever, but guess what? Burglars know all the tricks. It's their job to (however despicable). Also, it's a good idea to keep your car keys and house keys on a different ring if you ever use valet parking or leave your keys with parking lot attendants or even at a repair garage.

Don't let strangers in the house: Adults have no problem telling this rule to their kids, but they don't realize it should apply to them too! Home security means being cautious. Even before you open the front door to accept a package, you should ask for photo identification. This goes for anyone you don't recognize. Don't assume someone is "legit" just because they are wearing a uniform or driving some company's truck (these things can be stolen). If somebody comes to your door and asks to make a phone call, offer to make it for them, but don't let them some inside. If someone looks like they're injured, call 911, but don't open the door. When you walk away to make that call, lock the door behind you; you don't want to leave the door unlocked and unmanned. A chain on the door helps insure people can't force their way in while you're home.

Locks: Keep your doors and windows locked, even if you're at home. Get your children into this habit, too. It's too easy to forget an open window when you leave the house, and that provides an easy way in for burglars. Don't assume a second story window is out of reach for a thief. They're good at finding ways in.

Don't be predictable: If you always leave home at the same time every day and return at the same time, thieves can easily memorize your routine to take advantage of the times you're not at home. Work is work, and you probably can't change those hours, but if you always go to a class or the grocery store at the same time, try to make yourself less predictable. You can also consider automatic timers for your lights and electronics, to make it seem when someone is home, even when they're not.

Valuables shouldn't be on display: I know you want to show off your hard-won plasma TV, but if somebody can look in your window and see your wallet, credit cards, purse, jewelry, or fancy electronics in open sight, they're going to be tempted. A computer or television placed in front of a ground-floor window may make an easy target. Likewise, electronics placed across from a window are easily visible, too. In a similar vein, don't leave your garage doors open for the world to see all the cool stuff you have in storage. Lightweight items could be snatched away quickly and easily.

Be mindful of your trash: Just bought a new entertainment system? There's no need to tell the world about it. A bunch of empty boxes out by the curb is an open invitation to would-be burglars. Instead of putting boxes out in plain sight, cut them down, and stuff them in trash bags. Also be wary of identity theft. Never put personal identification information in your trash until it's been shredded.

Be alert: Try to be aware of your surroundings on a day-to-day basis, even in your own neighborhood. This doesn't mean walking around like a crazy paranoid person; just get in the habit of watching for suspicious activity.

Paying attention to the simple things can make you and your family much less of a target. Burglar alarms and home security systems are great investments, but common sense prevention is the best way to stay safe.

TC Thorn is a freelance writer and the webmaster for Home Security. This article may be reprinted so long as a link to her site is included

Home Security Tips To Help Prevent Crime

Most people would agree that the best home security system is one that effectively avoids the crime, or prevents it in the first place. Of course, it's a good idea to also have steps built into your home security plan that helps foil a break-in after it has already begun like a home security alarm system or a home safe. But the first line of defense should always involve some means of making the odds of your home being selected as the target of a burglar significantly lower. Here are a few tips to consider to help accomplish that:

1. Get a watch dog. It doesn't even have to be a large dog to be effective in preventing burglaries. Just try to think of it from the standpoint of the burglar. If you have two houses on the same street and one has a dog that barks when trouble is detected and the other doesn't, which one would you rather target? And dogs present a double threat to an intruder, because they not only make noise which is very undesirable from the criminal's viewpoint, but they can also attack and cause harm if they feel threatened enough. What burglar wants to put up with all of that, when speed and quiet are essential to getting the job done right?

2. Put up cameras outside the home in very strategic areas that appear to monitor all of the exterior entry and exit spots. Making these cameras very conspicuous from even a casual observance of your home can be very useful in lowering your chances of a break-in. In fact, some homeowners and shop keepers who feel that they cannot afford a security camera system have used fake cameras that look like the real thing and only cost $15 - $20 each to accomplish the same goal of trying to prevent the crime before it starts.

3. Neighborhood watch programs are incredibly effective ways to prevent crime. What burglar wants to risk being spotted by several neighbors as a potential threat in the neighborhood before he even has a chance to break in and steal something? Displaying a neighborhood watch sign in your yard is a great way to help fight crime in advance because it gives the impression that burglaries are much more risky in that area.

So when planning out your home security, take into account simple measures that can be read as a clear signal that your home is not ripe for an intrusion and that criminals would find the going hard if they decided to try to break into your home.

Find out more about a home security camera system and home security surveillance by visiting our Home Security website.

Home Security and Personal Security Tips

One of the most feared crimes is burglary. The threat of being a victim in your own home is bad enough but to be subjected to a crime a second or third time simply increases the fear of householders in an area. The quiet enjoyment of community life is ruined. Most householders and car owners have at some time felt the fear of crime, with the elderly and vulnerable most at risk. It makes sense to take steps to tackle crime in an effective way by reducing and preventing crime before it can happen. Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. A lot of burglaries are spur of the moment, as a burglar may see an open window or other easy point of entry and take their chance. Basic tips: Visible burglar alarms , good lighting, and carefully directed and limited security lighting can act as deterrents. But make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbours, and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes. Fitting a 'spy hole' allows you to see who is at the door. Having a door chain means you can open the door a little way to talk to them. Make sure that any improvements you make don't stop you from getting out of your house as quickly as possible if there is a fire. Spending money on security measures can seem daunting, but it is a good investment, will last a long time and can add value to your property. Contact your council or local police for help. They may be able to advise you on the best measures to protect your property, and may even have grants to help cover the cost. Securing your property will make you safer in your home, and make your home and your belongings safer while you are out.

,b>Older People Older people may feel more vulnerable to some crimes, but are actually less likely to become victims. A few simple steps can also help reduce your risk of crime. Think about getting a personal alarm to use if you trip or fall at home. Fit door chains and spy holes, or ask the council to help you if you own your home. Many councils have security schemes that are aimed at older or more vulnerable people. You could ask them for advice. Phone the Age Concern information line on 0800 00 99 66 or visit the Age Concern website

Car Security Most car thefts are carried out by opportunists and can be deterred. Car crime affects everybody living in an area and be reduced with some simple measures: Don't leave valuable items on display Do use steering wheel or hand brake locks to prevent theft of your vehicle - especially if your car is an older model and does not have an immobiliser fitted. If possible, park in a busy well lit area.

Sandra Hornby is a consultant providing services in Home Security also in personal security and vehicle security