10 Free Ways to Improve Your Home Security

When thinking about different ways that you can improve your overall home security, it is common for people to immediately think about the various electronic devices that can be purchased. Alarm systems and cameras are usually the first things to pop into people's minds, but there are some other steps you can take to protect your home without breaking the bank.

1. Don't hide spare keys anywhere around your home. Awnings, door frames, welcome mats, mailboxes, and flower pots are routinely used by homeowners to hide spare keys. The bad thing about this is that burglars are very aware of this habit.

2. Always lock your windows. Some people feel safe leaving windows partially open whether they are located on the first or second floor of a house. To be completely safe you should always close and lock your windows before leaving your house.

3. Trim your shrubs. You may think it looks beautiful and green, but having overgrown trees and shrubs is very bad for good security. Burglars can easily hide behind the overgrown greenery in your yard, so resist the urge to let your yard grow wild. If you don't enjoy doing yard work yourself, consider hiring someone else to do it for you.

4. Install motion detector lights. These lights have grown in popularity over the past few years because they are a relatively inexpensive way to add some security to your home. You can have them installed around the perimeter of your house so that you will be alerted to any unusual movement.

5. If you have a garage, use it. It is particularly important that you park your car in the garage every night if you drive an expensive vehicle (or one that thieves just love to steal). In addition, if you have valuables stored in your garage you will want to keep the door closed at all times.

6. Keep your mini blinds and curtains closed, particularly when it is dark outside. You don't want potential burglars to be able to look inside your windows to see what kind of valuables you have. If a thief knows that you have items he would like to have, then you will instantly become a target. If he doesn't know whether you have anything of value or not, then he will probably leave your home alone.

7. Buy stronger locks for your doors and windows. You might think that your doors and windows are completely secure, but chances are good that your window locks, at the very least, are sorely lacking. Replace them with sturdy locks for added protection against would-be thieves.

8. Plant thorny shrubs below your windows. This is a great way to keep burglars from gaining entry to your home. Very few thieves are going to be determined enough to risk getting cuts and scratches crawling through shrubs to break in through your windows.

9. Buy timers for several of your interior lights. Nothing deters thieves quite as well as lighting. Install timers on some of your lights and set them to cycle on and off at regular intervals, particularly when you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time.

10. Check your exterior doors to make sure your locks are sturdy.

If you follow these simple guidelines you should be able to feel confident that your home is secure without spending a small fortune.

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