Ways to Keep Intruders Out of Your Home

Make sure your home is visible from the street. Prune low branches on the trees so that your windows and entrances can be seen.

Install door lamps on both sides of the front door. This way if one light burns out, the other will still be lit. Install on both sides of the back and side doors too.

Install motion-sensitive outdoor lighting. This type of lighting will come on when there is movement around the outside of your home, alerting you to potential prowlers.

Homes without a monitored security alarm system are three times more likely to be burglarized or robbed than those with a monitored home security system.

Install a home security system. There are many home security alarm systems and home security system companies to choose from so be sure to research it on the Internet to find an alarm system that best suits your needs.

Secure your windows with security window locks, security window screens, security window shutters, and/or security window bars. Secure your basement windows with basement window security bars.

A dog with a loud bark is also a good deterrent. If you dont have a dog you can still place a dog food bowl and some dog toys around the front and back of your home to create the impression that a dog lives there.

Cameras, whether dummy cameras or real ones, will most likely cause potential intruders to avoid your home.

Add solid wood doors. Be sure that your doors open in, not out, so that the hinges are in the inside.

Never hide a key under the doormat, over the door or any place else. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor instead.

If someone is at your door in uniform or displaying an ID card, telephone the company involved before opening the door. If the company cannot confirm that the person is legitimate, phone the police.

Don't leave valuables out in plain sight or near windows.Another good idea is to mark your valuables with an engraving too.

Get acquainted with your neighbors. Sometimes a trustworthy neighbor can be the best home security system, especially one that knows your daily routine and can notify the police when they notice something unusual.

Join your neighborhood watch association. If you doesn't have a neighborhood watch program, start one.

Keep a telephone by your bed in case an intruder breaks in while you are sleeping.

Keep your garage locked at all times, especially if it is attached to the house. If you go on vacation, add a padlock to the garage door and detach the automatic garage door opener by unplugging the unit.