Even though household burglaries are in decline, you can never be too safe, especially when you just spent all your money on a new home. If you still don’t feel 100% safe in your new house, there are practical things you can do to boost security and finally relax knowing you, your family, and your possessions are safe in your home. Here’s a handy property security guide to follow once you move in.

Install security cameras and alarms

Even before you move in, you might want to consider installing a sound home security system with cameras and alarms. No matter what sort of experiences you had with thieves before, having 24/7 monitoring and a loud alarm will deter all burglars and ensure your family is safe and secure. Cameras that send a live feed to your phone or laptop are a great idea since they offer great insight into what’s happening in your home at any time of the day. You can see if your kids arrived safely from school or whether there is suspicious activity around your house.

Improve lighting

A well-lit house is not very attractive to burglars, so when buying a new property, make sure to check it out in the evening and inspect its lighting situation. If you lack proper outdoor lighting, make sure to install things like motion sensor lights. These are great since they will surprise anyone snooping around and prevent them from hiding in the shadows. You can also invest in indoor timer lights you can program to go on and off when you’re traveling or working late hours. These will create an illusion of occupancy and turn off any perps.

Secure your doors

Did you know that over 30% of all burglars just stroll in through your door? Well, make sure all the entries in your new home are sturdy, and hinges are protected. If your doors have slots or doggy doors, see whether it’s possible to stick a hand inside and unlock the door. And of course, if you just bought a home that had previous owners, make sure to change all door locks. You never know who might have the keys to your place! Also, getting new locks will ensure you have the best models on the market.

Reinforce your windows

If you think your windows are your weakest point, make sure to reinforce them with something that will keep intruders out of your house. There are practical pin locks and window alarms you can invest in, and they are cheap and easy to install. If you want something more robust, consider installing roller shutters on your windows. These are not only super effective when it comes to boosting privacy and shielding your home from harsh sun, but they also offer an extra layer of protection for your windows. Make sure to roll these down every time you leave the house, and intruders won’t be able to reach your windows without needing tools or making a bunch of noise.

Watch where you leave your key

Any real estate agent knows a bunch of spots where people leave their spare keys, so you can be 100% sure burglars know even more about those things. So, don’t go buying those fake rocks as soon as you move in. Instead, choose password protected spare key boxes or give spares to your family members and friends. This will ensure you never lock yourself out of the house or leave your keys lying around unprotected.

Get to know your neighbors

Since you’re new in the neighborhood, you will benefit significantly from going door to door and introducing yourself. Your local community can help you protect your home, that’s why it’s so important to consult with your real estate agent and find a good neighborhood. Promise to keep tabs on their property, and they will surely do the same for you.

Get a dog

If you have time to be a pet owner, any dog is a great way to deter burglars from your home. Dogs will alert you and your neighbors and even attack if there’s a stranger on their territory in the middle of the night. If you want a good guard dog that’s also great with the family, adopt a German Shepherd, Rottweiler or a Doberman. These breeds are protective and very kind to family members.

Conclusion

The truth is that home break-ins can happen to anyone and at any time. However, these tips will ensure you make the job very hard for burglars and even make them utterly uninterested in your property. And you will finally breathe easy knowing your treasures are safe!