Making Your Home Burglar-Proof Within Budget
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Home security should be a higher priority for you, as burglaries and other violent crimes are on the rise in the United States. However, not everyone can afford a complete security system with high-definition cameras and all the rest. What can people on low incomes do to make their homes burglar-proof?
- Hide Your Precious Items
Hiding your valuables is the easiest budget-friendly way to improve your home’s security. Keeping your electronics, jewelry and other precious items out of sight will help your house fly under the radar. Thieves are much more likely to rob a house with a bunch of goodies lying around than a house with everything hidden.
You have several options for hiding your valuables. Some people use secret compartments in furniture to be stealthy, while others use jewelry safes to guarantee complete protection. You could also put larger items in rooms burglars are less likely to search, like the garage or basement. Whichever place you choose, make sure it’s not near any windows or doors.
- Get Help From Neighbors
An active neighborhood is a burglar’s worst enemy — it’s almost impossible to break into a house when the entire community is on the lookout. If you trust your neighbors, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. They can watch your home while you’re away and call if they notice suspicious activity.
Many neighborhoods have group chats where the adults of each house can alert each other about safety and security threats. With just one text message, the whole block knows there’s a potential intruder in the area. Thieves stand no chance against a united community.
- Get New Deadbolt Locks
Your doors are the main physical barriers that keep intruders from breaking in, so you must have strong deadbolt locks. Deadbolts are the best locks available because you can’t force the bolt back into the doorframe once it’s locked in place — hence the name. They’re almost impossible to break through without heavy-duty tools. You can find deadbolt locks for less than $50 online or at most hardware stores.
- Reinforce Your Windows
Windows are among the most vulnerable parts of the whole house. They give intruders a glimpse inside, allowing them to scope out the floor plan and spot precious items. Of course, they also provide easy entry points if the burglar can break the glass. Reinforcing your windows with security films addresses both problems — reducing visibility and strengthening the glass so your home doesn’t become a target.
- Brighten Up Your Property
You might not be able to afford an advanced security system, but you can install affordable floodlights and stay within your budget. Most home invasions occur at night, so you need to take additional precautions during this time of the day. Floodlights specialize in covering wide landscapes, leaving trespassers with nowhere to hide.
- Install a Video Doorbell
A video doorbell is another budget-friendly device you could add to your home. Most cost less than $100 and will bring you a great return on investment. The built-in camera will capture everything that happens outside your front door and might even record a viral video of an intruder getting caught red-handed.
- Take Landscaping Seriously
Houses with overgrown lawns and gardens are attractive targets for thieves. Unkempt landscaping suggests the homeowners are either rarely home or too irresponsible to keep up with lawn maintenance. Untrimmed trees and bushes also give trespassers more places to hide, so you need to take your landscaping seriously and keep your lawn organized.
- Be Smart on Social Media
Social media activity is an overlooked part of home security — burglars scour social media all the time for potential targets. Don’t post anything about recent expensive purchases, travel plans and other personal details that a thief might take advantage of. Adjust your privacy settings so only friends can see what you post.
- Put Security Signs in Your Yard
You might not be able to afford an entire security system, but burglars don’t know that. You can trick criminals into thinking your home has security alarms and other devices by putting up signs in your yard. Something as simple as a “No Trespassing” or “Beware of Dog” sign might be enough to dissuade a thief from trying their luck.
- Get a Home Defense Firearm
If you still have doubts about your home’s safety, equip yourself with a weapon. A simple handgun falls in the $300-800 range, which is a small price to pay for self-defense. Make sure you keep it in a secure location out of the reach of children, such as your nightstand. Hopefully, you never have to use it.
Home Security Shouldn’t Be Expensive
Nobody should have to live outside their means just to keep their homes burglar-proof. The latest security systems might be out of your financial reach, but these practical steps fall within almost anyone’s budget. Checking all 10 boxes will make your home much safer and help you sleep more soundly at night.
