Home security systems can become very expensive when selecting higher ranges of alarms, for example. However, there are a number of ways in which a homeowner can protect his or her home and pay nothing. These systems and techniques require commitment, and are not comparable to a dedicated system, but they can serve to increase home security for those on a budget.
Increase Neighbourly Relationships
Burglars are less likely to target homes within a closely knit community, especially those with Neighbourhood Watch schemes. If the homeowner finds that there is no Neighbourhood Watch scheme in his or her location, then one can easily be created.
The homeowner should also become close friends with his or her neighbours, and build up trust with them. This will allow the homeowner to leave keys with them when away from the home for long periods of time, so that they can prevent any mail from accumulating - a dead giveaway to a potential burglar that the house is empty.
Consider Security Landscaping
Burglars may hide behind bushes, shrub and hedges when observing a potential target. Careful landscaping of the garden by trimming bushes and hedges will make them too small to be useful hiding places, and deter the criminal.
If possible, a gravel drive should be installed, making footsteps audible and giving advanced warning of a possible break-in.
Hide Valuables from View
Especially relevant to houses that adjoin a footpath, removing valuables from view to the outside world will give the impression that there is little of worth within the property, reducing the possibility of the house being broken into.
Avoid always having curtains closed in ground floor rooms; any potential criminals will be enticed by the prospect that there is something to hide. Furniture in any rooms that can be viewed from the footpath may have to be rearranged in order to make valuables less visible.
Think Like a Burglar
A homeowner should consider his or her home from the perspective of a criminal, assessing possible entry points as well as the strength and quality of windows and doors. From this, steps can be taken to improve security.
If the homeowner has a shed, he or she should ensure that it is locked at all times, especially if it contains equipment that can aid the burglar in entering the home. These items include tools and ladders.
Photograph All Belongings
In order to track and record all valuables, the homeowner should take a few photographs of the object. These can be handed to the police in the event of a burglary, and prove that the object belongs to him or her in instances where stolen valuables are retrieved.
It may also be wise for the homeowner to carefully etch his or her social security, driver's licence or passport number onto any valuable metal objects.
Install a DIY Alarm System
A very basic and primitive alarm system consists of simply balancing a glass bottle on top of the door handle at night, or at vulnerable times. If a criminal attempts entry, the bottle will fall and break, giving enough time to call the police or scaring them off. A homeowner should always keep a phone by the bed in case of burglary at night.
There are a number of simple ways to secure a home. In the unfortunate event of a break-in, however, no attempts should be made to tackle the intruder. Instead, the police should be called and the homeowner should hide in a safe place until help arrives.
Sources Used
- Homesecurityadvice.com, "Securing Your Home The Right Way", accessed 20 March 2010
- Homesecuritykey.com, "Making Your Home More Secure", accessed 20 March 2010
Ben Wakeling - Lives in England with his wife and two children. Loves writing, photography, and slouching. Ben is currently posting extracts on a blog ...
