Sure, having a home security system is the best way to keep intruders out of your home. However, there are some steps you can take to further provide security for you and your family.

1. Keep your valuables stored away. Hide them in places that are hard to detect. If you have children, store your important documents and valuables in their room. Burglars will search through your room, but rarely ever go through a child’s room. Of course, keep it out of sight and reach of your children.
2. Install your security system in the right place. Don’t install in a place where the system can be seen through windows or while on your doorstep.
3. Remove your mail slot on the front door. These go against the wood grain of the door, which weakens the door overall and makes kicking it in rather easy. If you need a slot, install it near the bottom of the door, keeping it less than a quarter of the way up. Of course, the simplest fix for this is to use a mailbox.
4. Leave your keys by your bed at the end of the night. If you hear an intruder during the night, press your car alarm button.
5. Consider plants with thorns. Plants can be a barrier when it comes to keeping intruders away from your home. That being said, plant thorny shrubs beneath first-floor windows. They’re beautiful and burglar deterrent.
6. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye out. While you’re away, whether for business or pleasure, ask your neighbors to watch your home for you while you’re gone. Have them check your mail daily, as piles of mail let burglars know that no one has been home for days.
7. Pack the morning of your trip. Don’t load up your car the night before; this can attract the attention of someone who is looking to break into your home. If they catch on that you’re leaving soon, they will return to complete their mission. Before you leave, turn on a few outside lights to give the impression that someone is home.
8. Turn down the volume on your home phone. If a burglar is inspecting the area and hears the phone ring without anyone answering, they will know no one is home.
9. Don’t leave notes while you’re away. Refrain from leaving messages on your door for the mailman or anyone else stating that you’re gone and when you will return.
10. Keep your woodpile away from the home. Burglars could see wood piles as a potential ladder to see into and crawl inside of your home.
11. Check your bathroom windows. Sad to say, most burglars are people who have serviced your home. If a landscaper or someone who is servicing something in your home uses your restroom, check your windows after they leave. It’s possible they have unlatched them if they have intentions of robbing you.
12. Be wary in choosing a locksmith. When searching for a locksmith, only hire ones whose business is bonded and insured. Look up ratings online, ask for referrals from friends and family.
13. Get an alarm system decal. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to place an alarm system decal on your window and/or front and backdoors.
14. Join your local Neighborhood Watch team. This is a great way to get to know the people in your community and an even better way to look out for one another.