There’s no place like home, and for most people, their neighborhood is a big part of what makes it feel like home. Whether it’s the family-friendly atmosphere, the proximity to good schools or parks, or just the sense of community that comes from living near your friends and neighbors, where you live can have a significant impact on your lifestyle.
A neighborhood with other families and plenty of kids to play with can be a lifesaver for families with young children. Walking to school or the park is also a huge plus. And having friendly neighbors nearby who can help out in a pinch is always nice. Unfortunately, however, not everyone has a neighborhood like this. Some have to be content with their neighborhood, and sometimes, their neighborhood can be riddled with crime.
It’s hard to accept the harsh reality that about 2,000 people among 100,000 will experience a property crime regardless of their neighborhood. To a certain extent, crime chooses nobody, and there’s a good chance that your home will be a victim of one if you don’t do anything about it. So here are some home essentials when it comes to preventing crime.
A Robust Security System
A good security system is a must in any neighborhood, especially in a high-crime area. If you can afford it, get a system that includes cameras and motion detectors. This will deter criminals and give you peace of mind. A robust security system composes of multiple parts:
Smart Devices
Smart devices are an essential part of a security system, and that’s because they give you the ability to monitor your home even when you’re not there. Smart doorbells, for example, let you see who’s at your door and whether or not they pose a threat. They can also blacklist specific individuals who have been acting suspiciously. Smart devices can also directly call the authorities in case of a potential break-in.
Your smart devices are a great fortification, especially if you’re not at home most of the time.
Lighting
Good lighting is important for two reasons: it makes it harder for criminals to hide, making your home more visible from the street. If you have a dark entryway or backyard, consider installing some floodlights. You can also get solar-powered lights that are easy to install and don’t require an electrician. They can also help you save money on utility bills.
Security Cameras
Cameras are a great way to deter crime and keep an eye on your property. If you can’t afford a full security system, consider getting a few cameras around your home.
You can get wireless cameras that are easy to install and don’t require any wiring. Just put them in strategic locations, like near entryways and windows. When installed alongside good lightning, it becomes a powerful deterrent against crime. For example, burglars are likely to pass by your home and ignore it as a target.
Alarm System
An alarm system is another great way to deter crime. If you have an alarm system, make sure to set it when you leave the house and night. You can also get a monitoring service to call the police if the alarm is triggered.
Locks and Extra Doors
About a million burglaries happen in the United States every year, but these aren’t essentially break-ins since 30% of these burglaries happen inside a home with an unlocked door. Burglars are likely to enter your front door more than you think. A decent chunk of them will try the rear door or a window, and only a handful will try to pick a lock if they know your doors can handle their tools.
This is why having extra doors and strong locks are important. If you have a sliding glass door, make sure to put a dowel in the track so it can’t be forced open. You should also get deadbolts for your doors and replace the screws in your strike plates.
You should also cover alternative entry points. Installing a window well cover to the entrance of your basement can deter any criminals from entering it. It’s also good against wild animals as well.
Good Fence
A good fence is important because it can help you secure your property. If you have a swimming pool, make sure to get a fence that’s at least four feet tall. You should also get a gate that locks to keep people from coming in.
You can also get a privacy fence if you’re worried about people looking into your yard. Just make sure that the fence is tall enough so that people can’t see over it.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the ways you can deter crime in your area. If you take precautions, you can make your home less of a target for burglars.
Of course, no security system is perfect, but these measures can help reduce the chances of a break-in. Just remember to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
