Although the members of the media would have us believe otherwise, while the rate of crime is certainly on the rise and has been for quite some time, there are many things that the average homeowner can do that will ensure that they can make their home and family safe. Some of these things can be bought at local renovation or home security stores and others are quick fixes that you can do yourself.
For example, many people face a problem with their sliding patio doors. They would like to have the door open for fresh air at various points during the day or evening but most fear some kind of intrusion if they do so. There is a product that’s out on the market that will help this problem and that’s the keyed patio door lock.
You can install one of these at either the top or the bottom of the door to enjoy fresh air and a secure environment at the same time. One of the other suggestions that the professionals have is even simpler. They suggest that you install screws in the top track to prevent a would-be thief from sliding the entire door out.
There are similar locks that are available for your windows as well. Again, some of these are keyed and will prevent a thief from even attempting the lock, as they can see that it is keyed entry only, from the outside. There are some other simple things that you can do that don’t cost much more than the cost of a little electricity.
Giving the impression that someone is home when there’s no one there is a good idea. You can accomplish this in an inexpensive manner by leaving on a radio and some lights when you go out, but considering the cost of electricity it’s a good idea to have those lights set on a timer. It is also important to have someone you trust keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
Ask a trusted neighbor when you go away if they wouldn’t mind looking after the mail for you. One of the dead giveaways that someone has gone away for any length of time is an accumulation of mail in the mailbox at the front of your home. It’s also a good idea if they are able to shovel your walk in the winter or cut your lawn in the summer so that it always appears that someone is home.
In the end, one of the best things that you can do to solve the problem is to store your valuables in a safe place like a bank’s safety deposit box for the duration of the time that you’ll be away.
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