Make it hard for trespassers to hide. Trim your trees, shrubs, hedges, and any other plants. Avoid tall fences, too. You don’t want a prowler to be able to hide from view.
Don’t leave your ladder in the yard. A trespasser can pretend to be a handyman or contractor, and climb up your ladder to enter through an upper-floor window or your balcony.
Put up warning signs. This may sound silly to some folks, but you can post a “TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT” or “NO TRESPASSING” sign! You could even stick an alarm company logo on the front door or a front window (even if you don’t really have an alarm system).
A guard dog can be an efficient disincentive. If you don’t actually have a dog, you could still play a recording of a big dog barking whenever you’re away, and post a “BEWARE OF DOG” sign!
Install exterior lighting. Put in a light at each entryway and then around the perimeter. Your best bet is to put them all on timers. Motion-sensor floodlights turn on anytime a person goes by. Some outdoor lights respond to fluctuations in sound, temperature, and daylight. If you can fit it into your budget, some lights can be aligned with your smart device so that you can identify any suspicious activity and respond immediately.
Turn a few indoor lights on anytime you’re gone. If you’re away during the day, or for a longer period, you can make it appear like you’re home by attaching timers to radios, stereos, TVs and lights. If you can spend more, then add smart-device capability, so that you can monitor all the activities of your household, and make it look like it’s occupied all while you’re out.
These measures are more expensive, but worth your consideration. Do you want additional security at your property? Here are some more steps you can take:
Purchase a home safe, particularly one that anchors to the floor, which will protect emergency cash, irreplaceable valuables, or important documents. Choose one with a suitable level of waterproof and fireproof certification.
Install an electronic gate. Depending upon your circumstances, you may decide to invest in a security gate, which enables you to approve which individuals can enter your property. With an intercom system, a keypad, or even more sophisticated features such as biometrics, you can also select various security clearance levels.
A video surveillance system might be worth the investment if you feel it’s necessary where you’re located. Decide upon the level of image resolution you want, and consider other technical aspects. Do you want to record 24/7 footage? What about software with capture capabilities - time-and-date stamp code, facial recognition, vehicle number plate recognition, and so forth? These choices will depend on your finances, your property, and your environment. When people with criminal intentions spot your access control system, you’ll want them to think twice and get going.
Do your homework. There are many ways to amplify home security. If you reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it’s a good idea to request a free consultation from a reputable locksmith company such as Cambridge Locksmith Services, where staff mobile locksmith experts are prepared 24/7 to help you.
