Most burglars aren’t looking for a challenge. They’re after easy targets — homes that look unoccupied, have weak spots, or appear to have little security. The good news is that with a few smart habits and small changes, you can make your home a much less tempting option.
Sure, locking your doors and windows is a solid first step. But there’s so much more you can do to protect your space. Even if you’ve invested in a top-notch home security solution, everyday habits and simple upgrades play a huge role in keeping burglars away. Let’s break down some practical ways to make your home harder to break into, and why each one works.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In
Burglars love homes that look empty. If they think no one’s around, they feel more comfortable sneaking in and taking their time.
Start by making your home look active, even when you’re not there. Use smart plugs or timers to turn lights on and off at different times. You can even set up a TV or radio to create noise in the evening.
Ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and packages if you’re away. Overflowing mailboxes and packages piled on the porch are dead giveaways that no one’s home.
If you’re going on vacation, consider asking a friend to park in your driveway sometimes. These small details make it much harder for burglars to tell if a house is empty.
Upgrade Entry Points
Your doors and windows are the most obvious places a burglar will try first. Reinforce them to make entry as tough as possible.
For doors, use solid materials and install a quality deadbolt. Add a strike plate with longer screws to make it harder to kick in. Consider a peephole or a smart doorbell so you can see who’s at your door before opening it.
For windows, add locks or security pins to prevent them from being opened from the outside. You can also use security film to make glass harder to shatter.
A strong home security solution might include sensors on doors and windows that alert you (and potentially authorities) if someone tries to break in. But even with these tools, physical upgrades are still important.
Light Up the Outside
Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. The more shadows around your home, the easier it is for someone to sneak up without being seen.
Install motion-activated lights around key spots like doors, driveways, and backyard areas. This sudden burst of light can scare off potential intruders and alert you or your neighbors to movement outside.
You can also leave some porch or landscape lights on overnight. Solar lights along walkways and in gardens can help, too. Bright and open spaces make burglars think twice before approaching.
Limit Hiding Spots
Tall bushes, overgrown trees, and clutter around your yard all create perfect hiding spots.
Trim back shrubs and trees, especially near windows and doors. Keep your yard tidy and clear to reduce places where someone could crouch down and wait for the right moment.
Fences can help define your property, but avoid solid privacy fences that completely block the view from the street. A partially visible yard makes it easier for neighbors to spot suspicious activity.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Don’t give burglars a reason to target your house in the first place. Avoid leaving expensive tools, bikes, or lawn equipment out in the open.
Inside, keep valuables like electronics, jewelry, and important documents out of sight from windows. Close curtains or blinds when you’re not home.
If you have to leave things in your car, lock them in the trunk before you arrive home. A clean, empty car is less likely to attract attention.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
A close-knit neighborhood is one of the most effective burglary deterrents. When people know each other, they’re more likely to notice when something seems off.
Take time to introduce yourself and chat with your neighbors. Exchange contact information so you can quickly reach out if you notice something suspicious.
Some neighborhoods even create text groups or social media pages to share updates and alerts. A strong community makes it much harder for burglars to operate without getting noticed.
Leverage Technology Wisely
Technology can add an extra layer of protection to all these efforts. A modern home security solution might include cameras, alarms, smart locks, and remote monitoring apps.
Doorbell cameras let you see and talk to anyone who comes to your door, even when you’re not home. Smart locks allow you to lock or unlock doors from your phone.
Security cameras can deter burglars just by being visible. They also help you keep an eye on your home and provide evidence if something does happen.
Final Thoughts
While no system can guarantee total protection, making your home a harder target greatly reduces your chances of a break-in. Burglaries are crimes of opportunity — if your home looks secure, active, and well cared for, most burglars will move on to an easier target.
From using a reliable home security solution to building strong habits like locking up and talking to your neighbors, every step you take strengthens your defense.
Start small if you need to, and build up over time. Each change you make is a step toward closing the door on easy burglary targets — and giving you and your family greater peace of mind.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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