Dealing with Neighborhood Break-ins? 5 Affordable Ways to Boost Your Home Security
Overtime at work, taking the kids to school, enjoying a run along the river — these are things we do every day that take us away from our home. But break-ins and thefts can happen at any time, regardless of whether we’re there or not. Just ask anyone whose home has been broken into and you’ll hear about their worst nightmare coming true. And for some of us, the thought is enough to make us consider moving out of our homes altogether.
Don't fret, there are things you can do
We’ve all heard the story: You’re away at work or school, and someone breaks into your home. They take everything they can find and leave without a trace, except for a few fingerprints left on an item that was clearly handled by them.
The thought of this happening to you is enough to make any homeowner think twice before leaving their house unattended for even an hour — but what do you do if the police say that unless there are signs of forced entry, there isn't much they can do? And how can one person prevent an entire neighborhood from being targeted by criminals?
Fortunately, there are ways to take charge of these situations without sacrificing your peace of mind or taking on extreme financial responsibility just so you don't have another thing to worry about while away from home. In fact, many affordable home security systems offer 24/7 protection against intrusions as well as fire alarms and other types of emergencies so that homeowners like yourself always know where your valuables are being kept at all times — even when no one's looking after them! Plus with today's technology innovations like mobile apps which allow customers their own personal account manager who keeps track of everything whether homeowners need real-time alerts sent directly via text messages or want access through secure web portals where users can monitor activity logs remotely whenever needed even if away from home for several days!
1. Get a doorbell camera
(From CNET.com)
A doorbell camera is one of the best ways to ensure that you know who is at your home. They are affordable, easy to install and provide a clear view of who is ringing the doorbell. Most models can be installed in just a few minutes with no tools or drilling required.
Some models will also record video when someone rings the bell or triggers it with a motion, so if something happens later on, you can check back on what transpired during that time period. Most models also allow users to view footage remotely from their phone or tablet (and sometimes even their computer).
2. Install solar lights in front and back
Solar lights are easy to install, and they save on electricity costs. They're also a great deterrent against crime: if you have them installed in the front and back of your home, it will be less likely for thieves to target your house since there is more light shining onto the outside of your house at night.
If you want some extra peace of mind when it comes to protecting yourself against break-ins, solar lights are an affordable way to go about doing so. You'll also save money on electric bills because these lights don't require electricity; instead they recharge during the day using sunlight.
And no one wants their home's exterior appearance disrupted by unsightly wires or cords! Solar lights can easily be installed on any type of surface—not just roofs or fences but also decorative planters and trees in front yards—so there's no need for messy wiring anywhere near where people walk around all day long and night!
Pro Tip: If you are installing a solar light in your garden, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure that it is placed in an area where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This means placing it in one particular spot on your property and leaving it there year-round—even if there’s snow on the ground during certain months!
3. Add motion sensors to your backyard lights
Motion sensors are a great way to detect people moving in your yard. They can be installed in the yard, on the roof, or on the walls. If you opt for motion sensors that are mounted on your walls, it's best to position them at least six feet off the ground so that they're hidden from view but still easy to access if needed.
You may want to set up your system so that only certain lights turn on when someone is detected by a sensor—otherwise, you'll end up wasting electricity by having lights turn on routinely when no one is around!
Featured Product: Solar Motion Sensing Wall Light
4. Plant shrubs along the fenceline
Shrubbery along the fenceline can provide a sense of privacy and reduce noise. The shrubs should be planted at least three feet tall, and they should be placed as close to the fence as possible to help conceal your house from neighbors and passersby.
You may also want to consider long, thorny bushes to prevent thieves from hiding in them.
5. Ask a Neighbor
Have your neighbor check in with you at least every few days while you’re away, by calling or texting one of the methods listed above. Make sure they have a key to your house and know how to contact you if there’s an emergency.
One thing you can ask them to do is to place the mail inside the kitchen counter every few days. A full and overflowing mailbox is a good indicator to thieves that you may not have been home for an extended period of time.
Armed with these tips, you can feel confident that you've made your home highly less appealing to thieves.
Armed with these tips, you can feel confident that you've made your home highly less appealing to thieves. You can also use this information to help others in your community protect themselves and their property.
Bonus: Solar tiki torches
Solar tiki torches are our favorite way to light up your backyard and help keep it safe. They're easy to use and maintain, they're affordable, and they add some ambiance while also serving as security features. If you want to add something that's both decorative and practical to your home (and who doesn't?), solar tiki torches are the way to go!