It’s not something we like to think about, but home crimes can happen to anyone at any time. As a homeowner in Champaign County, you no doubt have already taken steps to secure your home and protect your family.
Your main goal when it comes to home security is to prevent criminals from damaging, stealing, or breaking into your home in the first place. That doesn’t just mean locking doors and windows. It involves taking into account your property’s security weak points and resolving any issues. And criminals are getting more clever, even using online activity to find targets.
What are some basic steps you can take to make sure your Champaign-Urbana home is secure?
- Even if you’re home, lock windows and external doors when not in use.
- Always lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.
- If you lose your keys, change the locks immediately.
- Don’t put an outdoor spare key in an obvious place like under a doormat or potted plant.
- Keep a light on at night when you’re not home. This could signal to potential intruders that someone is inside the home, potentially deterring them from trying to break in.
- Don’t leave notes for service people or family members on the door. These act as a welcome mat for a burglar.
- Keep items of value, like fine jewelry and gaming consoles, out of plain view as much as possible.
- If you leave your home for an extended period of time, have a trusted friend or family member grab your mail while you’re away. You can also place a hold on your mail with the post office.
Technology Can Help
Of course, by now you’ve heard about smart home systems that can keep an eye on your home while you’re away. You can start with a device as simple as a video doorbell, or up to camera alarms that are professionally monitored 24/7. Here’s a few options:
- Easy to install outdoor motion sensors. These range from $20 – $100.
- Smart camera system to watch your home remotely through a phone app. These will alert you when they sense motion or someone trips a sensor.
- Make sure to hide any wiring, as they can be cut and could disable your security system.
- If you don’t have the budget, even a fake security sign or sticker on the window can deter criminals.
How can you make sure your home is secure? You can plan to ‘burglarize’ your own home to discover any weaknesses in your security. The best way to protect your home from the outside is to survey it with the eyes of a burglar. If you can easily tell that a window could be pried open, a thief will definitely be able to come to the same conclusion.
While you’re checking for vulnerable spots, take note of any expensive electronics, art, or furniture that is easily spotted through windows. You don’t have to redecorate your entire home to keep expensive items out of sight, but it doesn’t hurt to make small adjustments where you can.
If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the chances of your home being the target of criminal activity.
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