Home security systems are great for providing a sense of safety in your home.
Whether you are in your home or not when it occurs, a break-in is a traumatic experience.
We all want to avoid that, so home security systems are very popular among homeowners and renters alike.
But can you really trust your whole home security to your security system? Unfortunately, no home security system can actually prevent a crime from taking place.
Even if it could, it usually doesn't cover areas outside of the home such as the detached garage.
In addition to your home security system, it's important to take steps to prevent break-ins.
If a lock is not working properly, fix it immediately.
Do not wait until tomorrow or next weekend.
Even if it's late at night, there are many 24-hour locksmiths who are happy to help you at any hour.
You will pay a premium for their time and service, but you simply can't put a price on your family's security.
Don't leave ladders lying around in the yard.
If you were pruning trees or painting the second-story trim and plan to get back to it tomorrow, put the ladder in a locked garage or shed overnight.
Leaving a ladder out in plain sight is just asking for a burglar to use it to break into a second-story window.
And since most people believe the second story is safe from break-ins, the windows up there are often unlocked, providing an easy target for the ladder burglar.
Keep plants trimmed and tidy, especially around windows.
If you have large shrubs in front of your windows, that's a prime hiding spot.
Someone who wants to observe you without being seen could hide there easily.
Shrubs could also provide a great spot for someone to hide while they're figuring out how to gain entry to the house.
Never leave a key hidden outside.
It's tempting when you have forgetful people in the house, but it's not worth the security risk.
Don't imagine that you've come up with an original place to hide the key, either.
Burglars know all of them, guaranteed.
Instead, think about getting a keypad lock where all you need is a code to get in.
Just remember to protect your code and block the keypad with your hands or body when entering it.
One of the most heartbreaking reasons that home burglaries take place is that many people simply forget to turn on their home security systems.
Obviously, the home security system can only protect your home if it is on and armed.
Educate all of your family members in its operation and make sure that it is turned on every time you leave the house.
Home security systems are thought to deter millions of crimes every year.
They are an essential part of any home's security plan.
But to keep your home truly safe, take these extra steps that will make things a little harder for the criminals.