Properly installed, quality locks are the foundation of home and business security, but there are numerous other practices that can help make you and your property more secure and less attractive to criminals.
Many ALOA SPAI members offer free or low-cost security surveys to customers to help make their properties safe and secure.
Installing automatic timers at numerous locations throughout your house will give the impression that multiple people are home even when you’re not home. Most timers are easy to program and install.
Another security product to consider is a TV simulator, also known as a “fake TV.” A TV simulator can be an effective burglary deterrent by creating the illusion that someone is home.
A TV simulator mimics the light patterns of a real television, making it appear as though someone is watching TV inside the house. TV simulators also use less power than leaving a real TV on, making them an eco-friendly option for security purposes. A quality TV simulator is very easy to set up and usually costs less than $50.
Outdoor lighting is a crucial component of home security. Proper lighting improves visibility for homeowners and neighbors alike and makes it easier to spot suspicious activity. It also helps identify visitors and navigate pathways safely.
Well-lit areas are less attractive to burglars as they prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. Bright lights can make it difficult for intruders to approach unnoticed.
Lights should be placed around entry points, such as doors and windows, as well as along pathways, driveways and dark corners. This ensures comprehensive coverage of vulnerable areas.
Not all lights are created the same. Some have very specific applications, and you have to make sure you’re using the correct lighting for the situation. When installed correctly, lighting can dramatically increase security and give property owners peace of mind.
Floodlights. Provide broad illumination, ideal for large areas like yards and driveways.
Spotlights. Focus on specific areas with more incense illumination, such as entry points.
Solar-Powered Lights. Eco-friendly and cost-effective, these lights charge during the day and illuminate at night.
Smart Lights. Can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing homeowners to adjust lighting schedules and monitor their property from anywhere.
Motion-Activated Lights. These lights turn on when they detect movement, startling potential intruders and alerting homeowners to activity outside. They are energy-efficient since they only activate when needed.
By incorporating these lighting strategies, you can significantly enhance the security of your home and deter potential intruders.
The use of security cameras (sometimes known as video surveillance or closed-caption TV cameras) has increased dramatically in the last 10-15 years due to lower costs of cameras, increased quality and the ability to easily connect cameras and monitor them remotely.
Security cameras can significantly enhance property security by deterring potential intruders and providing a valuable record of incidents. In case of a break-in or other incidents, footage can help identify suspects and serve as evidence for law enforcement.
Here are some key aspects to consider when setting up a security camera system:
Indoor Cameras. Useful for monitoring the interior of your home, especially high-traffic areas like living rooms and entrances.
Outdoor Cameras. Designed to withstand weather conditions and monitor the exterior of your home.
Doorbell Cameras. Allow you to see and communicate with visitors at your doors.
Wireless Cameras. Easier to install and can be moved around as needed. Connecting the cameras to your wifi is usually easy.
High Resolution. Clear images are crucial for identifying faces, hair and skin color, clothing and other details.
Night Vision. Essential for capturing footage in low-light conditions. Black and white cameras are often suitable for low-light surveillance.
Motion Detection. Alerts you when movement is detected within a specified range.
Two-Way Audio. Lets you communicate with visitors or intruders.
Cloud Storage. Enables you to store and access footage from anywhere.
Cover Key Areas. Place cameras at entry points, such as doors and windows, as well as common areas.
Installation Height and Angle. Position cameras high enough to avoid tampering, but at an angle that covers the intended area.
Avoid Blind Spots. Ensure there are no obstructions blocking the camera’s view.
Respect Privacy. Avoid placing cameras in private areas like bathrooms or bedrooms.
Check Local Laws. Ensure your surveillance practices comply with local regulations regarding video recording. Keep in mind that you may be able to record the sidewalk and street next to your house, but not your neighbors’ houses.
Smart Locks. Combine with your video surveillance system for added security.
Smart Lights. Program lights to turn on when motion is detected.
Security Systems. Integrate cameras with your overall home security system for comprehensive protection.
Using fake security cameras can have legal implications, especially if they create a false sense of security. If people believe they are being monitored by real cameras, they might let their guard down, which could lead to liability issues — including lawsuits — if an incident occurs. Property owners could be sued for negligence if it's proven that the fake cameras contributed to a crime or injury. Therefore, it’s generally not recommended to use fake cameras as a part of your security camera system.
Thoughtful landscaping can enhance the appearance of your property — and even raise its value — while making it difficult for burglars and vandals to hide near your home and pathways. Done incorrectly, the same landscape features can present multiple security issues.
Overgrown and poorly kept landscaping elements can provide hiding places for intruders, interfere with security lighting and impede the natural surveillance of your property.
Here are some tips to consider when purchasing and maintaining plants and hardscape materials:
Be sure to keep shrubbery that’s within 12-15 feet of driveways, sidewalks and your house trimmed to no higher than 32 inches.
For large trees (also known as canopy trees), remove lower branches below 8 feet.
Trim any branches that block outside lighting and create shadows or interfere with camera views.
Consider planting thorny shrubs next to your house — especially near windows — like rose bushes, barberry or holly bushes.
Don’t use river rock for hardscaping. Instead, use pea gravel or some other small, pebble-size rock with rounded edges. River rock is often used to vandalize windows due to its heft and size.
Be sure your house number is easily visible to law enforcement and first responders from the street, especially at night or during inclement weather.
Poor maintenance of your house and landscaping can lead to more vandalism and crime. Be sure to maintain your property to show burglars and vandals that you care.
If you keep ladders outside, be sure that they’re secured to an immovable structure or element and not accessible to criminals.
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