Don’t keep a “hidden” key outside.

Any thief will easily locate your spare key underneath the mat, or the extra key you put inside the mailbox, above your door, or under the flower pot. Even if you have a keyholder inside a fake rock, a professional crook will likely know how to recognize it. Instead, give the spare copies of your key to a friend or neighbor you trust.

Don’t leave your ladders outdoors.

Someone might pretend to be a handyman or contractor, and could try to use your ladder to reach your balcony or to get inside by your 2nd-floor window.

Don’t keep garage-door remotes and keys out in the open.

It’s a rotten idea to have your keys and remotes on display near the door, where anyone can see them through a window. Store them hidden inside a drawer or cupboard door instead.

Hide your valuables well.

• Put your fine jewelry, emergency cash, and other treasured possessions in uncommon spots.
• Rent a safe-deposit box at your bank to protect any particularly valuable items.
• A home safe is probably better for your needs than a safe-deposit box is, perhaps one you can anchor to the floor or hide in your wall.

Put up warning stickers and signs.

It may appear silly to some, but it can be quite effective to post a window insignia or sign from a security company on each window and/or near every door ~ even if you don’t actually have a security system. You could also put up a “Beware of Dog” or “No Trespassing” sign.

Secure your air conditioning unit.

You don’t want a burglar to get inside through an unsecured window. Apply an air-conditioner bracket, corner braces, or sliding window lock.

Use your lights efficiently.

Install outdoor lighting with infrared motion detectors next to each door. Motion detector lights discourage potential trespassers. You can connect them to your smart device, so you can detect any unwelcome activity, and be able to respond immediately. Some respond to changes in light, sound, or temperature. Additionally, make it a point to keep some lights on inside whenever you’re not home.

Install timers.

If you put timers on your porch lights, whenever you’re away during the daytime, or if you’ll be gone for an extended period, you can make it look like folks are still home. You can also attach timers to your radios, televisions, and computers. If you have a smart device connected to your timers, you can monitor and control everything with a mobile app, so you can make it seem like your home is occupied all while you’re away.

Eliminate potential hiding places.

Keep your hedges, trees, shrubs, and other plants well trimmed. If they’re too ungainly, tall, or poorly spaced, a prowler can hide easily.

Other Ways to Maximize Your Home’s Security

There are plenty of additional ways to enhance your home’s security. Some will take a little more effort, but might still fit within your budget depending on your circumstances. To learn more about the options available to you, if you’re located anywhere in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, consider scheduling a free consultation with a mobile residential locksmith specialist on staff at a trustworthy company such as Mount Pleasant Mobile Locksmith.

Upgrade your locks.

Any expert locksmith will advise you that deadbolts provide superior security. Get a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe.

Smart or digital locks are electronic devices that offer you improved security at your front door. With some, you can synchronize your smart lock with your smart device, so you won’t ever need to carry a house key at all.

Fortify your doors.

Examine your outside entry points. A hollow door is of lower quality, which makes it easier to break in. Therefore, it’s best to replace it with a solid door made of wood or metal.

Inspect your front- and back-door locks. If any locks have vulnerabilities, reinforce them by replacing the strike plate (which is the stationary piece where the bolt enters), and by mounting an extra solid metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. If you presently have short mounting screws, then replace them with longer screws, which will reach the door’s studs and add more solidity to the doorframe.

If you have any sliding-glass doors, you can secure them more effectively by putting in a cut-to-size dowel of wood, or an adjustable safety bar, inside the floor track. You can also add a floor bolt.

Install surveillance cameras.

Surveillance cameras will keep you aware of everything going on around the perimeter of your home, so you can call the authorities instantly if you observe any sign of foul play. You can buy an outstanding-quality surveillance camera if you want to record the video footage. According to your requirements and budget, you can add more high-tech security features.

Use state-of-the-art home automation.

If you have more to spend, you can monitor all your home’s activities with a smart app. It’s possible to manage your whole household if you install a smart alarm system. From imitating your routine habits, to checking in on activity anytime you like, even while you’re gone, your property nearly takes care of itself! If you identify anything suspicious, you’ll be notified by an alert on your smart device. You’ll enjoy absolute safety with such a smart home security system.