Every year, homeowners face the unsettling reality that burglaries can happen anywhere, at any time. While locks and alarms are a good start, determined burglars often know tricks to bypass basic security measures. That’s why understanding effective safety tricks is crucial for protecting your family and belongings. The right strategies can make your home a much less attractive target. With a few practical changes, you can outsmart would-be intruders and sleep a little easier. Here are ten safety tricks burglars don’t want you to know.
1. Upgrade Your Door Locks
Standard door locks are easy for burglars to pick or bump open. Invest in high-quality deadbolts, preferably those rated Grade 1 for security. Reinforce doors with strike plates and longer screws to prevent forced entry. Taking these steps is one of the most effective safety tricks for strengthening your home’s first line of defense.
2. Don’t Hide Spare Keys Outside
Beneath the mat, inside a flowerpot, or above the doorframe—these hiding spots are well-known to burglars. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or use a secure lockbox. Avoid giving intruders an easy way in by skipping the obvious hiding places.
3. Install Motion-Activated Lighting
Darkness is a burglar’s ally. Motion-activated lights around entry points and walkways can startle intruders and make them think twice. These lights are inexpensive and easy to install. They also help you and your neighbors spot unusual activity before it becomes a bigger problem.
4. Use Smart Home Technology
Smart cameras, video doorbells, and alarms let you monitor your property from anywhere. Many systems send instant alerts to your phone if they detect unusual movement. This level of control is one of the most modern safety tricks that burglars dislike, as it increases the risk of being caught or identified.
5. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Burglars often “window shop” before choosing a house to break into. Don’t leave expensive electronics, jewelry, or cash visible from windows. Use curtains or blinds, especially at night, to keep your home’s contents private. Out of sight truly is out of mind for most criminals.
6. Make It Look Like You’re Home
Most burglaries happen when homes appear empty. Use timers to turn lights, TVs, or radios on and off when you’re away. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail or park in your driveway. The more active your house looks, the less likely it is to attract attention from thieves.
7. Secure Sliding Doors and Windows
Sliding doors and windows are often weak points. Place a dowel or metal rod in the track to prevent them from being forced open. Consider adding window locks or security film as extra layers of protection. These simple safety tricks can stop a burglar in their tracks.
8. Don’t Overshare on Social Media
It’s tempting to post vacation photos in real time, but burglars monitor social media for clues about empty homes. Wait until you’re back to share your adventures. Adjust your privacy settings and think twice before tagging your location, especially if your profile is public.
9. Trim Shrubs and Trees Near Entrances
Overgrown bushes and trees can provide burglars with a hiding place while they attempt to break in. Keep landscaping neat and low around doors and windows. Not only does this improve visibility, but it also removes cover that intruders count on.
10. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Strong community ties are a powerful deterrent. Neighbors who look out for each other can spot suspicious activity quickly. Join or start a neighborhood watch group. Even a quick chat over the fence can help build the trust needed to share concerns and information.
Taking Home Security to the Next Level
Using these safety tricks doesn’t require a huge investment or advanced technical skills. Most are simple changes and habits that can make a big difference. Every step you take makes your home less appealing to burglars.
For more tips on protecting your finances and personal property, check out this helpful burglary prevention guide from SafeHome. Your peace of mind is worth it. What other safety tricks have you tried at home? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!
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Travis Campbell is a digital marketer and code developer with over 10 years of experience and a writer for over 6 years. He holds a BA degree in E-commerce and likes to share life advice he’s learned over the years. Travis loves spending time on the golf course or at the gym when he’s not working.
