All of us worry about the safety and security of our homes. We want to ensure that we and our families are safe from any potential danger, of course, but many assume that the only way to do that is with impossibly expensive state-of-the-art security systems that you see in millionaires’ homes. 

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Home security solutions in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne or where you are in the country are actually as simple as the following suggestions, all of which can make your home safer. 

1. Get Stronger Security Doors

Security doors are able to withstand break-in attempts far better than regular doors. They are made from far more robust and durable materials, usually enough to withstand being kicked and battered. What’s more, the locks are much more resistant to burglars’ usual tricks. 

Even better, the sight of a locked security door might just be enough of a deterrent to stop your own home from being targeted. It’s important to remember that would-be burglars will study many different homes in a neighbourhood, and will target those which are easiest to penetrate. These most often are ones with regular doors that might well be left open, or homes with open windows or keys left outside (see below). 

2. Lock All Windows and Doors

When convicted house burglars themselves have been surveyed in Australia, they reveal that the most common mistake made by homeowners is to leave doors or windows unlocked. Any point of entry that is left open becomes an easy and desirable target. Get into the habit of locking and checking all windows and doors before leaving your property, and when going to sleep at night. 

3. Don’t Keep Spare Keys Outside

Another big mistake revealed by the burglars is people who think they can leave an untouchable or unfindable key somewhere in their yard. They oddly believe no burglar would think to look under a mat, or under a plant pot or garden rock. They also believe that burglars are unfamiliar with hide-a-key products, how to spot them and how to get into them. 

If you’re worried about locking yourself out, then try an alternative spare key location, such as with a trusted neighbour in their home, or at your workplace. Going back to the office can be annoying just to get a key, but it will keep your home secure. 

4. Invest in Security Cameras

One of the best and most effective ways to deter burglars is by having at least one visible security camera. The camera they see tells them that there could be more than one, and thus it’s best to steer clear of the property altogether. Too much can go wrong for burglars when cameras are there. Even if they approach the home to burgle it while masked, they may be spotted unmasked on camera footage from a previous day. 

5. Get a Dog

Besides a security camera, it has been revealed by master burglars that the very best deterrent of all is a loud, barking dog. You might think you need something large and imposing like a Doberman or Rottweiler, but in fact you don’t. It’s the noise of the bark that deters burglars more than the vicious or scary look of the dog. Most burglars agree that you don’t have to see the dog, you just have to hear it, and the job is deemed not a good idea. 

6. Invest in Outdoor Lights

Finally, outdoor lights can also be useful in putting off burglars who otherwise hope to rob a house under the cover of darkness. Lights with motion sensors that come on when someone walks into range can create a panic in burglars as they may feel they have been compromised and attention drawn to their location.