When a burglar enters your home, they not only steal your belongings, but also affect your overall sense of security. There are many ways to protect your home from break-ins, but here are seven suggestions for improving your home security.

1. Secure doors and windows

Simple security devices like door locks, padlocks, window locks, grates, or bolts can make it more difficult to break into your home. You’ll also want to frequently check that your doors and windows are properly locked and closed.

2. Install a security system

There are many options for security systems. You can set up security cameras to monitor your doors and other possible entry points. Make sure these are out of reach of intruders, so they can’t easily tamper with them. You may also want to add a burglar alarm, which would notify an outside service of potential theft.

3. Consider adding motion sensor lights

Motion sensor lights will turn on if they spot movement. Darkness can often help hide burglars, so a motion sensor light can make it more difficult for them to approach your house undetected.

Just like with security cameras, you’ll want to install these in places that aren’t easily accessible, so burglars can’t tamper with them. Alternatively, you may want to consider keeping your porch lights and other exterior lights on throughout the night.

4. Change your landscaping

Take a look at your yard and think of how a burglar could use it against you. If you have overgrown shrubs and bushes, this might be the perfect place to hide. Trees can also be climbed and used to access a second-story window. You may benefit from keeping shrubbery and tree branches trimmed. The fact that it could improve your curb appeal is just a bonus.

5. Take extra precautions while on vacation

A vacation is a time to relax, but you can only do that if you know your house is secure. Here are a few tips for the next time you leave your home unoccupied while on vacation:

• Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to check on the house while you are away.
• Avoid having newspapers take over your patio, as this is a sign your house is unoccupied. Get your delivery temporarily postponed or ask someone to keep them for you.
• Avoid having your mailbox overflowing with letters. Just like with newspapers, have your mail held at the post office or have someone check your mailbox for you.
• Don’t post on social media that you’re away on vacation. “Checking in” at an airport or any destination, and uploading photos while on your trip, alerts people that you are out of town. Avoid posting anything about your trip until you return home.

6. Be mindful of what you can see through windows

When you leave your curtains open, what can people see? A large entertainment system? Or a Christmas tree overfilled with presents?

These are items that an intruder may want, so it’s best to avoid having these expensive things easily seen from the outside. You may want to invest in curtains, blinds, or privacy film to make it more difficult to see what’s inside your house.

7. Invest in home insurance

Despite our best efforts, sometimes your home is still robbed. While this is devastating, home insurance could help you regain your financial loss and help cover damages that were made to your home.

Home insurance policies can be confusing, so it’s best to consult an insurance agency to review your options. For example, many policies limit how much they are willing to cover for stolen items. Expensive items like jewelry may need an additional policy to be fully covered.

If you are looking for independent insurance agents in Stuart, FL, consider Gambale Insurance Group. We specialize in home insurance and we’re dedicated to tailoring policies to meet your needs.

Give us a call at (888) 875-3476 to discuss your insurance options. You can also schedule an appointment online.