It important to feel safe at home, but sometimes you don’t want to compromise on your property’s aesthetic. The good news is that you can make your home burglar-proof and still be stylish.
Door Security
The door’s weakest area is where the deadbolt slips into the doorjamb. Just a kick can break the strike plate or even the door frame. Some strike plates’ screws are very short, making it even easier for the door to be kicked in. Take out your screws to see how long they are and if they’re shorter than 3 inches, replace them with longer screws.
You can also reinforce the lock by reinforcing both the door frame and strike plate. You can get stylish steel guards to fit over the doorjamb and keep the door from splitting.
Keyless Smart Locks
Door locks that use bunches of keys are a thing of the past. With smart locks, you can open your home’s doors with a finger scan, keypad or your mobile device. So, no more ugly bunches of keys or spare keys given out to staff and friends that are never returned. No more hiding keys under the doormat, too, where burglars are bound to look.
Most of the smart locks on the market can replace your home’s current locks quickly and easily. There’s no drilling or hardwiring, making a neater job all around.
Peel And Stick Alarms
While whole house surveillance systems and security devices provide peace of mind, they’re costly and often carry monthly fees. Peel and stick alarms fit inconspicuously on doors and windows but will blare when there’s a break-in.
Don’t Forget About Patio Doors
Wedging a baseball bat or broom handle in the track to block your sliding door from opening is ugly and you need to remove it every time you want to open the door. A more stylish alternative is a patio door lock. These locks work like deadbolts to lock your sliding door, and you can even lock the door a few inches open if you need a little air. Electric sliding gates are also an attractive option for your home.
Don’t Forget About Hiding Places
Does your home have many hiding places for burglars? Think about dimly lit areas and dense shrubs next to your home. You don’t need to install spotlights and remove the bushes, but keep your foliage trimmed back and neat.
Motion sensor outdoor lights are also a good idea. They deter burglars as they shine brightly whenever motion is detected. You can mount the lights pretty much anywhere, such as next to outbuildings and near doorways. Some are even battery or solar powered so there’s no hardwiring involved.
Secure Your Mail
You never want the wrong people to get their hands on your personal information. Identity theft is a real thing, and mailboxes are easy targets. To protect your mail and maintain your home’s curb appeal, consider a security mailbox. It looks and operates just the same as a traditional model, but it’s made of heavy-duty steel and you need a key to open the box and get your mail.
Thanks to advances in the world of security, your home can be safe and stylish.
