The Simple Security Trick To Help Make Your Home Safer At Night

Whether it's the holidays or you're simply going on a weekend trip, you need to ensure that your home is equipped with security features to discourage burglars and trespassers from breaking into your property while you're away. There are many clever gadgets to help make your home safer, especially at night, such as motion sensors and window alarms. There's also the standard option of having security cameras installed in different locations within your property — though you should think twice about installing a security camera through your window. However, if you are on a tight budget for whatever reason, and you can't afford sophisticated security systems, you can always resort to this one simple trick of deterring housebreakers: Displaying security signs, even if your home isn't technically protected.

Placing security signs or decals by the window or anywhere outside your home can do wonders to keep your belongings safe. A yard sign suggesting surveillance cameras are monitoring round-the-clock or one alerting about the presence of dogs can be enough to scare away thieves most times. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, houses with security signs experience around 24% lower incidents of vandalism. The logic behind this may be as simple as burglars being afraid of getting caught, especially when they've already been warned by the signage outside. What's more is that this hack is not costly to pull off, as most security signs are inexpensive and can even be purchased online. However, it's important to note that this tip may not be as effective in high-risk areas.

While displaying warning signs may provide a psychological barrier that will instantly make your home less attractive to burglars and intruders, you may also want to implement other inexpensive ways to safeguard your property while you're away or even just during the night. One low-effort step to discourage break-ins is lighting. Law offenders always prefer to operate at night when they cannot be seen. By having a well-lit exterior, intruders will have second thoughts about invading your property. So leave your porch lights on or have them motion-triggered, or turn on some interior lights to give the impression that someone is at home.

Another simple hack is to ensure or boost the visibility around your property. By this, we mean keeping your lawn well-manicured, trimming overgrown bushes and tall hedges, so any malicious activity will be visible to the neighbors. Getting rid of clutter outside your house means that possible intruders won't have a spot to hide as well. Before leaving, secure your doors and windows by installing simple reinforcements, such as dowel rods in sliding doors. Just don't forget that you put them there when you return home, so you won't have a hard time opening your doors and windows. Finally, park your car in the driveway if you are leaving it, so people will not assume that nobody's home. By combining these simple and practical measures with visible security signs, you can lower the risk of your home becoming a target for nighttime burglaries.