You can easily burglar-proof your home without breaking the bank. Start by securing your exterior perimeter with motion detector lights, which can be purchased for as little as $15. Protect your doors and windows with simple pin locks and door reinforcement hardware. Reinforce your entry points with double-cylinder deadbolt locks and security chains. Consider smart and affordable alarm systems, like the GE Personal Security System, for added security. By taking these simple steps, you can substantially reduce the risk of a break-in and enjoy a safer, more secure home. And there's more to explore to safeguard your home is fully protected.
Secure Your Exterior Perimeter
To burglar-proof your home, start by securing your exterior perimeter, the first line of defense against potential intruders.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing motion detector lights around your home's exterior. These lights are a proven crime deterrent and can be purchased for as little as $15.
You can choose from standard hard-wired models or solar-powered motion detector lights for areas without a power supply.
Installing motion lights around your exterior perimeter can substantially increase your home's security. By doing so, you'll be making it much harder for burglars to approach your home without being detected.
In fact, motion lights can deter burglars and prevent break-ins. Plus, they're a thrifty way to secure your home, making them an attractive option for homeowners on a budget.
Protect Your Doors and Windows
You can substantially boost your home's security by reinforcing your doors and windows, the weakest points of entry for potential burglars.
Start by securing your windows with simple pin locks, which can be installed on double-hung windows by drilling a hole to lock the window in a partially opened position. For added protection, drill a second hole to lock the window in a partially opened position.
For your exterior doors, use door reinforcement hardware, which can be installed in about an hour. A wrap-around door reinforcement plate kit with four 1-1/2in. long stainless-steel wood screws will do the trick.
Don't forget to check if your strike plate is already reinforced before buying strike plate-reinforcing hardware. Additionally, install a doorjamb reinforcement kit to prevent the door from being kicked in.
Burglar-Deterrent Lighting Options
By illuminating potential entry points and dark areas, you can create a secure perimeter around your home and discourage burglars from targeting your property.
One effective way to do this is by installing motion-sensitive outdoor lights. These lights not only illuminate the area but also make it difficult for intruders to remain hidden.
You can opt for solar-powered motion lights, which are a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, starting from around $20.
Installing motion-sensitive lights in areas such as doorways, windows, and dark corners can help create a well-lit perimeter around your home.
Consider using LED floodlights with a high lumen output, which can be particularly effective at deterring burglars.
If you have areas where wiring is difficult or impossible, such as in sheds or outbuildings, wireless motion-sensitive lights are a great option.
Reinforce Your Entry Points
Secure entrance points are a burglar's most vulnerable targets, and reinforcing them is essential to preventing break-ins.
As you focus on reinforcing your entry points, start with your front door. Install door reinforcement plates to strengthen the area around the lock and strike plate, making it harder for burglars to force open the door.
Consider upgrading to a double-cylinder deadbolt lock that requires a key from inside and outside the door, providing an extra layer of security.
When opening the door, use security chains to partially open it, allowing you to see who's outside while maintaining control over who enters.
Invest in a thick and heavy front door, as it's more difficult for burglars to break down. Consider adding a metal door frame for extra reinforcement.
Don't forget to reinforce your door hinges with tamper-proof screws to prevent burglars from removing the door from its frame.
Smart and Affordable Alarms
With a range of affordable and innovative alarm systems available, it's easier than ever to bolster your home's defenses without breaking the bank. You can take your DIY home security to the next level with these smart and affordable alarm solutions.
Some options for exploration include:
- GE Personal Security System: A set of window and door sensors that emit a 120-decibel alarm when triggered, available for $37.95.
- Belkin NetCam Wi-Fi Camera: Monitor any room with a smartphone or tablet, with wide-angle video, digital audio, and night vision capabilities, available for $58.
- GE Personal Security Door Stop Alarm: Alerts you to unannounced guests pushing open a door, with a 120-decibel siren, installation is simple, with no wiring required, available for $13.74.
- Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor: Detects and reports unusual movement, compatible with the SmartThings Hub, available for $40.
- Doberman Security's ultra-slim peel-and-stick alarms: Detect vibrations and alert the household with a 100-decibel alarm, available for $12.
These smart home security systems can be integrated with your existing door, hinges, screws, and lock to provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. By incorporating motion detector lighting and security cameras, you can create a thorough DIY home security system that keeps your home and loved ones safe.
Simple Shred and Garage Security
Now that you've bolstered your home's defenses, it's time to turn your attention to the often-overlooked shed and garage, where valuable outdoor items and equipment are stored, and thieves often find easy pickings.
To secure your shed, start by replacing standard screws with special security screws that require unique tools for removal, such as Allen head or Torx head screws. This will make it difficult for burglars to tamper with your shed door and hinges.
You can also retrofit existing hinges with finish screws and drill out the receiving hole to prevent thieves from popping out hinge pins.
For added security, install a wrap-around door reinforcement plate kit to your shed door.
In your garage, consider using a security anchor to create a safe and permanent anchoring spot for valuable outdoor items, such as bicycles or equipment.
Outdoor Security Essentials
Protecting your outdoor space from potential burglars requires careful planning and strategic installations, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating motion lights that illuminate any would-be intruders. This can make it difficult for thieves to approach your home without being seen, as they'll be caught in the spotlight.
Install motion lights around the perimeter of your home to deter burglars.
Use solar-powered motion lights for a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, starting at just $20.
Add outdoor security cameras with night vision capabilities for an additional layer of security, available for as little as $50.
Secure outdoor furniture and decorations with tamper-proof screws to prevent theft.
Plant thorny bushes or shrubs around windows and doors to make it difficult for burglars to approach your home without getting hurt.
Low-Cost Home Security Hacks
You can bolster your home's security without breaking the bank by implementing these simple yet effective low-cost hacks.
For instance, you can secure your windows with simple window locks, such as pin locks, which can be drilled into double-hung windows and sliding patio doors for added security.
Additionally, installing motion-sensitive outdoor lighting can deter burglars and improve home security, all for as little as $15.
To further fortify your home, use tamper-proof security screws to secure sheds and outdoor structures from potential burglars.
These screws require special removal tools, making it difficult for burglars to breach your outdoor spaces.
You can also defend your patio doors with a foot lock, which can be installed for under $20, to prevent unwanted entry.
In addition, protect your mail and valuables with a locked mailbox, which can be purchased for around $50, to prevent mail theft and identity fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make House Robber Proof?
To make your house robber-proof, you'll want to start by securing entry points with pin locks on windows and doors, and reinforcing doors with deadbolt protection devices and doorjamb kits to prevent break-ins.
How Can I Secure My Home Cheaply?
You can secure your home cheaply by installing window locks, outdoor motion-sensitive lights, and security doorstops, all for under $30 each, or even for free by planting thorny bushes around windows and doors to deter burglars.
What Houses Do Burglars Avoid?
You'll be relieved to know that burglars tend to avoid houses with security systems, outdoor lighting, and overgrown bushes, as well as homes on busy streets with security cameras, making them less likely targets.
How Can I Make My House Less Likely to Be Robbed?
You can make your house less likely to be robbed by securing doors with deadbolt locks, installing motion-sensitive outdoor lighting, and using tamper-proof screws on outdoor structures, making it difficult for burglars to gain access.
