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As we move into 2025, it is an opportune moment to reassess your home security measures and rectify any significant oversights. According to home safety expert Kirk MacDowell from Batten, this period frequently sees a rise in common household vulnerabilities. He explained to FASTNET that with warmer weather, increased outdoor activity, children being out of school, and families traveling more, residences can become more susceptible to burglaries and other security threats. Understanding and addressing these risks is crucial for both homeowners and renters to bolster their defenses against potential intrusions.
Common Home Security Negligence: Avoid These Mistakes
Enhancing your home security often starts with recognizing and correcting prevalent risky behaviors. Security professionals and experienced burglars both highlight several key areas of concern. Steer clear of these frequent errors to fortify your property’s defenses.
1. Neglecting to Lock Doors and Windows
It may seem obvious, but a primary lapse in maintaining robust home security is leaving doors or windows unlocked. While one might imagine intruders resorting to forced entry, they often seek the path of least resistance to minimize effort and detection. An unlocked door presents an effortless entry point, allowing them to simply walk inside undetected.
To counter this, consider installing a security camera near your front entrance to project a sense of surveillance. Alternatively, implement a sensor-based system that signals if a door or window is opened unexpectedly. Smart, internet-enabled locks offer the capability to remotely secure doors from any location, and some sophisticated systems can even notify you if a lock is unintentionally left open, enabling prompt action.
2. Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Locations
Keeping a spare key readily accessible outdoors might seem convenient for moments of forgetfulness or to grant access to trusted individuals. However, this convenience extends to unwanted parties as well. Stashing a key in easily discoverable spots can inadvertently provide burglars unimpeded access to your home, potentially endangering occupants, even when someone is present.
Instead of opting for easily compromised hiding places, explore more secure alternatives. Utilize a lock box requiring a combination code to safeguard spare keys. Keypad locks, demanding a PIN for entry, offer enhanced security. Smart lock technology also facilitates remote unlocking, allowing you to grant access even when you are away. Digital passes can streamline key management for authorized individuals.
3. Inadequate Maintenance of Security Technology
Smart home technology has revolutionized home security with devices like cameras, smart locks, and alarm systems. However, this technology also introduces potential vulnerabilities that may be overlooked under the assumption of seamless functionality.
Assess the power source of your smart security devices. Are they plugged-in or battery-operated? Verify plugged-in devices remain operational after power interruptions. Regularly inspect battery-powered devices to ensure they are functioning correctly. “Confirm your cameras are actively recording and lenses are clean,” MacDowell advised. “Just as you prepare your home for winter, consider ‘summerizing’ it as well, especially with increased absences.”
Crucially, keep device software updated. Neglecting updates can compromise functionality, render technology ineffective, and create openings for cybersecurity breaches.
4. Unlit Yards at Night
While a dark yard may offer privacy, it can inadvertently invite unwanted attention. Darkness provides cover for trespassers to approach windows unnoticed and potentially observe valuable contents within your home. Illuminating your yard at night is a more effective approach to home security.
Consider employing motion-activated security lights. Many advanced home security cameras integrate lights with motion detection and object recognition, ensuring illumination is triggered only by human presence, minimizing unnecessary light pollution during nighttime hours.
5. Overgrown Landscaping
Bushes, shrubs, and trees enhance curb appeal and offer shade. However, when allowed to overgrow, they can obstruct security cameras and furnish concealment for intruders attempting to access your property. Pay attention to plants that:
- Obstruct windows, limiting visibility.
- Block the field of view of security cameras, creating blind spots.
- Grow against walls or roofs, posing a potential fire hazard in addition to security concerns.
Address these issues by scheduling regular trimming or consider removing problematic plants and redesigning landscaping for improved security.
6. Careless Disposal of Packaging
Thieves often monitor trash disposal habits to identify potential targets. Discarding large boxes, especially those associated with electronics or appliances, signals the presence of valuable new items within a home. Prevent these visual cues by always breaking down large boxes before disposal. Avoid any overt external indications of recent significant purchases.
7. Excessive Social Media Sharing
Sharing exciting news on social media is common, but oversharing constitutes a prevalent home security error. Social media audiences often include individuals with limited connections to your personal life, and the full extent of your followers’ networks may be unknown. Posts and images showcasing new gadgets or vacation plans can inadvertently signal to burglars or those with malicious intentions that your home may be unoccupied or contain valuable items.
Minimize risks by periodically reviewing your social media followers, removing unfamiliar accounts, and refraining from posting travel plans until your return. Exercise discretion when announcing major purchases online, being mindful of your audience.
Building upon your focus on home security, further enhance your knowledge by exploring resources on repurposing old smartphones as security cameras and identifying optimal placement locations for security cameras around your residence. Additionally, learn effective strategies for deterring package theft.