21 CHEAP TRICKS TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE

By Brad Winget

INSTALL DUMMY SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

For a easy DIY project, turn a webcam into some security cameras.

REMOVE FLIERS FROM YOUR DOORSTEP

Never let flyers or menus build up on your doorstep — you risk appearing like you’re on vacation. And if you are on vacation, have your neighbor pick them up for you. Burglars sometimes case a home by planting a flyer and checking to see if someone picks it up.

PUT BUMPER STICKERS ON YOUR CAR

Anything that makes your car more easily identifiable is a good deterrent. And remember to keep it messy if you can.

KEEP YOUR HOME WELL GROOMED

Eliminate any potential places for burglars and intruders to lurk. Be sure to keep large bushes and shrubs away from windows.

LIGHT TIMERS FOR YOUR OUTDOOR LIGHTS

Use fluorescent bulbs to keep energy costs down.

SAY GOODBYE WHEN LEAVING YOUR HOME

If someone’s watching you, they’ll be fooled into thinking someone is still home.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR ELECTRONICS BOXES ON THE CURB

Drive them to the recycling plant yourself, or cut them up into smaller pieces and conceal them in your recycling or trash bins.

DON’T LEAVE A LATTER IN YOUR YARD

Most burglars don’t BYOL. So don’t make their jobs easier by supplying them with an easy way to get into your bedroom.

MAKE YOUR MIRRORS NOT SHOW YOUR HOME ALARM

Burglars might be able to see if your alarm is unarmed, so make sure you examine your mirrors from all outside angles.

MOW YOUR LAWN

People will wonder if you’ve gone on vacation if you let your grass grow too high.

DON’T LEAVE UPDATES THAT YOU’LL BE AWAY

FAKE A TV GLOW

There are devices that use the same energy as a nightlight, works on a timer system, and makes it look like someone’s home. It costs $39.95.

LEAVE TRACKS IN THE SNOW

Untouched, virgin snow is a surefire way to let burglars know that no one’s home.

GET FAKE HOME ALARM DECALS IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD ONE

Check eBay- there are plenty there.

PACK YOUR CAR QUICKLY BEFORE A TRIP

Load your car in the garage with the door closed. If you have to do it in public, do it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

REENFORCE YOUR DOOR JAMBS

Keep your doors from getting kicked in with this supremely easy DIY, which takes under an hour to install.

SECURE YOUR WINDOWS

Cut a wooden dowel so that it fits into your track when it’s closed.

INVEST IN DOUBLE GLAZED OR TOUGHED GLASS WINDOWS

Double-glazed windows as well as toughened glass are harder to smash through. Not the cheapest option, but you get added benefits. In the case of double-glazed windows, you’ll save money from increased heat insulation and they’ll block out more noise, which could increase your property value if you happen to live on a loud, busy street.

MOTION SENSORS THAT WORK WITH YOUR SMART PHONE

A clever gadget is called the Canary and it costs $199 with no monthly fee. Get more info

BUILD A SAFE PLACE FOR YOUR VALUABLES

-Brad

Thanks for watching!