Protecting your home and your family is important. According to statistics from the Bureau of Justice, there were nearly 16 million property victimizations reported in 2016. Fortunately, there are steps you can take and tools available to protect yourself.

Invest in Locks

Most burglars are on the hunt for an easy target, and surprisingly, they’re not hard to find. Many burglars enter homes through unlocked windows or doors.

Simply locking your doors may not be enough. Having visible window and door locks can deter burglars – especially if they appear sturdy. On your front door, be sure to have a grade one or two deadbolt that penetrates the door frame. You may also want to consider replacing hollow exterior doors with heavier ones, which are more difficult to force open.

Security Systems

According to a study released by the University of North Carolina Charlotte, researchers interviewed convicted burglars and 83 percent of them said they would try to find out if a home had a security system before breaking in.

While alarms may not prevent all attempted robberies, they often scare off burglars or force them to cut their crimes short.

Before choosing a security system, be sure to do your research. Read reviews and always pay attention to the fine print. Though security systems are there to protect you, the industry sees its fair share of scams.

If professionally installed home security systems come at too high a price tag, consider purchasing some easy-to-install sensors. They won’t be monitored by a security company, but the sound of the alarm can still help scare away intruders.

Security cameras can deter burglars who don’t want to be caught. It’s important to note, however, that cameras should be used in tandem with other security features, as they’re of little use if a burglar does decide to strike despite the presence of cameras.

If security cameras aren’t in the budget, and you’re looking for an affordable way to scare away burglars, Amazon sells fake security cameras. For less than $10, you can install one of these real-looking dupes at your backdoor.

Protect Your Windows

Unprotected glass is easy to break, meaning windows can provide easy access points for criminals. Fortunately, impact-resistant windows can help. They’re a great investment, especially if you live in an area that’s susceptible to hurricanes.

Replacing your windows, however, can be expensive. If you’re not already in need of new windows, you may want to opt for having window film installed on your existing glass. Safety and security films, like 3M Ultra Series, are designed to be tear-resistant. They hold broken glass together after impact, slowing down intruders by up to two minutes and in some cases, deterring them altogether.

Security window film can also be installed on sliding glass doors. It’s always a good idea to place an adjustable rod in the track of your sliding doors to prevent them from being opened when you’re away.

Other Security Products

There are plenty of other products on the market to help supplement your home’s security:

• Motion-detecting lights are affordable and easy to install. Solar versions are available, and they work great down here in the sunny Southern U.S.
• Decorative window film is available at a fraction of the cost of etched or frosted glass. Having decorative film installed on certain windows, like that of your home office, can keep your valuable electronics out of sight of potential burglars.
• During a break in, most burglars head straight for the master bedroom, where most valuables are kept. By storing your valuables in a safe, you can prevent them from making off with the jewelry, cash, documents or hand-held electronics they’re looking for.
• You can follow in Kevin McCallister’s foot steps and install a TV simulator. These easy-to-install devices will make it look like your TV is on, even if you’re on vacation thousands of miles away.

Contact us today for more information about 3M Window Film and how it can further protect your home.