5 ways to maximize your home security system

Modern burglars are less like the bumbling bozos in “Home Alone” and more like the highly organized team in “Ocean’s Eleven.” In 2018, a high-tech group of criminals stole around $10 million from 50 Long Island businesses by hacking into wireless networks and disabling alarm systems. The victims learned that there are always more ways to upgrade your existing home security system even though they set up alarms.

In this article, you’ll learn a few little-known tricks for beefing up your home’s defenses. Of course, if you’re new to the world of home security, you might want a quick refresher before diving into the advanced tips. Tap or click here for nine easy ways to protect your home against burglars.

So you’ve set up a home security system with cameras, alarms, motion sensors or other gadgets. Here are a few little-known ways to improve what you already have. To fully secure your home, you’ll need to think like a burglar, secure your local network, lock down all of your devices and more.

A few simple ways to upgrade your existing home security system

You may think you have such a robust system you can just set it up and put it on the backburner. Complacency can put you at risk. No matter what security system it is, make sure it is locked down and protect your home the right way. Use the following tips to beef up security.

Tip No. 1: Get a home security camera

This is an essential part of any home system. It’s a powerful tool that can catch bad guys in the act and even deter burglars. A study from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte sheds a lot of light on how burglars think.

The study found that video surveillance plays a role in a burglar’s decision to break into a home. Around 60% of burglars said it is “a factor” in their target choice. Approximately 40% said they’d choose another house to break into. That’s why we recommend setting up yard signs and security stickers.

Bottom line: One of our top home security tips is to get a security camera. Sure, you can have an alarm that goes off, but if a bad guy flees the scene, police have almost nothing to work with. Camera footage means the criminal is more likely to get caught.

Tip No. 2: Secure your doors and windows

You may think you can set up a simple system and go. In reality, honing in on a few specific areas can make a world of difference. For instance, 23% of burglars break into your home through your first-floor window.

That’s why you should always lock your windows and set up motion sensors around them. Do the same for your door. You can take it a step further and set up bars on your windows or doors to make it harder for burglars to break in.

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