Home security is a top concern for Laurelwood residents, especially after recent break-ins in nearby areas. As part of our established Neighborhood Watch, it's essential that we remain vigilant and take proactive steps to secure our homes. Here are key strategies to help prevent break-ins and ensure our community stays safe.
1. Strengthen Your Entry Points
Burglars often look for weaknesses in your home’s entry points. Taking simple precautions can make a big difference:
Install Deadbolts: Strengthen your doors with heavy-duty deadbolts, which are harder to break.
Reinforce Sliding Doors and Windows: Place a sturdy rod or dowel in the tracks of sliding doors and windows to prevent forced entry.
Upgrade to Smart Locks: Consider installing smart locks that allow you to monitor access to your home remotely and notify you of any suspicious activity.
2. Invest in a Home Security System
An effective security system is one of the best deterrents against break-ins:
Visible Cameras and Signs: Install security cameras in prominent locations and use signage to let potential intruders know your home is protected.
Motion-Activated Lights: Exterior lights with motion sensors can startle intruders and illuminate vulnerable areas around your property.
Smart Alarms: Modern alarm systems can send notifications directly to your phone, giving you real-time updates about your home’s security.
3. Secure Your Home’s Perimeter
Keeping intruders from reaching your home is key to preventing break-ins:
Trim Shrubs and Trees: Overgrown landscaping can provide hiding spots. Keeping your yard well-maintained increases visibility.
Gravel Paths: Consider gravel for pathways—walking on gravel creates noise, making it harder for anyone to approach unnoticed.
4. Be Mindful of What’s Visible
What is visible from the outside of your home can attract unwanted attention:
Close Curtains at Night: Ensure valuables are not visible from the street by keeping curtains or blinds closed at night.
Store Valuables Out of Sight: Keep outdoor items like bicycles, grills, and tools securely stored when not in use.
5. Improve Your Daily Habits
Changing small daily habits can go a long way in protecting your home:
Lock Doors and Windows: Always lock all entry points, even if you’re only leaving for a short time.
Don’t Advertise Absences: When you’re away, make your home look occupied by using timers for lights and having a neighbor collect your mail.
Lighting Timers: Use timers for both indoor and outdoor lights to give the appearance of someone being home.
6. Work Together as a Community
One of the greatest strengths of our Laurelwood Neighborhood Watch is the connection we have with one another:
Stay Alert: Be aware of any suspicious activity in the neighborhood and report it immediately.
Share Information: Use our communication platforms to keep each other informed about anything out of the ordinary.
Keep an Eye Out: Look out for your neighbors’ homes, especially when they’re away, and they’ll do the same for you.
Our Take as Real Estate Agents
We’ve seen how taking proactive steps to secure your home not only provides peace of mind but also reflects a homeowner’s overall commitment to their property. Features like smart locks, security cameras, and well-maintained exteriors show buyers that a homeowner has taken the time to protect their investment, creating a home that feels safe and cared for.
While these measures may not be the primary reason someone buys a home, they do make a lasting impression. Buyers tend to appreciate homes where they can clearly see that safety has been considered. As real estate agents, we often highlight these efforts to demonstrate the level of thought and care the seller has put into their home. It’s these kinds of details that contribute to the overall appeal of the property, even if security alone isn’t the key factor in a buyer’s decision.
