Don’t Get Caught Unprepared: 16 Ways to Defend Your Home from Burglars

Looting is an ever-present concern for homeowners across the United States. According to FBI data, there were over 1.1 million burglaries in 2019, resulting in an estimated $3 billion in property losses.1 

While not all burglaries are acts of looting, the potential for widespread property crime during times of crisis or civil unrest is a reality many communities face.

Proactive measures in protecting one’s property are important. There are numerous strategies homeowners can employ to deter potential intruders. Here are 16 effective ways to safeguard your home against looters, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever challenges may arise.

1. Reinforce Entry Points

Start by strengthening your home’s most vulnerable areas. Focus on doors and windows, as these are the primary access points for intruders. Install heavy-duty locks, deadbolts, and reinforced door frames to make forced entry more difficult.

For sliding glass doors, use lock bars or pins in the tracks to prevent them from being forced open. Consider applying shatterproof film to windows and glass doors, making them harder to break.

Remember, the goal is to make your home a less appealing target by increasing the time and effort required to gain entry.

2. Install a Security System

A comprehensive security system is one of the most effective deterrents against looters. Modern systems offer a range of features, including motion sensors, door and window sensors, and cameras that can be monitored remotely via smartphone apps.

Many burglars report that they avoid homes with visible security systems. Choose a system with professional monitoring for added protection, as this ensures a rapid response in case of a break-in attempt.

3. Use Smart Home Technology

Leverage smart home devices to create the illusion of occupancy, even when you’re away. Smart lights, TVs, and radios can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, mimicking normal household activities.

Some smart home systems can even learn your typical patterns and replicate them automatically. This unpredictability can confuse potential looters, making them unsure whether the house is truly empty.

Additionally, smart doorbells with cameras allow you to monitor and communicate with anyone at your door, adding an extra layer of security.

4. Secure Your Garage

Don’t overlook your garage when fortifying your home. Many intruders target garages as they often contain valuable items and can provide access to the main house.

Install a smart garage door opener that alerts you when the door is opened and allows you to control it remotely.

Reinforce the door connecting your garage to your home with a high-quality lock. Consider frosting or covering garage windows to prevent potential looters from seeing inside.

Remember, out of sight often means out of mind for opportunistic thieves.

5. Improve Outdoor Lighting

Well-lit exteriors can significantly deter criminal activity. Install motion-activated lights around your property, particularly near entry points and dark corners. These sudden bursts of illumination can startle and expose potential intruders.

Consider using smart outdoor lighting that can be controlled remotely or set on schedules. This allows you to maintain the appearance of an occupied home, even when you’re away.

Good lighting not only deters criminals but also improves overall safety for your family and neighbors.

6. Create a Neighborhood Watch

Strength lies in numbers when it comes to community safety. Organize or join a neighborhood watch program to keep an eye out for suspicious activities.

Regular communication with neighbors can help identify unusual patterns or unfamiliar faces in the area.

Establish a system for alerting each other about potential threats or emergencies. This collective vigilance not only deters looters but also fosters a stronger, more connected community.

Remember, criminals are less likely to target areas where residents are actively watching out for each other.

7. Use Security Signage

Prominently display security company signs and stickers around your property. These visual deterrents can make potential looters think twice before targeting your home.

However, avoid using fake security signs, as experienced criminals can often spot the difference. If you don’t have a professional security system, consider investing in one. The peace of mind and protection they offer are well worth the investment.

8. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Digital security is just as important as physical security. A compromised Wi-Fi network can give intruders access to your smart home devices, potentially disabling security systems or unlocking doors.

Use strong, unique passwords for your network and all connected devices. Enable WPA3 encryption if available, and consider setting up a separate guest network for visitors.

Regularly update your router’s firmware to protect against the latest security vulnerabilities.

9. Install Security Cameras

Visible security cameras serve as both a deterrent and a means of evidence collection. Place cameras at key entry points and ensure they cover vulnerable areas of your property.

Modern systems offer high-resolution video and night vision capabilities for round-the-clock monitoring.

Many camera systems now integrate with smartphones, allowing you to check live feeds and receive motion alerts wherever you are. This real-time monitoring can be crucial in quickly identifying and responding to potential threats.

10. Remove Hiding Spots

Evaluate your landscaping with security in mind. Trim bushes and trees near windows and doors to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. Maintain clear sightlines from the street to your home’s entry points.

Consider using thorny plants like roses or holly under windows as a natural deterrent. While aesthetically pleasing, these can also make accessing windows uncomfortable for potential intruders.

Remember, a well-maintained yard not only improves curb appeal but also signals that the property is cared for and likely occupied.

11. Secure Valuables

Don’t make your home an attractive target by leaving valuable items visible through windows. Use curtains or blinds to prevent prying eyes from seeing inside, especially at night when interior lights make it easy to spot valuables.

Consider investing in a high-quality safe for important documents, jewelry, and other valuables. Choose a safe that is both fire-resistant and securely anchored to prevent theft.

For added security, you might even consider off-site storage for extremely valuable or irreplaceable items during times of heightened risk.

12. Create the Illusion of Occupancy

An empty home is an easy target. When away, use timers on lights, TVs, and radios to simulate normal household activities.

Consider asking a trusted neighbor to park their car in your driveway occasionally or to collect mail and packages.

During extended absences, arrange for lawn care and snow removal to maintain the appearance of an occupied home. Some homeowners even use fake TV simulators that mimic the flickering light of a television, adding to the illusion of occupancy.

13. Use Smart Locks

Upgrade to smart locks for enhanced control and monitoring of your home’s entry points. These devices allow you to lock and unlock doors remotely, track who enters and exits, and even set temporary access codes for guests or service providers.

Many smart locks integrate with home security systems and can automatically lock doors if you forget. Some models even use biometric data like fingerprints for access, adding an extra layer of security.

14. Secure Your Mail & Packages

An overflowing mailbox or packages left on the porch can signal an empty home to potential looters. Consider using a secure mailbox or a mail slot that deposits mail directly into your home.

For packages, use a secure delivery box or arrange for deliveries to be held at a pickup location when you’re away. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and packages during extended absences.

15. Prepare an Emergency Plan

While prevention is key, it’s also crucial to have a plan in case looters do attempt to enter your home. Develop and practice an emergency plan with your family, including safe rooms and escape routes.

Keep emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio, easily accessible. Consider installing a panic button or silent alarm system that can quickly alert authorities in case of a break-in.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home becoming a target for looters. Remember, the goal is to make your property less appealing and more difficult to access than others in the area.

Stay vigilant, keep your security measures up to date, and always prioritize your safety and that of your loved ones.