10 Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home

1. 10+ Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home By Rebecca Edwards Security Expert, Safety & Tech Reporter Decorating your new home is definitely more fun than setting up security measures. But burglars strike every 30 seconds, so home security should be a top priority.1 To help you get back to the fun stuff, here are 11 simple things you should do right away to secure your new home. 1. Secure the doors Don’t help a burglar stroll in through the front door (34% of them do!).2 Inspect all of your exterior doors to make sure the door frames are strong, the hinges are protected, and—if your door has a mail slot—that someone can’t reach through it to unlock the door. If you're moving into a residence that someone else used to call home, change the door locks. That way you won't have strangers out there with a key to your house, and you can make sure your locks are the best on the market. Here are some quick reinforcements we recommend to help you shore up these vital entryways. •Install a deadbolt. •Add a strike plate. •Upgrade to smart locks. •Boost security with a video doorbell. •Reinforce sliding glass doors Intruders love sliding doors, so make sure yours are protected. You can go old-school and use a window bar or dowel in the track to keep the door from being forced open. If you want a high- tech solution, add a door sensor or glass break sensor. These will alert you if the glass door is tampered with—and should scare off thieves.

2. 2. Lock the windows According to theft expert Dr. Ben Stickle, windows are "a common entry point for criminals" and may be left shut but unlocked by the previous homeowner. Plus, manufacturer latches on windows aren’t always effective—and sometimes they’re downright flimsy. If you don’t like the looks of your window latches, beef up security with aftermarket window locks or key-operated levers. But you don’t have to stop there. We have some other good ideas to help make your windows burglar-proof. • • • • Reinforce glass with window security film. Install window or glass break sensors. Add window bars. Plant prickly bushes under first-floor windows (but be sure to keep them trimmed). Read more at: 10+ Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home Related Article: Practical and Useful Ways of Securing Your Apartment For professional assistance in improving security in your home call (617) 622-5257. Learn more at www. dorchesterlocksmith.com