In today’s world, technology can be a great friend, but when it comes to home security, sometimes old-school methods are the best. For example, using a traditional key to lock your door is more reliable than relying on voice-controlled digital assistants. Believe it or not, burglars can use a laser beam to trick these devices into thinking they heard a command to open your door!
If your key suddenly gets stuck in the lock or becomes hard to turn, it might be a sign that someone has tried to tamper with it. In such cases, consider changing your locks. While unexpected expenses can be annoying, security should always come first.
Many convenience stores use fake CCTV cameras to deter thieves. You can do the same at home with a DIY project using an old shoebox and some lenses. Add a blinking light, and most burglars will think twice before approaching. If DIY isn’t your thing, simply put up a fake CCTV sign or a “Beware of Dog” sign. Even if you don’t have a dog, this can make thieves think twice.
Investing in a real home security camera is a good idea, and they can be found online for as little as $30. Also, make sure your home looks occupied. Leave a pair of large work boots on the porch, or keep a radio or TV on when you’re out. A lamp on a timer can also make it look like someone is home.
Burglars often leave hidden marks outside homes to remind them which houses are easy targets. If you notice any strange marks, you can leave your own to see if anyone has been snooping around. For example, leave some cookies under your welcome mat and check if they’re crumbled when you return.
Be cautious about what you share online. Posting about vacations or showing off expensive items can make your home a target. Burglars can gather a lot of information from social media, so share updates with friends, not the entire internet.
Your trash can reveal a lot about you. Use a shredder for documents with personal information and remove address stickers from packages. Also, be cautious about who you invite into your home, as some burglaries are committed by people who have been inside before.
While it might be tempting to outdo your neighbors with a fancy front yard, burglars see this as a sign that the inside of your house might be valuable too. Keep your yard nice but simple to avoid unwanted attention.
Before going on vacation, ask friends or relatives to check on your home. Have them collect your mail and make it look like someone is home. Trim any trees near windows to prevent easy access, and avoid stashing cash in obvious places like under the mattress.
If you have valuables, hide them in unexpected places like the kitchen or bathroom. For example, you could place a valuable ring inside a bag of flour. Just be sure to keep them away from liquids or powders that could cause damage.
If you receive calls with no one on the other end, it might be someone checking if you’re home. Be cautious and don’t give away personal information over the phone.
By following these tips, you can make your home a less appealing target for burglars and keep your belongings safe.
Gather materials like an old shoebox, lenses, and a small LED light. Follow a tutorial to construct a fake CCTV camera. This project will help you understand how visual deterrents can prevent burglaries. Share your creation with the class and discuss how effective you think it would be.
In groups, role-play a scenario where one group acts as burglars and the other as homeowners. The burglars will plan how to target a home, while the homeowners will implement security measures discussed in the article. Afterward, discuss what worked and what didn’t.
Using the information from the article, design a comprehensive home security plan for a fictional family. Include both low-tech and high-tech solutions. Present your plan to the class and explain why you chose each measure.
Conduct a workshop on how to safely use social media without compromising home security. Create a checklist of do’s and don’ts for sharing information online. Share your checklist with classmates and discuss how social media can impact home security.
Research common burglar marks and create a guidebook illustrating these symbols. Share your findings with the class and discuss how homeowners can identify and respond to these marks. Consider creating a neighborhood watch plan to monitor for such signs.
Home – A place where one lives, especially as a member of a family or household. – Example sentence: “We decided to install a new security system in our home to keep our family safe.”
Security – The state of being free from danger or threat. – Example sentence: “Adding extra locks to the doors increased the security of our house.”
Burglars – People who illegally enter buildings to steal things. – Example sentence: “The new alarm system was installed to deter burglars from breaking into our home.”
DIY – Do-It-Yourself; the activity of decorating, building, and making repairs at home by oneself. – Example sentence: “We took on a DIY project to build a fence around the yard for added security.”
Locks – Devices used to secure doors, preventing unauthorized access. – Example sentence: “We replaced the old locks with new ones to ensure better security.”
Camera – A device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals. – Example sentence: “Installing a security camera at the front door helps us monitor who comes and goes.”
Social – Relating to society or its organization. – Example sentence: “Sharing too much personal information on social media can compromise your home security.”
Information – Facts provided or learned about something or someone. – Example sentence: “It’s important to keep your personal information private to protect your security.”
Valuables – Items of great worth, especially small personal possessions. – Example sentence: “We keep our valuables in a safe to protect them from burglars.”
Yard – An area of ground surrounding a house, often used for gardening or recreation. – Example sentence: “We installed motion-sensor lights in the yard to enhance our home’s security.”
