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Protecting your family and personal belongings should be top priority when you’re a homeowner. A break-in can result in significant loss and make it difficult to feel safe in your living space. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase your home’s security and reduce the risk of theft. Taking the following steps will not only provide you with greater peace of mind, but it also helps reduce your homeowners insurance costs.

How to Make Your Home Less Vulnerable to Break-Ins 

1. Invest in New Locks

It doesn’t matter how strong and sturdy your doors are if you have flimsy locks that anyone can force open. Investing in new, high-quality locks for all your exterior doors, including the garage, is one of the first things you should consider when giving your home’s security a boost. Smart locks and deadbolts are difficult to bypass and reinforce your entry points. 

2. Install Motion-Activated Lighting

Motion-activated lights will alert you any time someone is near your home. In many cases, this will be enough to discourage a criminal from going any further, as they don’t want to risk being seen. Install lights in your front and backyard, around the garage, and near other structures on your property. 

3. Put Up Surveillance Cameras

homeowners insuranceSurveillance cameras offer an effective way to keep an eye on your entire property. Many are equipped with technology that will allow you to view the video reel from any remote location. Having video footage can also help the police catch anyone who has entered your yard unlawfully.

4. Set Up a Security System

Whether it’s a basic alarm system or one that has smart home capabilities, your living space should be equipped with some form of a security system. The savings you receive from your homeowners insurance will help offset some of the cost. If an uninvited guest makes it far enough to set off the alarm, this may scare them off.

5. Eliminate Hiding Places

Trees and shrubs may enhance curb appeal, but they also give criminals somewhere to hide. Trim back vegetation close to your home that could provide cover, and remove trees near windows or reinforce them with additional security. Always put away stools and ladders, too.

 

Improving your home’s security can prevent it from being an easy target for criminals and decrease your odds of having to file a homeowners insurance claim. Whether you’re looking to purchase new coverage or it’s time to renew your current policy, contact the agents at 1st Choice Insurance. They will ensure the value of your home and property is adequately covered and that you’re getting all the safety discounts you’re eligible for. With a long-standing history of service in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area, they have a vested interest in making sure residents are properly protected. To schedule an appointment to discuss your homeowners insurance, call (513) 860-0666, and you can visit their website to learn more about the various products they provide.

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