The security of your home is another necessity after you purchase your first house. Don't make home security an afterthought, or just install a security system to protect your dwellings. Although this is a good start, one burglar prevention may not deter all criminals, but multiple security precautions will.

5 Other Ways you can Improve the Security of Your Home

Attach Quality Locks to your Front Door

The front door is a burglar's usual entrance point, and spring-latch door handles are the most common to compromise. Adding quality locks like a deadbolt or a hefty strike plate for handles will improve home security significantly. If you have a sliding door, add a loop lock, vertical bolt lock or a security bar. 

Secure Window Security Bars or Reinforced Glass

Reinforced glass with multiple panes can help make windows more difficult to break. It's also a subtle way to increase security, but if you want to show burglars you've heightened security, you can install decorative steel bars on the front of the window. 

Plant Defensive Bushes & Trim Long Limbs

Wicked thorns, scratching spines, pointed leaves and serrated edges can cause would-be robbers more trouble than it might be worth to break into your home. Painful in their own way, plants can serve as a deterrent and are effective choices for fending off unfriendly visits. Pyracantha, Blackberry, Barberry, Roses, and Yucca plants just to name a few. Also, make sure to keep long limbs trimmed for homes with second story windows. Burglars will go to any lengths to find a open window.

Make your House Look Occupied

Whether you're home or away on vacation, making your home look occupied will deter criminals. Putting lights on a timer outside of the home, and placing timers on lights inside when you're away is enough to make the space looked lived-in.Keeping the television on, and opening a few curtains is excellent for home security as well.

Purchase a Large Dog 

The dog doesn't have to be a guard dog, but a large animal protecting your home is enough to keep many people away. If a criminal walks up to your home and hears barking, sees a shadow moving, or a "beware of dog" sign, they'll be too scared to enter your house. Keep in mind, a good security system is much cheaper in the long run.

If you're planning to visit your family over the holidays, invite the specialists at Hawk Security Systems Inc. in Harrisonburg, VA, to protect your home. For nearly 30 years, they have serviced their Shenandoah Valley community by installing secured entry systems, multi-tenant entry systems, alarm monitoring, video surveillance, and other home security needs. Visit them online for more information on their services, or call them at (540) 434-4295 for a free consultation. For more information, watch the video below.