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.

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars. Unfortunately, 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 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).

Vandals, burglars, and other criminals don’t like to be in the spotlight. Keep bad folks at bay with ample outdoor lighting. Place lights around your front and back yards, along pathways, and near the garage and other outdoor structures. Well-placed lights outside of your home can sometimes be enough to discourage burglars. Working under the cover of darkness is a must for burglars, and when you take this cover away they will move to easier targets.

Make your outdoor security lights even more effective with these tips.

Use motion-activated lights.
Save energy with solar-powered lights.
Put outdoor lights on a timer.

This entry point to your home is becoming more popular with criminals. And even if they can’t access your house, chances are you have plenty of good stuff stored in the garage.

You may also consider keeping your garage door opener in the house. That way a burglar can’t grab it out of your car. And if you use a security code to open the garage, make sure you never enter it in front of delivery people, neighbors, or anyone other visitors.

Here are some more easy ways to secure the garage.

Upgrade to a smart garage door opener.
Cover windows to hide the goodies inside.
Secure garage doors with extra locks
Use home automation—and never leave the garage door open again.

Naturally, the best and most complete way to protect a home is to install a home security system. This can be a basic entry level system or a smart security system with professional monitoring and home automation. It will be up to you to decide which features you want to spring for, as there are many options available to you.

Monthly Monitoring Rate – $19.99 with smartphone application
Systems starting at $399*

Not sure where to start and have questions? We want to help, call 204-231-1606 to speak to a security advisor.