With so many of us taking winter vacations, the question of securing our homes is always an issue.  

Here are some sensible solutions from Home Security Expert Alan Young, CEO of Armor Concepts LLC.

According to Young, there are three keys to making sure that your home is secure:
 

The first is simple, “Use some common sense. Don’t post vacation plans on Facebook and don’t post vacation photos while still on vacation. Many burglaries are committed by someone you know or by someone connected to someone you know. Letting the world know that you’re not home is an easy way to become a target.”  

The second key is to make your home a less attractive target than your neighbor’s home. Sounds crazy, but according to Young, “If you and your neighbor are being chased by a dog, you don’t need to be faster than the dog, just your neighbor. Make your home a less attractive target and thieves will go somewhere else – unless you have something that they really want.”  Steps to making your home less attractive to burglars include cutting shrubs and properly lighting the inside and outside of your home.
 
The third key is to secure the exterior of your home. “Most people think about home alarm systems as home security. An alarm simply tells you that someone is inside your house and police response times are often greater than 20 minutes. A home alarm is the equivalent of having OnStar in your car. Would you not buckle your seat belt because OnStar will call the police after you have an accident? Alarms are a good addition to your home’s security but 85% of all break-ins are through a door. Secure your doors and you greatly increase your likelihood of success against a burglary.

For door security, Young recommends  buying an inexpensive kit at your local hardware store that reinforces the jamb, locks and hinges on an exterior entry door. 

He also recommends upgrading your deadbolt to an ANSI certified Grade 1 lock. There are several models, including one from Schlage, that can be purchased at many hardware stores.“Security does not need to cost a lot, it just needs to work. Anyone that tells you otherwise is taking you for a ride. With a little common sense and a little effort you can effectively secure your home,” concluded Young. Many other home security tips, along with recommendations for what to do after a burglary, can be found at www.armorconcepts.com.   

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