To help protect your humble abode from burglars, you can beef up the locks, have an alarm system installed, increase the outside lighting or start a neighborhood watch group. But, have you ever thought about some effective ways you can help guard your castle without using up a lot of your time and money? There are some simple things you can do yourself. Here are some homemade ways to deter burglars from your home you can use today!
Get Some Security Company Decals or Signs
Even if you don’t actually have the presence of a security service on your property, you can still give burglars the illusion that you do. All you need are some real decals or signs to stick in your windows or place on your lawn. How to get some? I wouldn’t recommend stealing signs from your neighbor’s lawn. That’s not a good way to keep peace in the neighborhood. Instead, call some local security companies and see if they’ll give you some of their decals or signs in exchange for advertising.
Phone Calls and Your Answering Machine
Another homemade way to deter burglars from your home is not to announce you’re away from home via your answering machine. That means, a recording for callers like, “We’re not home right now, please leave a message” is out of the question. Use a safer message for your callers- especially strangers- that asks them simply to leave a message and you’ll return their call.
And, when you are speaking to a stranger on the phone, don’t let them know you’re the only one home. Turn the TV or a radio on in the background so there’s some noise in the house.
Use A Large Dog Dish and A Huge Rubber Bone
Even if you don’t own a dog, buy a large dog dish and write a ferocious-sounding name like “Big Red” or “Spike” on the front with a permanent marker. Put some water in it and set the bowl outside your most used door to help deter burglars.
Buying a huge rubber bone and laying it out in plain sight can also make robbers think twice about breaking into your home. And, don’t forget the “Beware of Dog” signs. Place at least one of them in a conspicuous place to help deter burglars from your home.
Plant Some Burglary Deterrents
I’ve heard security experts declare that keeping the outside of your house windows free from trees and shrubbery is the way to go. That way, burglars won’t have a place to hide in. But, not having any landscaping around your home can make it look plain and boring. If you want to add color and appeal, plant some burglary deterrents like thorny or prickly plants or bushes. Unless they’re willing to wear a suit of armor to crawl around the outside of your windows, prospective burglars aren’t going to want to tangle with these plantings.
