- U.S. crime rates highlight the importance of home design in deterring potential burglaries and enhancing security.
- Poor lighting, weak entry points, lack of security systems, overgrown landscaping, and insecure garages pose vulnerabilities.
- Adequate lighting, strong doors and windows, home security systems, well-maintained landscaping, and secure garages can mitigate risks.
- Adding locks, installing motion-activated lights, upgrading doors and windows, and installing a home security system enhance security.
- Effective landscaping, including trimming bushes and planting thorny plants under windows, provides additional security.
Your home design plays a crucial part in protecting your family and assets. A poorly designed home can leave it vulnerable to crime, and it’s essential to identify and rectify these flaws. Burglars are always looking for easy targets, and it’s your responsibility to make your home unappealing. Here’s what you need to know about crime rates, how your home design can expose it to crime, and ways to improve it.
Crime Rates in The U.S.
According to recent data from the FBI, violent crime rates have reached 5.6 per 1,000 inhabitants in the United States. Property crime rates have also increased, with an estimated 19.2 billion dollars lost in property crimes in 2019 alone. These statistics highlight home security and design’s importance in preventing potential crime.
How Home Design Can Leave Your Home Vulnerable
Your home design can leave your home vulnerable to crime in many ways. Here are some of those ways:
1. Poor Lighting
Poor lighting is one of the significant contributors to home invasion. Dark areas around your home can create a perfect hiding place for burglars. It’s essential to have adequate lighting both inside and outside your home.
2. Weak Doors and Windows
Weak doors and windows are an easy target for burglars. Old, poorly secured windows can be knocked out of their frames, making them easy to breach. This can drastically make it easier for criminals to enter your home.
3. Lacking Security Systems
Installing a security system is one of the most fundamental ways to protect your home. A security system can range from a camera setup to a fully automated system that connects to your phone and alerts you in case of suspicious activity. Additionally, ensure you have strong Wi-Fi and smart home device passwords.
4. Overgrown Landscaping
Overgrown trees, shrubs, and bushes make the perfect hiding spot for burglars. Trim your bushes, remove the overgrown trees, and ensure that you maintain your lawn regularly. Since burglars look for easy access, ensure that the entrances to your home are visible and easily accessible.
5. Garage Security
Garages are easy points of entry for burglars. If your garage is not secure, it’s easy for burglars to access your home. Always ensure that your garage is locked and that the door from your garage to the interior of your house is secure.
Home Designs to Improve Your Security
There are various ways to improve your home’s security. Here are four ways to do that:
Add Locks
It’s essential to have a deadbolt on all entry doors. Additionally, consider installing a chain lock to add another layer of security. For sliding doors and windows, adding a bar or dowel in the track can prevent them from being forced open. If you want a better option, consider hiring an experienced mobile locksmith to help you. The locksmith can install locks and recommend the best type of locks.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights can be an effective deterrent for burglars. They automatically turn on when someone approaches your home, making it harder to hide and enter without being seen.
Upgrade Your Doors and Windows
Consider upgrading to stronger doors made from materials like solid wood or metal. For windows, consider installing shatter-resistant glass or adding a security film to make them harder to break. Additionally, ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured with sturdy locks.
Install a Home Security System
Installing a home security system can significantly decrease the chances of your home being targeted by burglars. Some systems have features like remote monitoring, sirens, and video surveillance to keep your home safe. Researching different systems and choosing one that best fits your needs and budget is essential.
Landscaping
Proper landscaping can also be an effective way to improve your home’s security. Trim bushes and trees near entry points and install motion-activated lights in the yard. Additionally, you can plant thorny plants like roses under windows as an added deterrent.
Home security and design go hand in hand when preventing crime. It’s essential to understand the potential vulnerabilities of your home and take the necessary steps to improve its security. Implementing these measures can make your home less appealing to criminals and keep your family and assets safe. Remember, investing in home security is an investment in your peace of mind.
