7 ways to deter thieves with solid home security

There's nothing more important than keeping your home safe, and deterrence is often the best form of prevention. We'll go over 7 expert tips that will help keep your home secure.

• Spend a few bucks on a good deadbolt lock and the right screws. The secret is a strong strike plate, which is the metal square that the bolt fits into when you lock up.
• Make sure that the dead-bolt kit you buy has a strike plate with four screw holes rather than just two. It's twice as strong that way.
• If the screws that come with the set are tiny, replace them with four 7.5 centimetre (3 inch) screws, which will go deep into the hardwood of the door frame and hold it fast. Do this with all your doors (back, side, garage) and you've eliminated a burglar's favourite points of entry.

• According to security experts, just closing and latching your windows significantly reduces your risk of burglary.
• To lock your windows, drive a long, fat screw into each of the two tracks that the window slides along (either up or sideways) to open. That way, even if the latch is broken, the window will be blocked before it can slide open completely. Position the screw so that it allows the window to open enough for ventilation, but not enough for a probing hand to remove the screw.
• If the window simply opens inward instead of sliding up or sideways, hammer in strong 7.5 centimetre (3 inch) nails on both sides of the frame and bend them to block the window's inward path.

• Good watchdog choices include Doberman pinschers, huskies, Great Danes, German shepherds, and retrievers.
• If you're not able to care for a dog or if they're not allowed in your building, it still doesn't hurt to get a recording of a dog barking to play every now and again.
• Consider posting "Beware of Dog" signs even if you don't have a dog.

• Stick with the basic package of alarms and signs. Only upgrade if you live in a area where the risk of fire is high, since firefighters will certainly be welcome if your system is set up to trigger a call when fire is detected.
• When you get a home alarm system, always opt for the "phone line cut" service, which can detect whether an intruder has cut your phone line. It automatically sends security or police to your home even if you're not able to call them yourself.
• Always seek out a reputable alarm installer.

• You'll hear a thousand different ideas for the best hiding place for your spare house key, but you'll never find a spot that a burglar hasn't thought of.
• Instead, give your spare key to a neighbour.
• If you're expecting service people while you're away, a neighbour can let them in and see them out.
• A key exchange also establishes a mutual trust with your neighbour, which is an important security strategy in and of itself.

• They prefer to break in during the day.
• They hate barking dogs.
• They'll come right up to your front door and knock. As long as they look like they have some reason to be there, they don't attract suspicion.
• They don't care if your income is modest. Don't think that you're safe just because you're not swimming in diamonds or valuable art. Criminals break in because they want small, easy-to-grab and easy-to-sell items like laptops, watches, and small electronic devices.

It can feel a bit grim to think about burglary, but taking some simple precautions is a lot better than dealing with the aftermath of a break-in. Use these simple tips to safeguard your home and enjoy a little extra peace of mind.