Burglaries are no longer a strange thing to many households. Even in crowded residential areas, break-ins and robberies still occur. Many households still do not install security systems or alarms. Many people do not even lock their doors before entering the house. In addition to closing and locking the door carefully, there are many other useful ways that can help you effectively prevent theft.

1. Do not post information about your location on social networks

Everyone loves to share their lives on social media, but posting your current location can be dangerous. Thieves who are “eyeing” your home may also be monitoring your posts. Therefore, limit “check-ins” or letting outsiders know about your upcoming trips. In addition, sharing your daily personal habits is also something to avoid, as it will give thieves a good idea of when to break in.

2. Keep the radio or music playing when leaving the house

Most burglars will knock or ring the doorbell before deciding to break in. If they don’t hear any sounds, they’ll just walk in. Things like the TV or music playing from inside can deter a burglar and make them think someone is home. If you’re away from home for an extended period of time, like on vacation, you can buy a smart plug and turn the radio on and off remotely.

3. Park near the driveway

If you plan to leave for a few days or even weeks, your empty driveway can be an invitation to thieves. You can ask a neighbor to park near your driveway to hide from would-be thieves. You can also ask a family member to stop by your home occasionally to check on your property.

4. Shred and destroy important documents you no longer need

Identity theft may sound like something that only happens in the movies, but it’s actually not uncommon in real life. Documents containing financial information, personal details, or even junk mail can be targeted by thieves. So, get rid of any documents you no longer need. If you still need them, store them in a safe place where thieves are unlikely to find them.

5. Apply anti-peeping film to your windows

Security films are usually made of thin, transparent plastic, making it impossible for outsiders to see inside. These films can often be adjusted to your liking, depending on the level of privacy you want. It will be difficult for burglars to see the interior and images inside your home when these security films are present.

6. Place fake items in places where thieves are likely to “visit”

Some burglars “ignore” alarms or security cameras to break into your home. They will act as quickly as possible and take whatever they find before the police arrive. Since they don’t have much time, they will look for the most common places to hide their valuables, such as bedside tables or closets. You can put a box with some fake money, jewelry, and meaningless papers in it, to fool the burglar into thinking they have stolen valuables.

7. Hang a large house number

Burglars often choose houses with addresses that are not easy to find. That is why it is very useful to display your house number on a large board on the front wall of your house. In case of an emergency, the police will also be able to identify your house much more easily. Therefore, the chances of catching the thief in time will also be higher.

8. Do not post pictures with keys

Sometimes keys can slip into the frame without the photographer noticing. This can also put the homeowner at risk. A stalker can make a copy of a key from just a photo. With a key scanning app, a thief can make a copy and use it to break into a home.

9. Make friends with your neighbors

Burglaries are rare in close-knit neighborhoods. As people get to know each other, they become more concerned about the health and well-being of those living near them. When you are away, your neighbors will also keep an eye out for suspicious people lurking outside your home.

10. Place a cup of nuts behind the door

Whether you’re home or away, place a cup full of seeds behind your front door. If someone opens the door unexpectedly, they’ll spill the seeds everywhere. Even if they try to clean them up, they’ll probably miss a few. Knowing exactly how many seeds are in the cup will help you know if someone has invaded your space. This is also an alternative to an alarm. If you hear the seeds falling on the floor, you’ll know right away that there’s a suspicious “uninvited guest” in your home.