How long do you think it takes to recover emotionally after a home invasion? A Crime Survey for England and Wales took to the streets to answer that question. On average, they found it takes about 8 months to feel safe again.

Despite that, a whopping 1 out of 8 victims never recover.

With that in mind, preventing home invasions should be a top priority for you and your family. After all, your property and peace of mind are at stake. Read on to learn five tips to help you stay safe throughout 2021.

  1. Secure the Doors

It might come as a surprise, but most burglars gain access to homes through the front door. Whether you leave it locked or not, it will likely be an invader’s first target.

One of the best tips to avoid an invasion is to keep your doors secure. First, invest in secure deadbolt locks. You should also consider adding a door chain for double the protection.

On top of these measures, consider getting some strike plates. These will prevent any angry invader from kicking in your doors.

You’ll also need to perform regular maintenance on your doors. Make sure the frames are secure. Otherwise, your entire door can get pried off its hinges.

  1. Light it Up

There’s a good reason why invaders are often associated with the dark. Criminals use the dark to their advantage, so let there be light!

Make sure to turn on some lights in your home even during the night. This makes invaders believe that someone is home and awake. You should also put some motion-activated lights outside, too.

  1. Keep Your Valuables Private

Are you making your home look like the perfect target to potential home invaders? If you’ve got expensive equipment within view, then you are likely doing just that.

Instead, keep your valuable private. Store them away in the garage or shed. Never let potential invaders see items like your bicycle, grill, or 4-wheeler.

  1. Get to Know Your Neighbors

A good neighbour gives you the privacy you deserve, but they also watch your back, too. Get to know your neighbours to prevent any future home invasion. After all, your neighbours can alert police if a stranger is lurking in your bushes or kicking down your door.

  1. Invest in an Alarm System

If you’re still concerned, then you should invest in a home security system. With an alarm, you’ll get notified about any potential break-in situation.

Most alarm systems connect you to emergency services ASAP. Are you curious to learn more about how alarms work?

Prevent Home Invasions With These Tips

Home invasions are costly. Not only can you lose valuable property, but you can suffer mentally, too. After an invasion, you might struggle with anxiety, fear, and even PTSD.

Use the tips above to help you feel safe and secure in your own home. Preventing home invasions is easier than ever in 2021.

Are you looking for more home-worthy tips to keep your space fresh and safe? If so, then we’ve got all the resources you’re looking for. Keep browsing through our magazine for more of our best articles.