Protect Your Home From Intruders: The Defense 101 Guide

Did you know more than one million burglaries occur in the U.S. every year? Nobody thinks it will happen to them, which is why so many people are unprepared. Home security isn’t easy, but it can be effective if you take threats seriously and know your property’s strengths and weaknesses.

In this guide, we’ll take you through all the devices and strategies you need to protect your home from intruders.

Must-Have Security Devices

Let’s start with the must-have security devices that every homeowner should know. You might already have one or two of them, but they’re most effective when they all work together.

1. 24/7 Monitored Security System

Despite the high number of home invasions, a whopping 75% of houses don’t have security systems. A security system with 24/7 monitoring should be the first item on your list. Many home security companies offer generous packages with cameras, motion detectors and other helpful devices.
The most important feature to include is mobile alerts. Most intrusions occur when the homeowner isn’t around, so you need to have a constant point of contact with your security provider. The company will call or send an emergency alert if the security system identifies suspicious activity, which will allow you and the authorities to act quickly.

2. Motion-Activated Floodlights

In addition to your home security system, you can add your own motion-activated floodlights to illuminate your whole property. Criminals prefer to operate under the cover of darkness, so you need bright lights to expose their activity. Floodlights specialize in covering wide landscapes, leaving you with nowhere to hide.

Your property’s layout will determine how effective the floodlights are. You should install them in the most vulnerable places, such as the front porch and backyard, to ensure they cover maximum space. In these locations, the activated lights will draw tons of attention and scare the culprits away.

3. Video Doorbell

While many homes don’t have a complete security system, they have gotten one thing right — video doorbells. These devices are one of the most popular items on the market today, capturing tons of interesting footage outside people’s front doors. They’ve also helped homeowners prevent vandalism, burglaries, kidnappings and many other crimes.

Smart home doorbells provide mobile alerts, which will perfectly coincide with your main security system. If your doorbell doesn’t film anything unusual, that’s a good thing. It means porch pirates and other criminals know you’re watching them. Once they see the camera staring back at them, they’ll do a complete 180 and look for another target.

4. New Deadbolt Locks

Many people overlook the importance of strong door locks. If a criminal manages to get past your cameras and lights, your door locks are the only things stopping them from gaining entry. That’s why you should get new heavy-duty deadbolt locks ASAP. As the name suggests, the metal bolts can’t be moved by force once you lock them into place. You’ll sleep much better knowing your doors have proper reinforcement.

5. Interior Motion Sensors

You also need some interior security devices in case a successful break-in occurs. Put motion sensors around all of your entrances, including windows. They will silently detect the presence of intruders and send an automatic alert to your security provider. Just make sure they aren’t too obvious, or else an experienced burglar could dodge them.

Home Defense Strategies

Security devices only complete half of the picture. You also need to practice smart habits to avoid making your house vulnerable. Let’s talk about some basic home defense strategies that will help you protect your belongings.

6. Hide Your Valuables 

If you leave electronics, medicine, jewelry and other precious items around the house, your house is an attractive target for thieves. You should put your valuables out of sight whenever you leave the house. Some people use safes or buy furniture with secret compartments that only close family members know about.

This advice also applies to any self-defense weapons you may have. If you have several firearms, it’s best to keep them secured in different places around the house so you’re prepared to stop an intruder at all times. However, you should never leave your guns out in the open. Keep them in secure locations out of the reach of children and don’t tell anyone else where they are.

7. Tidy Up the Landscaping

Burglars often look for thick trees and bushes to hide in. Unkempt landscaping also suggests that the homeowners are negligent and lazy, which makes the home even more inviting to thieves. On the other hand, a mowed lawn, well-tended garden and trimmed trees demonstrate that you’re responsible and spend lots of time outside. Tidy landscaping keeps criminals away.

8. Communicate With Neighbors

Home security is a community effort. If you trust your neighbors, ask them to keep an eye on your property when you’re not around. They can mow your lawn, collect your mail and do other small tasks to make it seem like you’re still home. Of course, you need to reciprocate this generosity and watch your neighbors’ houses in return.

9. Don’t Overshare on Social Media

Lastly, be careful not to overshare on social media. Don’t talk about your daily routine or upcoming travel plans. Avoid taking pictures that show your property’s valuables and general layout. Burglars scour social media all the time for people who share too much personal information. Always stop and consider the consequences before making a post.

Start Taking Home Security Seriously

Home invasions happen when you least expect them. You can’t afford to slack off on home security for a single day — take it seriously at all times so an intruder never catches you off guard. These devices and strategies will make you a master in home defense and set an example for other homeowners in your community.

How to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away

Whether you’re heading out on a work trip or packing your suitcase for your vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is the protection of your home. While summertime is the most popular time for break-ins, being prepared all year long will alleviate the stress of leaving. There are ways to protect your home inside and out, so let’s look at ways to keep your home safe while you’re away.

1. Make It Look Like Someone Is Home

On average, there are 2.5 million burglaries that occur every year. To avoid being a part of local crime statistics, try to make it look like you’re home when you are not. You can use timers to turn lights on and off during the day and night. When your house is dark for days, it can signal to burglars that no one is home, creating the perfect opportunity for them to attempt breaking in.You can take it even further by setting timers for your TV to automatically turn on so it makes it more believable. Ensure your grass is freshly cut and strategically position your blinds so it doesn’t expose expensive furniture or other household items. You can have a loved one or neighbor stop by to collect the mail and newspapers so they don’t pile up and give the impression of vacancy.

2. Don’t Share Social Media Posts

Although sharing your beautiful vacation with others can be tempting, you should never broadcast your location on social media. Even if you only share with your friends and family, you should not leave any room for potential break-ins. Try saving the posts until after your vacation so there are no risks to sharing your beautiful photos.

If you can’t wait to post your vacation photos, try taking extra precautions when posting. Be sure to remove geotags from your post and switch off the automatic geotagging feature in the camera app. You can make a private story that your closest friends and family can see and post them publicly after you return home.

3. Lock Up Your Garage

Whether there’s an entrance to your home from your garage or not, it’s still important to lock up. There are lots of things that could get stolen in a garage alone. Plus, you may be leaving your car in it for a long period of time. Locking your car in the garage instead of on the street creates an obstacle if that’s their target.

When you keep your car locked up, it’s out of sight and out of mind, especially if you own expensive classic cars, which are easier to break into than modern cars. Even if you keep your vehicle in the garage for safety reasons, be sure it’s also locked up. It can create another boundary, especially if you have important information or items in your car.

4. Remove Your Spare Key

Even if you think you’ve found a perfectly clever spot to hide your spare key outdoors, it’s probably best to remove it. Around 34% of burglars use the front door to break into a home. Criminals who have been in the game for a while will take extra time to look for hidden keys because they’re one of the easiest ways to get into someone’s home.

Leaving your key out is like handing it to criminals yourself, so take it inside before going away.

5. Recruit a Friend

Try contacting a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to check up on your home a couple of times. Not only can it show that people are in the house, but it can also give you peace of mind while away. You can give this person your spare key in the meantime to ensure everything inside looks good as well.

Instruct them to call the local authorities if they come across a situation where it seems like your stuff might've been broken into. You can also give them your information about where you are staying in case they cannot get ahold of you in another way. It’s always nice to have someone affirm everything is OK at home while relaxing or trying to get work done when you’re away.

6. Secure Your Valuables

The last thing you want to have is wallets, jewelry, or expensive appliances out on display. Although they’re inside your house, having them within easy view of windows can confirm to a criminal that they should target your home. Storing them in a safe place and out of sight may steer them away since nothing is jumping out to them.

Try investing in a safe or lockbox. They come in many different sizes depending on how large your valuables are and how many you wish to lock up. This ensures extra protection for high-value items that could be a tremendous loss.

7. Lock Up

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s necessary to be on your checklist before heading out the door. You may be so excited daydreaming about the brilliant place you will be in the next couple of hours and completely forget to lock up various areas of your home. Not only should you lock up your front door, but double-check the other possible entrances to your home, too.

Remember to lock things like windows, pet doors, and mail slots since it can create easier access. Small openings allow burglars to reach in and unlock the doors from the outside. You can even disconnect automatic garage doors and use a padlock for extra protection.

Keep Your Home Safe

No matter where you live or how long you will be gone, there is no harm in ensuring your home is as safe as possible. Taking steps to protect your home and valuable items will ultimately pay off.

The Different Types of Sensors That Protect You When Operating an Automatic Gate

True automated gate systems use vehicle and pedestrian sensors to ensure the safety and security of individuals nearby. Without a sensor, automatic gates can and will close on vehicles or pedestrians. In some cases, sensors are used to hold open gates until the vehicle pathway is clear. In other cases, sensors are used to open gates, with pedestrian sensors preventing moving gates from closing on pedestrians. There are several types of sensors used to control automatic gates. Below, TORXUN describes four of the most common ones and how they work.

Magnetic Loop Sensors

To make magnetic loop sensors work, a wire is placed within the vehicle drive lane. Magnetic loop sensors come in three variations: pre-formed direct burial, pre-formed saw cut, and hand-wired loops.

Pre-formed direct burial loops are embedded below the roadway surface and installed prior to the concrete or asphalt being placed. Pre-formed saw-cut loops are installed into a saw cut that is cut into existing concrete or asphalt surfaces. When installing a non-preformed loop, the installer places a jacketed wire into a saw cut. All loops placed in saw cuts require a filler to seal and protect the wire, which runs from the loop to the gate operator. The gate operator requires a loop detector for each function. Once the loop wire is connected to the loop detector and is powered up, the loop generates a magnetic field that will detect the presence of a vehicle.

Depending on the function of the loop, an exiting vehicle will pass over the “exit loop” to open the gate. A professional installer would also install safety loops; a proper installation would also have one safety loop on each side of the gate. The safety loops will hold the gate in the open position until the vehicle clears the gate opening. Typically, the space between the two safety loops is no greater than 16 feet. The idea being that you don’t want a vehicle to stop in any area within the gate without being on a loop. Larger gate opening requires a shadow loop.

A shadow loop is essentially a safety loop that is only active when the gates are in the fully open position. Remember that the loops react to metal, so metal gates cannot open over a loop. There need to be 3 to 4 feet between the gate and a loop.

Radar Movement Sensors

You can use radar movement sensors to detect moving objects within a particular area. These sensors are adept at detecting movement, but one downside is that they won't detect anything that’s stationary.

Motion Detectors

Another type of sensor that opens automatic gates is the motion detector. Motion detectors sense movement directly in front of the gate. These sensors work similarly to radar movement sensors but have a more limited range. Like radar movement sensors, motion detectors can only detect things that are moving.

Infrared Sensors

There are two types of infrared sensors: passive and active. Both sensors use thermal imaging to detect people and objects in the sensor's range. The difference between the two is that passive IR sensors only detect infrared radiation; active IR sensors emit and detect it. Passive sensors store an infrared image and open the gate when that thermal image changes. Active sensors activate when an object reflects the infrared radiation emitted by the sensor.

These gates require a fair amount of setup to ensure they operate correctly, but they work excellently once installed and configured.

At TORXUN, we create top-of-the-line automated gate systems. Our gate format is the fastest-growing in the industry; it's also one of the most versatile and user-friendly. Whether you need a parking solution, a pedestrian solution, or just want a reliable heavy-duty gate for your property, TORXUN can help. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home Security

If you're not currently protecting your home with a security system, now is the time to do so. But, if you can't afford a security system or you're renting and can't install one, there are still things you can do to boost your home security. 

Get to Know Your Neighbors

One of the best ways to deter burglars is to have a good relationship with your neighbors. When your neighbors are looking out for your home, it's much more difficult for burglars to break in unnoticed. Make an effort to get to know your neighbors and let them know when you'll be out of town so they can keep an eye on your home. 

Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked—Even When You're Home

It may seem like common sense, but many people fail to lock their doors and windows when they're home. This one simple step could save you from being burglarized. To make it a habit, try checking your doors and windows before going to bed. This quick check could make all the difference. 

Invest in Timers for Your Lights 

When you go on vacation, it's important to make it look like someone is still home—even if there isn't anyone there. One of the easiest ways to do this is by investing in timers for your lights. That way, even when you're away from home, it will look like someone is inside flipping switches and walking from room to room. 

Install Window Film

One simple and effective security measure is to install window film. Window film is a clear or tinted adhesive film that is applied to glass surfaces. Experts like FROST SHADES OF THE UPSTATE SC can have this film quickly and easily installed.  It provides a number of benefits, including increased privacy and security. The film makes it more difficult for would-be criminals to see into your home, and it also makes it more difficult for them to shatter the glass and gain entry. In addition, window film can help to block harmful UV rays, reducing glare and helping to keep your home cool in summer. 

Don't Post Your Travel Plans on Social Media 

If you're planning a trip, resist the urge to post about it on social media until after you've returned home. When burglars see that you're going to be out of town for an extended period of time, they see it as an opportunity to break into your home without being caught. By waiting until after your trip to post about it on social media, you reduce the risk of being burglarized while you're away. 

Protecting your home doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. By following these five simple tips, you can make it much more difficult for burglars to break into your home—keeping yourself, your family, and your belongings safe in the process. So don't wait another day—implement these security measures now and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is better protected against burglars