A Step-by-Step Guide To Improving Your Home’s Security On A Budget

Peace of mind in your own home shouldn’t come at a premium. The reality is, that even modest improvements to your home security can significantly deter burglaries.

Statistics show that a well-secured home is far less likely to be targeted. According to a 2022 report by the FBI, homes with visible security measures were 23.8% less likely to be burglarized.

For many homeowners, keeping all these safe is a priority. But how do you go about it, especially considering the high cost of living? Which smart home security systems do you go for to help secure your apartment?

In this guide, we’ll explore simple and budget-friendly ways to enhance your home security, along with some essential tips to outsmart potential burglars.

Key Considerations For A Secure Home

Investing in a DIY smart home security system is a no-brainer for any security-conscious person. Luckily, the emergence of doorbell and pinhole video cameras means you can play a significant role in reducing apartment and residential burglaries.

For example, data from the Council on Criminal Justice shows that residential burglaries reduced by an average of 3.8% in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. While this is a notable improvement, the truth is that a home burglary occurs every 15 to 30 seconds. These statistics point to the need to install a smart home security solution!

To Secure Your Home, Think Like A Burglar

Are you interested in learning how to improve home security? Why not start by understanding how the mind of your everyday home burglar works? Installing a security camera in your apartment will often be a deterrent.

On the other hand, installing cameras all over your property may imply that there are valuables worth stealing, according to a KGW News report on home burglaries. You can’t afford to rely on cameras alone and may need to incorporate other items into your system.

Examples of such items include good lighting, alarms going off, and radio and TV noises. To get a better understanding of how a burglar’s mind works, you may want to check out the following resources:

• Science Daily – Learn How to Protect Your Home from this Burglar Tell-All
• Psychology Today – What Does a Thief See When They Look at Your House?
• Readers Digest – Discover Must-Have Burglar Secrets

How To Secure Your Home On A Budget

1. Strengthen entry points

Secure your entry points by confirming that the locks work. If you don’t have a deadbolt, get one. Include a deadbolt protector to make it impossible to turn the dial. Replace flimsy door hardware with high-quality deadbolts.

For added security, consider the Aqara Smart Door Lock A100 Zigbee. This keyless lock offers fingerprint and password access, along with remote locking and access control via the Aqara app.

2. Install smart door locks

Clever lock picks can easily tamper with flimsy door locks, especially those lacking deadbolts. Smart locks eliminate the need for physical keys, offering greater control and convenience. Aqara’s smart door locks can be integrated with other Aqara devices to create automated security routines, like automatically locking your door when your security system is armed.

Our Smart Door Lock N100 Zigbee allows you to secure your doors in multiple ways. It is equipped with the 10-digit keypad that is hidden for your protection. Your enabled password can be accompanied by dummy symbols that will conceal your passcode from anyone peeping.

This smart door lock has 3 password modes: Permanent (non-expiry 6-digit password), Temporary password (generated from Aqara Home app even without Wi-Fi) and Regular (which can be activated during a specified period of time.)

You can also open the lock using other options like a fingerprint unlock, mechanical key, NFC, and HomeKit Unlock. You won’t ever have to worry about break-ins, forgotten keys, or lockouts.

3. Secure entryways with motion sensors

No burglars want to be caught. Experienced burglars will flee the moment they notice a bright light on their faces. Motion sensors detect movement within a designated area, triggering alerts and potentially scaring off intruders. Installing the Aqara Motion Sensor P1 is an excellent way to monitor your home from afar and sound the alarm in case of trouble.

4. Strengthen your windows

Don’t underestimate the importance of securing windows. Confirm that your windows are secure, too. Every window, from the sublevel egress windows to the upstairs bedroom windows, should be secured in the same way you have secured the front door.

Install window locks or security bars on vulnerable windows, especially those on ground floors. Including an Aqara Door and Window Sensor in your setup can help put your mind at ease.

5. Install presence sensors and alarm systems

Consider strategic placement of presence sensors, particularly in high-traffic areas. This is another way to go about protecting your apartment.

The sensors detect activity and can trigger alarms or lights, deterring potential intruders. Aqara offers a range of sensors and alarm systems that can be seamlessly integrated with their smart home hub for a comprehensive security solution.

Our Presence Sensor FP2 has multi-ecosystem support and ultra-high precision. It can detect up to five people simultaneously and will capture even the slightest of movements.

6. Get a security camera and video doorbell

Installing a security camera or video doorbell allows you to remotely monitor your home’s exterior. Security and doorbell cameras like the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4, offer an inexpensive way to protect your home. It provides a cost-effective option, offering 1080p HD resolution, night vision, and two-way audio communication.

These cameras are always around, even when you’re on vacation. With a smart integration, you can see who is trying to enter your home, even from a remote location.

7. Use automation for your smart home devices remotely

Investing in a home security suite is the ultimate in-home protection. Automation allows the devices to turn on or off at pre-programmed times and can even summon authorities on your behalf. What’s more, you can monitor them remotely via an app.

Other Things You Can Do To Prevent Burglaries

• Have a guard dog: Dogs offer more than companionship. They bark when they see unfamiliar people coming to the house, alerting them of intruders.
• Be careful who you let inside your home: Not everyone around you, including your employees, has the best intentions. Try to monitor those working for you, and lock away all valuables.
• Thoroughly background check contractors: Ask for references before hiring any new contractor. Also, check your possessions at the end of each workday.
• Get to know your neighbors: It never hurts to be friendly with your neighbors. These are the people who can come to your aid if you’re away and someone tries to break into your home.
• Always lock your doors, windows, and potential gateways: This is the most inexpensive way to protect your home. Remember, easy access invites burglars and intruders.
• Avoid accepting unsolicited help: Don’t let service workers into your home if you aren’t the one who has called them. Not everyone claiming to be a service worker is who they are.
• Discard your trash responsibly: Your trash can give away clues about what you have in your home. Clues can include packaging for expensive items, thus inviting burglars to steal them.
• Don’t talk about vacation plans (especially online): Sharing travel plans on social media can make you an easy target. Whenever possible, try to limit the number of people who have access to your vacation plans. Also, don’t post photos until you get home.
• Maintain a well-lit home: Burglars like to frequent dark areas because they have good hiding spots. Light your home exterior using smart lights that can come on at pre-programmed times.
• Keep your outdoors well-kept: Trimming your bushes every few months will help eliminate potential hiding spots. Besides, a well-kept home shows that people are living in it.

Where To Buy Smart Home Security Devices

Implementing smart home security systems doesn’t need to be an expensive undertaking. Using the above tips, you can learn how to boost your apartment security and safeguard your family, pets, and other possessions.

Aqara is a leading provider of smart home security solutions and has everything from smart door locks to smart hubs and cameras. Visit our “Where To Buy” page to start learn more about how you can protect yourself from the unimaginable.