News reports of rising crime rates are becoming increasingly common, leaving homeowners and businesses alike feeling concerned. Luckily, there are a wide variety of security solutions available on the market to suit every budget. By following a few simple strategies, you can help protect yourself and your belongings from theft and crime.

· Install a Security System – Security systems are one of the most effective ways to protect your home. Many systems include motion detection, video surveillance, as well as two-way communication.

· Be Unpredictable – Burglars love routine. Using smart home devices, it’s easy to create unpredictable patterns for lights and sound. Leave a car in the driveway if you’re traveling as well, that makes it look like the home is occupied.

· Think Like a Criminal – Spend some time looking at your home and identify the weak points. Secure all doors and windows. Lock all entry points and be creative with a hidden key. Look for hidden entry points; where would you try and break-in? Do you have dark areas that are not visible from the street?

· When was the last time you changed your locks? – Did you change your locks when you moved in to your home? How about when someone moved out? Who was ever given a key copy? If any of your answers make you feel uncomfortable, it is time to switch out your locks- which is easy enough to do by yourself.

Finally, don’t make it easy for the criminals to track your movements. Refrain from advertising your trips on social media until you’ve returned and consider asking a friend or neighbor to visit your home occasionally while you’re gone. The more your home seems occupied, the less appealing it will be to criminals.