Four Ways to Make It Harder to Break Into Your Home
News about a gang of tech-savvy Los Angeles thieves breaking into homes using smart security systems has been all over the news this month. There are several ways to strengthen your smart security system (specifically, hardening it if possible), but the reality is that even the best security system only works when combined with real-world practices. Note that these steps can be taken by anyone—you don’t need a smart home.
Place electronic trackers on your valuables
AirTags will be difficult to attach to small items like jewelry or a valuable baseball, but if you can hide a tracking device like an AirTag, you should, according to the LAPD. AirTags aren’t the only option: Tile makes similar products, and there’s a whole world of NFC tags that have a shorter range but can be used for tracking in the same way as AirTags and don’t require batteries.
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Apple AirTag 4 Pack: $79.99.
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Set of 50 NFC tags: $9.99.
Make it harder to penetrate
Anyone who has ever locked themselves out of an apartment with a sliding glass door will tell you that it is impossible to break a metal rod stuck in the door from the inside – a simple but impenetrable method. Similar physical barriers, such as locking bars on windows, gates, railings and fences, provide another layer of prevention. They do not make penetration impossible; they only make things more difficult. This may cause the break-in to take longer or cause more noise, giving you and your neighbors more opportunities to notice.
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Sliding Door Security Bar: $19.99.
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Window Guard: $19.99.
Stop telling everyone everything
You think you just posted an envy-inducing photo of yourself flying to heaven, but in reality, you let the world know that you won’t be home for a few days. By posting on social media in real time, you create a security risk. After her famous Paris heist, even Kim Kardashian stopped posting in real time and began deleting her location, declaring, “People really knew my every move, they knew what I had, they knew where I was, what I was doing.” . Consider using social media tools that limit who sees your posts and keep them to your circle of trusted real-world friends, or better yet, retroactively publish posts. Write about your vacation as soon as you get home.
Use smart technologies
Let’s say your smart security system is a collection of smart cameras, interior window and door sensors, and smart locks. You can include additional security in the form of sensors, lighting, and other smart outdoor devices. Connect a motion sensor to the sprinklers. Use an occupancy sensor along the side of your home to detect people rather than motion, then install an alarm or light so it turns off when it is hit. In fact, motion activated lighting should be an integral part of your home security plan. You can add a layer of security to these systems by installing a padlock on your external circuit breaker.
Motion Detection Sprinkler: $75.99.
Occupancy Sensor: $82.99.
Smart Ring Tracks: $139.99.
A comprehensive prevention method is your best choice
None of these methods are perfect solutions; they simply add layers of protection. Overall, each step makes it a little harder for someone to break in, but your house isn’t the White House, so if someone wants to break in and has the skills, they’ll probably do it. For this reason, it is also a good idea to document everything in your home for insurance purposes.