Common Home Security Mistakes – A List To Avoid

Overview Of Home Security Mistakes

Published: 14-Oct-2024

This article is for home owners that have no security systems or even a basic information about home security.

Why does this happen?

People tend to believe that nothing is going to happen to their home.

A burglar will break in someone else house. They simply don’t leave a smallest chance that this could happen to them as well.

I have a friend who never locks his house.

“There is always someone in the streets, a familiar neighbor, and we have a strong community in my town”, he was always saying.

Guest what?

One of these neighbors “visited” his house and my friend lost a TV, PC and some jewelry.

Now he has a professional security equipment.

There are plenty of things we think we’re doing right, but small mistakes can leave us vulnerable.

I’m going to walk you through some of the most frequent home security errors for different types of properties.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to look out for, and you’ll be better prepared to take proactive steps in making your home safer.

I divided this article by a property type:

• House
• Apartment
• Garden

For instance, here is an overview of these mistakes for the house:

Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or have a garden that needs securing, it’s important to recognize the common security oversights many people make.

I’ll point out the common mistakes that I’ve seen people make time and time again (like my friend did).

Before we start

Let’s get started with some basics that can make a big difference in keeping intruders away, regardless of the type of property you own or rent.

The first thing to remember is that good security is all about layering protections — each layer adds another obstacle for potential burglars.

Whether it’s lighting, locks, or even how we handle outdoor spaces, everything contributes to overall safety.

The good news is that most of these problems are easy to fix once we understand where we’re going wrong.

You’ll be surprised at how a few small changes can make your home far less attractive to criminals!

For a house

When it comes to securing a house, many people think having locks on doors is enough, but there’s much more to consider.

Let’s go over some of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen homeowners make and how to fix them.

1. Neglecting to Secure All Doors and Windows

We often focus on the front door and forget about other entry points, like side or back doors and windows.

Even second-story windows are not always as secure as they should be. Criminals know this and tend to look for the easiest way in.

》What you can do:

Make sure all doors, including garage doors, have strong deadbolts and are locked every time you leave the house—even if just for a few minutes.

Consider upgrading windows with locks or window sensors, especially those that are easily accessible from the outside.

2. Overlooking Outdoor Lighting

A poorly lit exterior is like an open invitation for burglars. Intruders love dark spots where they can work without being seen.

》What you can do:

Install motion-activated lights around your house, especially near entrances like back doors, side gates, and garage doors. If you already have lighting, check that it covers all vulnerable areas of your property.

3. Leaving the Garage Unsecured

It’s easy to forget about the garage, but this is one of the more common entry points for burglars.

People often leave garage doors open or unsecured, or they fail to lock the door leading from the garage into the house.

》What you can do:

Always close your garage door, even when you’re home. Upgrade to a smart garage door opener if possible, and make sure the door between the garage and your home has a sturdy lock.

4. Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Places

This is an old trick burglars know all too well.

Leaving a spare key under the doormat, in a plant pot, or under a fake rock makes it easy for someone to walk right in.

》What you can do:

Instead of hiding a key, consider installing a lockbox or smart lock. If you need to provide access to someone, like a house cleaner or babysitter, it’s much safer to use temporary codes or smart keys that can be deactivated.

5. Not Investing in a Security System

Many homeowners delay installing a security system, thinking it’s unnecessary or too expensive.

However, even a basic system can act as a powerful deterrent.

》What you can do:

Consider investing in a home security system, even a DIY one. Look for systems that include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras.

For an apartment

Apartments may feel more secure than houses due to shared building security, but there are still common mistakes that tenants make.

Let’s go over the most important things to avoid.

1. Relying Too Much on Building Security

Many apartment dwellers rely on the building’s main security system, like locked entry doors or a doorman, and forget about securing their own unit.

》What you can do:

Even if your building has security, install extra measures like a door brace, peephole camera, or chain lock. These added layers can make a big difference if someone gets past the main entrance.

2. Forgetting About Balcony Doors and Windows

People often think higher floors are safe from break-ins, but balconies, especially those near fire escapes or adjacent buildings, can be easy targets.

》What you can do:

Install locks and security sensors on all balcony doors and accessible windows, no matter what floor you’re on. This small addition can prevent intruders from slipping into your apartment unnoticed.

3. Not Using a Peephole or Camera to Verify Visitors

It’s tempting to open the door for every knock or buzz, especially in apartment buildings, but this can be risky.

》What you can do:

Always check who is at the door before opening it. A smart doorbell or peephole camera lets you see who’s there without having to physically approach the door.

4. Propping Open Common Entry Doors

Sometimes it’s easier to prop open the building’s entry door when carrying groceries or letting a friend in, but this compromises security for everyone.

》What you can do:

Make it a habit to close all shared doors immediately after entering or exiting. If you see someone leaving doors open regularly, report it to building management.

5. Leaving Valuable Items in Plain Sight

Even in an apartment, leaving valuable items like electronics or jewelry visible through windows makes it easy for potential burglars to decide if your home is worth targeting.

》What you can do:

Use curtains or blinds to block views into your apartment, especially in rooms where valuables are kept. This simple action reduces temptation for thieves.

For a garden

Gardens and outdoor spaces need just as much attention when it comes to security.

Many people make the mistake of treating their garden as a low-priority area, but it can actually be a key point of vulnerability.

1. Weak Perimeter Fencing

If your garden doesn’t have strong fencing or gates, it’s easy for intruders to gain access to your property without being noticed.

》What you can do:

Make sure your garden is enclosed by a sturdy fence, and lock gates with secure padlocks. You can also add trellises or plant thorny bushes around vulnerable spots for extra deterrence.

2. Poor Lighting

Dark gardens provide cover for anyone trying to approach your house unnoticed. Many people forget to light up these outdoor spaces properly.

》What you can do:

Install solar-powered lights or motion-activated lighting around your garden, especially near gates and sheds. This ensures that anyone walking through the area will be easily spotted.

3. Leaving Tools and Equipment Out

Garden tools, ladders, and other equipment left out in the open can be used by burglars to break into your home.

》What you can do:

Lock up all tools, ladders, and garden equipment in a shed or storage box. If possible, secure your shed with a padlock and include it in your security system.

4. Unmonitored Garden Areas

Many people install cameras at the front of their home but forget to cover the back garden, which can be a prime entry point for burglars.

》What you can do:

Place cameras in your garden, particularly near entrances like gates and back doors. This will give you full visibility of any activity around your property.

5. Overgrown Bushes and Trees

Tall or overgrown plants can create hiding spots for intruders, making it easier for them to approach without being seen.

》What you can do:

Keep your landscaping trimmed and well-maintained. Avoid planting large bushes near windows or doors, and trim back any trees that could give burglars easy access to the upper levels of your home.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Proactive

Home security is about more than just locking doors — it’s about creating a multi-layered defense that makes your property less attractive to burglars.

By taking a few simple steps, like securing all access points, improving lighting, and being mindful of outdoor spaces, you can significantly reduce your risk of a break-in.

Remember, the goal is to make it as difficult as possible for intruders to target your home.

Keep your eyes open, and don’t underestimate the power of small security improvements.