How to Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars: 30+ Tips

You don't need a massive budget or advanced technical skills to protect your house. Try some of the following tips to keep your home safe from burglars, such as covering physical barriers, implementing a few smart daily habits, and installing the right technology, and you will dramatically reduce the risk of break-ins and gain peace of mind.

Although the rate of breaking and entering has been declining in Canada over the past few years, there are still plenty of incidents, so it's important to make sure that your house is protected so you can rest assured you're safe.

So, how to keep your home safe from burglars? Let's find out.

Quick Takeaways: How to Keep Your Home Safe from Burglars

If you only have time to improve a few things today, start with these high-impact security upgrades:

• Lock every door and window before leaving or going to bed.
• Install quality deadbolts with reinforced strike plates.
• Add motion-sensor lighting around entry points.
• Secure sliding glass doors with a security bar.
• Make your home appear occupied when you're away.
• Consider installing a visible security camera or alarm system.

How and When Burglars Target Homes?

Although at first we might think that most burglaries happen at night, the truth is that most residential break-ins happen on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when houses are empty. Here are some details you need to know about break-ins:

• Opportunistic vs. deliberate: Most burglars are opportunistic and enter through unlocked doors or windows. Others are more deliberate, which means they watch the residents' routines over several days before choosing a target.
• Common entry points: Front door (~34%), back door (~22%), first-floor windows (~23%), and the attached garage door (~9%).
• Digital clues: Over 75% of convicted burglars have admitted to using social media and tools like Google Street View to confirm a homeowner is away or to spot valuables.
• Layered defense: A layered approach is effective in protecting homes from burglars. Key strategies for home security include reinforcing entry points and using technology like security cameras and alarm systems.

The good news is that you don't need to implement every security measure at once. Most burglars look for the easiest possible target, so even a handful of well-chosen improvements can make your home significantly less attractive. Start by securing your main entry points, then work your way through the rest of the house over time.

30+ Practical Tips to Protect Your Home From Burglars

Here are 30+ tips that can help you protect your home and yourself from break-ins.

Secure Doors, Door Hardware, and the Front Entry

Many criminals simply try the front door or kick it in, which makes front door strength one of the most impactful home upgrades you can make to improve security.

• Solid doors only: Replace any hollow-core exterior door with a solid-core wood or steel door on the front, back, and side entries. A hollow door can be breached with a single kick.
• Deadbolts and strike plates: Upgrading locks to high-quality deadbolts can enhance front door security. Install a deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw and use 3-inch screws that anchor into wall studs, not just the door frame. Add a reinforced strike plate to resist forced entry.
• Hinge placement: Front door hinges should be on the inside. If hinges face outward, replace them with security hinges that have non-removable pins so a burglar cannot simply pop the pins to gain entry.
• Multiple lock layers: Pair your deadbolt with smart locks, a vertical security bar, or a chain lock for added resistance. The more barriers a person has to defeat, the more likely they are to move on.
• Peephole upgrade: Swap a narrow peephole for a wide-angle viewer (180° or more) so you can see who is at the door without opening it.

Reinforce Garages, Garage Doors, and Car Key Security

Attached garages are a favored entry point because they often have weaker doors and store tools a burglar can use to break in further.

• Close the garage door every time. Even during a quick errand, a raised garage door is an open invitation. Do a final check at night and before any trip.
• Upgrade the garage door opener. Use a modern rolling-code or encrypted opener. Use a keychain remote or smartphone app instead. Avoid leaving a garage door opener in a car overnight or at an airport parking lot.
• Secure the emergency release cord. Thieves can thread a coat hanger through the top of the garage door to pull the release. Shorten the cord, thread it through a small hole, or secure it with a zip tie that still breaks in a fire emergency.
• Fortify the service door. The door between the garage and the house deserves the same solid-core construction, deadbolt, and reinforced door frame as your front door.
• Protect car keys and valuables. Remove car keys, cash, and other valuables from the vehicles parked in the driveway. Keep all keys on hooks inside the house, not in the car.
• Add a camera and lights. A small indoor camera pointed at the garage entry, plus motion sensor lighting above the garage door, can help document and deter unauthorized access.

Protect Windows, Sliding Doors, and Other Vulnerable Entry Points

Many homeowners focus almost exclusively on their front door, but accessible windows deserve just as much attention. First-floor windows and sliding glass doors are frequent entry routes because their factory latches are weak and homeowners often leave them unlocked.

Fortunately, most window security upgrades are inexpensive and can often be installed in less than an hour without professional help.

• Lock every window. Secure all windows with locks to deter intruders.
• Window stops and pin locks. Install window stops to prevent sliding windows from opening fully. On double-hung windows, use sash locks or secondary pin locks that allow partial ventilation without creating an access point wide enough for a person.
• Security film. Apply clear security film to accessible glass, sliding glass doors, sidelights near the front door, and basement windows. The film holds shattered glass in place, making it harder to break through quickly.
• Reinforce sliding glass doors. Reinforce sliding glass doors with a security bar or pin lock. You can also place a wooden dowel or broom handle in the bottom track to prevent the door from being forced open. Anti-lift devices are also useful, as they stop the panel from being lifted off its rails.
• Replace old windows with modern laminated windows and high-security locks. Laminated windows have a plastic interlayer between two glass layers that keeps the broken pieces together, in case a burglar breaks the glass. This gives you valuable time to alert the authorities. Modern windows also come with high-security locks. Magic windows, for example, feature multi-point locks with a Grade 40 security rating.
• Basement window security. Secure window wells with locking covers or grates, but ensure they still allow emergency egress per local code, and use high-security locks on basement windows.
• Window air conditioners. These are potential weak spots. Use mounting brackets, sliding window locks, and anti-lift brackets to keep the unit and the window secure.

Use Lighting, Landscaping, and Exterior Design to Deter Intruders

Many burglars prefer darkness for break-ins, so it's important to make your home's exterior visible and unpredictable at night.

No need to turn your house into a fortress, of course. All you have to do is remove the places where someone can approach the house unnoticed. That can be achieved with good exterior lighting and thoughtful landscaping. These measures increase visibility, and burglars will be much more likely to move on to an easier target.

• Motion sensor lighting. Install motion-sensing lights around entry points to deter intruders: above the front door, back doors, garage door, driveway, side yards, and dark corners of the yard. Motion-sensor lights can deter most burglars before entry by exposing movement the moment someone approaches.
• Dusk-to-dawn porch lights. Keep a steady light near the front door. Smart bulbs or smart switches let you schedule lights or control them remotely while on vacation.
• Trimming landscaping reduces hiding spots for intruders. Keep hedges below window level and limb trees up so they don't screen doors or windows from the street.
• Clear sightlines. Neighbours and passersby should be able to see the front door and main windows from the street. Avoid tall privacy screens that hide entry points entirely. Keep your yard tidy to reduce attractiveness to burglars.
• Visible house numbers. Use reflective, clearly visible numbers so police and emergency services can find your property quickly after a 911 call.
• Noise barriers. Lay gravel or crushed stone on side paths and near gates. The crunch underfoot when someone tries to walk there is a surprisingly effective deterrent. Add lockable gates on side yards where possible.

Install Security Cameras, Doorbell Cameras, and Home Security Systems

Visible security cameras and a monitored security system serve double duty: they deter crime before it happens and provide crucial evidence in the event of a break-in. Homes without security systems are roughly three times more likely to be burglarized.

That said, technology works best when it's combined with strong physical security. Cameras, alarms, and smart devices may not physically stop someone from attempting a break-in, but they dramatically increase the chances of deterring intruders. They alert the homeowners quickly and provide valuable evidence if a crime occurs.

• Outdoor camera placement. Install security cameras covering the front door, back door, garage door, driveway, and main paths. Angle them to capture faces, not just the tops of heads.
• Doorbell camera. A doorbell camera provides live video, two-way audio, motion alerts, and package monitoring. It lets you "answer" the front door from anywhere, making the house appear occupied even when you're away.
• Full home security system. A complete security system includes entry sensors on every door and window, motion detectors in main hallways, glass-break sensors near large windows, and optional flood or fire monitoring. Installing a home security system can deter potential burglars before they even attempt entry.
• Signage. Visible deterrents like security signs and window stickers near the front door and gates can discourage potential burglars, even if you use a basic system. Contact a reputable security company to discuss options.
• Anti-tampering. Protect against tampering by concealing exposed wires, using secure Wi-Fi with strong passwords, and keeping firmware updated to reduce hacking risk.
• Self-monitored vs. professional. Self-monitored systems send alerts to your smartphone and cost less monthly; professionally monitored systems can automatically dispatch police. Weigh the trade-off between monthly fees and automatic emergency response.

Adopt Daily Habits to Reduce Burglary Risk

It's often not enough to just upgrade your home's security. Your routine matters just as much. Here are some habits you can implement to reduce the risk of break-ins:

• "Last person out" checklist: Lock all doors and windows, set the alarm, close the garage door, close curtains to limit visibility of valuables inside your home, and turn on at least one interior light or a smart lighting schedule.
• Key habits: Don't hide keys in common places like flowerpots. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or use a coded lockbox. Keep car keys near the bed at night so you can hit the panic button in an emergency.
• Mail and packages: When away, arrange a hold with the post office, ask a neighbour to collect packages, and have someone move garbage bins on normal pickup days. Piled mail is a signal to thieves that no one is home.
• Don't advertise purchases or absences: Break down empty cartons for a flat-screen TV or other electronics inside. Never leave them at the curb. Keep valuables out of sight to reduce burglary risk. Post vacation photos only after you've returned home, not while away. If possible, have a neighbor check your home daily to show potential intruders that someone is watching the house.
• Secure tools and ladders: Store anything that could help intruders break in, like ladders, crowbars, loose bricks, inside a locked shed or garage. Keep bikes secured with locks even when inside the garage.
• Unexpected knocks: Rehearse how family members should respond: speak through a locked front door, verify via the doorbell camera, and call the local police department if something feels wrong.

Plan for Trips and Emergencies

Many burglaries occur during the summer months and holiday periods when homeowners are on vacation. It's quite easy to identify an empty home, unfortunately, especially since people often document everything on social media. As such, here's what you can do when you're on vacation:

• Make the house look lived-in. Use timers to make your home appear occupied while you're away. Set them on lamps and a radio. Ask a neighbour to park in the driveway occasionally, and arrange for lawn care or snow removal so the property never looks neglected. Never share vacation plans on social media.
• Have someone house-sit or check in. Close communities have lower break-in rates. Ask your neighbours to check any activity around the house regularly and leave the house keys to someone, asking them to spend some time inside the house every day - to water the flowers, ventilate the rooms, and ultimately, show potential intruders that the house is taken care of.
• Secure valuables. Valuables should be stored in securely anchored safes. Bolt a fire-resistant safe to the floor or wall framing in a less obvious location than the primary bedroom. Store passports, jewelry, backup hard drives, and emergency cash inside.
• Home inventory. Create and periodically update an inventory with serial numbers, photos, and short videos of rooms. Store a copy in the cloud for insurance claims if anything is ever stolen or lost.

Best Home Security Upgrades by Budget

If you're working with a limited budget, start with the upgrades that provide the biggest improvement for the lowest cost.

Signs Your Home May Be Targeted By Burglars

Many burglars spend time looking for easy opportunities, observing routines, or checking whether anyone is home. While a single incident doesn't necessarily mean your house has been targeted, several of the following signs could indicate someone is gathering information:

• Repeated doorbell rings or knocks. Someone may be checking whether the house is occupied before attempting a break-in.
• Unfamiliar people lingering near your property. Be cautious if you notice the same person repeatedly walking past your home, looking through windows, or spending unusual amounts of time nearby.
• Unexpected flyers or objects left at your door. Burglars sometimes leave flyers, business cards, or small objects to see how long they remain untouched. If they stay in place for days, it suggests nobody is home.
• Unknown vehicles parked nearby for extended periods. A parked car isn't necessarily suspicious, but repeated appearances, especially with people watching nearby homes, can be worth noting.
• Strangers asking unusual questions. Someone pretending to sell products or request directions may actually be checking your daily routine, security measures, or whether anyone is home.
• Social media activity revealing your schedule. Public vacation posts, daily routines, or photos showing expensive purchases can unintentionally provide valuable information to criminals.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Keep an eye on suspicious activity, inform your neighbors, and contact local authorities if you believe someone is repeatedly monitoring your property.

What Should You Do If Someone Breaks Into Your House?

If you discover a break-in:

1. Do not enter if you suspect the intruder is still inside.
2. Move to a safe place and call 911.
3. Wait for police to clear the property.
4. Document damage and review security footage.
5. Contact your insurance provider and file a report with the local police department.

FAQs

What homes do burglars avoid?

Burglars generally look for homes that are easy to enter and leave without being noticed. They tend to avoid properties with visible security cameras, monitored alarm systems, motion-sensor lighting, large dogs, and well-lit entrances. Strong deadbolts, reinforced doors, and security signs can also make a house less appealing because they increase the time and effort required to break in. In most cases, burglars prefer quick, low-risk opportunities, so making your home look occupied and difficult to access is often enough to encourage them to move on.

Where do burglars not look in the house?

Most burglars head straight for places where valuables are commonly stored, such as the primary bedroom, closets, bedside tables, home offices, and living rooms with visible electronics. They usually spend only a few minutes inside a home, so they rarely search thoroughly. Less obvious locations, such as a securely anchored safe, locked storage areas, or hidden compartments, are less likely to be searched. The best way to protect valuables, however, is to store them in a high-quality, fire-resistant safe that is bolted to the floor or wall.

What time do most burglaries happen?

Contrary to popular belief, most residential burglaries happen during the daytime, typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when many people are at work or school. Homes that appear empty are generally much more attractive targets than occupied ones.

Do dogs keep burglars away?

In many cases, yes. Even small dogs that bark loudly can make burglars think twice because they draw attention to suspicious activity. While a dog shouldn't replace proper locks or a security system, it can be an effective additional deterrent.

Are security cameras enough to stop burglars?

Security cameras are one of the most effective deterrents, but they work best as part of a layered security strategy. Reinforced doors, quality locks, motion-sensor lighting, and alarm systems all complement security cameras and make a home much harder to break into.

Are smart locks worth it?

Smart locks can improve convenience and security by allowing homeowners to lock or unlock doors remotely, receive activity alerts, and create temporary access codes for guests or contractors. However, they should still be installed on strong doors with reinforced frames and quality deadbolts.

What is the weakest entry point in most homes?

The front door is the most common entry point for burglars, followed by first-floor windows, back doors, and attached garages. Weak locks, hollow-core doors, and unlocked windows make these areas particularly vulnerable.

Do motion-sensor lights really deter burglars?

Yes, most burglars prefer to avoid attention, so sudden lighting can discourage them from approaching your home. Installing motion-sensor lights around entrances, driveways, garages, and side yards is a simple and affordable way to improve home security.