There’s good news and bad news when it comes to home security. According to the FBI, in 2017 (the most recent data available) there were a whopping 7,694,086 property crime offenses in the nation. That number may sound staggering, however, it actually shows a 2.8 percent decrease when compared to the previous year. Although we can take comfort in the steadily declining crime rates, we still need to secure our homes so we don’t end up a statistic.
However, home security isn’t exactly known for its trend-setting style. Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise your home’s style with clunky security cameras and devices and can instead focus on sleek and discrete systems in place. Here’s how to get started and keep your home safe.
Illuminate Your Home
It’s difficult to rob a home when you’re constantly illuminated in light and on display for all to see. Install motion detector lights both inside and out that drench the area in light when walking by. Choose a discreet corner or location, or replace a traditional switch and light bulb with your motion detector lights. Of course, there is one thing to worry about when it comes to style. Your lights may end up illuminating clutter or tattered furniture that you soon decide you must replace.
Go Wire-Free
Security camera systems can help keep an eye on your home, but aren’t exactly known for their style. Instead of opting for a traditional set-up, choose a wire-free security camera system. Thanks to three-cell lithium-ion battery power packs, these cameras don’t require any wires to be fully functional, allowing you to easily set them up anywhere within 600 feet of your receiver. Instead of recording uneventful footage around the clock, wire-free cameras are activated only when they detect motion with infrared sensors. Despite their feature-rich offerings, they are available in sleek, discreet designs that won’t clash with your home’s exterior or interior style.
Control Your Home Access
A solid security strategy should always include keeping close tabs on who comes in and out of your home. Otherwise, you could end up with people posing as service and sales personnel to get a glimpse of what’s going on inside. Monitor who comes and goes with an August Smart Lock that can be activated with your smartphone. See who’s there before you ever open the door, control guest access who comes and goes, get status updates and take control over your home.
Reinforce Your Door
According to a Business Insider interview with former Navy SEAL and author Clint Emerson, your front door lock will only go so far. He recommends reinforcing door frames with 2.5-inch to 3-inch wood screws. You won’t see the difference, your door remains stylish, but the tip turns your door frame into a powerhouse. Burglars will have a tough time kicking in the door and will draw too much attention to themselves in the process.
Get Decorative
You can actually secure your home while enhancing its style at the same time. Go beyond security devices and opt for decorative security. Add decorative glass to your entryway and cover with a privacy film to distort the view from the outside. The end result is a gorgeous window with enough discretion to keep people from peering in when walking by.
There are endless ways to secure your home without sacrificing style, but the key is combining strategies. Leverage your new wireless security camera system with a reinforced door and anything else you can think of to add layers of security to make your home just too difficult to rob. You’ll end up with a secure and stylish home you feel safe coming home to.
Susan Finch
Susan Finch is a freelance writer living in Atlanta, and loves helping businesses improve their bottom line with compelling copy that sparks action. When she’s not writing, she’s traveling with her family and plotting her next creative pursuit.
