Admit it: whenever you find out on the news that another home has been broken into, you always shake your head and think, “Good thing this will never happen to me. My home is safe and sound. I take the necessary precautions all the time!”

Well and good, but how sure are you that you’re not committing any security risks that will compromise your home safety? After all, according to Time Magazine, the current US crime rate is still higher than it was pre-pandemic.

And while we’re not saying that you should be paranoid and Google “security locksmith near me” right now, it also doesn’t hurt to always review your security measures. Better safe than sorry, right?

In fact, that’s what this article is for. In no particular order, here are some of the common home security mistakes that you can make or commit that can leave you and your loved ones at risk.

1. Not locking windows, doors, or any other entrance to the house

This is probably the most basic one you can commit. And you don’t do this just because you’re forgetful. It’s more of you think that you’ll only be gone for a few minutes to go over to a friend’s house, or to buy something in the store. 

Since it’s only for “a few minutes,” you generally think it’s safe.

However, it’s definitely NOT SAFE. Those few minutes that you’re gone are also a window of opportunity for would-be burglars. Expert criminals don’t need a lot of time to rob your place. 

In other words, make sure you keep any access to your home closed and locked so that your house is not an easy target.

2. Keeping a spare key outside

You might be the type to keep a spare key outside your house in case you lose your keys, but we’re telling you right now, that’s not good for your security. Even if you think you’ve hidden it somewhere unusual and creative, burglars will know where to look.

In short, it’s better to just look for a 24-hour locksmith in NJ if you lose your keys instead of keeping spare keys in places that are easy even for a criminal to access. Or even better, it might be time to contact your locksmith in Nyack to have a keypad lock installed. Getting a keyless entry system might be safer and more convenient in the long run since you don’t have to worry about losing your keys, and you’ll be able to open the lock with your smartphone.

3. Leaving valuables in view

Aren’t windows nice for letting good light in the house? They make you feel more relaxed and at ease. They’re also great for letting you admire the view outside, or see what’s happening in your area.

Sadly, windows can also expose what’s inside your house. Imagine if you’re not home, and a potential burglar passes by your house and takes a peek. What will he see?

If he can see valuable items like laptops, cellphones, TVs, and so on, he might decide to, “case the joint”, as some criminals call it, and wait for an opportunity to rob you.

Don’t give them that opportunity – keep valuables out of view by hiding them or pulling down your window shades especially if you’re not home.

4. Not fixing any broken locks

Let’s say you have broken locks in your garage or on your second-floor windows, or pretty much anywhere you think that’s not easily accessible by robbers. One day, you might wake up and find that you have been robbed – and that the robber entered through those areas with broken locks.

That’s why if ever this does happen to you (like you discover you have a broken lock), don’t put off repairs. Contact an emergency locksmith in Orange County, NJ immediately and have it fixed. That way, you can sleep at night peacefully knowing all your locks work and will deter burglars who are looking for easy targets.

5. Not arming your alarm system when you leave your house.

Maybe one reason you’re complacent about your home security is that you have a complete alarm system at home. It has all the works: motion sensors, alarms, all that. However, it’s useless if you fail to arm it!

That’s why you should make it a habit to activate your system as soon as you either enter your house or before leaving. Put some reminders on your door or your keys or on your alarm. Or you can ask your locksmith in Nanuet, NY to make it easier for you – we’re sure they’ll be able to give you recommendations for you to remember better!

6. Leaving your ladders lying around

Now you might think this is a weird security risk, but hear us out. Let’s say you do leave your ladder lying around outside the garage. Do you know what that’s going to tell would-be robbers and criminals?

That’s their access to your higher floors!

Yup, you have that right: in the wrong hands, your ladder is going to be their key to robbing your house. And if you think about it, you’re probably going to leave your windows on the second-floor open, since you think it’s safer there. And your valuables will probably be lying around there too.

So again, do what a cautious homeowner would do: hide your ladder in your garage and make sure to lock the door.

7. Leaving signs of an empty home.

How would your home look empty, exactly? Well, check out your mailbox. Is it stuffed with plenty of envelopes?

How about your porch? Is it full of packages from Amazon deliveries?

Are your trees and bushes trimmed, or do they look like they’ve seen better days?

All these are indicators that occupants of the home are not around – and may not be around for a long time. And that means robbers have enough time rob you! Remove these indicators to be safe.

For zero home security mistakes, contact Security Solutions.

We hope that this article about common home security mistakes helps you in evaluating your security concerns in your house. But if you’re still not sure whether or not your house is as safe as can be, you can reach out to us at Security Solutions, arguably the best locksmith in NY!

You can count on our professional locksmithing and security experience for all your security concerns to avoid these home security mistakes. We have been proudly serving as a Rockland locksmith and Northern Bergen County for more than 25 years and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!

We provide a range of reliable protection services including key duplication, home security systems, nanny cams, security doors, and so much more. And no need to Google “emergency locksmith near me” if you’re in our area – we can do that for you too!

Also, we stock security system products only from leading brands and manufacturers, so you can be sure of the quality we provide and 100% you can avoid home security mistakes.

Contact us at 845-263-6680 in Rockland County and 201-615-8840 in Northern Bergen County for honest, reliable locksmith and security services.

We look forward to hearing from you. Together, let’s make your home a safer place!