Fortunately, some things deter criminals, and there are ways to help prevent home invasions. Here are some tips for increasing home security:

Maintain your property.

Criminals look for easy targets. When your home looks lived-in and like people are home often, they’re less likely to target it. Taking care of your home's outside appearance shows you are home and watching over your things. Maintaining your yard also removes overgrown bushes and trees, which some thieves might use for cover.

Be careful what you share.

If you’re going on vacation, don’t broadcast when you’ll be away on social media. Criminals are on there, looking for people posting pictures from their far-off holidays. Always avoid posting dates for when you’ll be away, and save your picture-posting until you get home.

If you have a security system, use it.

Many folks have home security systems but fall out of the habit of arming them when they leave the house. Get in the habit of turning on your security system every time you go out, even if you won’t be gone long. It's also important to display your security system's sign in the front yard and put those stickers on windows and doors. Sometimes, showing that you have a security system is enough to deter criminals from targeting your home.

Lock it up tight.

Almost one-third of burglaries occur because criminals enter the home through an unlocked door or window. Let’s make it harder for them! Double-check that all your doors and windows are locked before you leave the house.

Don't show evidence of big purchases.

If you just bought an expensive flat-screen television, a new computer, or some other expensive thing, don't showcase this for would-be criminals to see. For example, don’t put the huge TV box on the curb on recycling day. Instead, break it down and put it in the bin or take it to an eco-centre. And if you have expensive things in your home, don’t put them within direct view of your front-facing windows. If you do, make sure those windows have drapes or blinds.

Light up your property.

Thieves are less likely to strike if they think people can see them. Installing motion-sensor lights on your property can make it look like someone is home when they're not. And it will shine the light on whoever walks by. Plus, smart home technology allows you to program your indoor and outdoor lights to turn on and off during the day, making it look like someone is home.

Ditch the spare key.

Locking yourself out of your home can be frustrating, but hiding a spare key in your yard can lead to break-ins. Burglars know all the usual places!  Instead, give your spare key to a neighbour, nearby family member or friend. Sure, it’s an extra step, but it will make your property more secure.

Any of these tips can make your home less appealing to criminals. When you combine them, you can boost your home’s security and peace of mind!