“A burglary occurs approximately every 51 seconds in the United States, with 841,942 home break-ins reported in 2023 “
Burglars look for easy opportunities. Whether it’s an unlocked door, a dark corner of your property, or no sign of a security system, they take advantage of anything that makes your home look vulnerable. That’s why these tips to deter burglars matter. They give you the power to make your home a hard target, not an open invitation.
Arming yourself with the most effective methods to prevent break-ins keeps your loved ones safe, your belongings secure, and your peace of mind intact.
Top 15 Tips to Deter Burglars
1. Upgrade Your Locks with Strength That Counts
Weak locks are an open invitation. If it’s been years since you replaced yours, or if you’re still using basic hardware-store models, it’s time for an upgrade. Goldy Locks installs high-security locks designed to resist picking, bumping, and forced entry. The better your locks, the harder it is for someone to get through your door.
2. Install Smart Locks to Control Access
A smart lock doesn’t just make life easier. It makes your home smarter and safer. Goldy Locks offers keyless entry systems that let you control access from anywhere. You’ll know exactly who’s coming and going—and you can lock up remotely if you forget.
3. Use Motion-Activated Lighting Around the Property
Burglars hate being seen. Flood your yard, walkways, and back entrances with motion sensor lights to eliminate hiding spots and create a sense of constant presence. Goldy Locks installs outdoor security lighting as part of a full smart security system.
4. Secure Your Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are one of the weakest entry points in any home. Reinforce yours with proper locks and internal door braces. If you’re not sure how vulnerable your entry points are, Goldy Locks can help you identify and secure every last one.
5. Don’t Broadcast Your Absence
Social media posts about your vacation can wait. So can a pile of mail on your doorstep or an empty driveway every afternoon. Burglars notice patterns. Use timers for lights, keep blinds consistent, and consider having someone check in to create the appearance of activity.
6. Lock Your Garage Door Every Time
Garage doors are often forgotten, but they’re a favorite access point for burglars. Always close and lock your garage, even if you’re just running inside for a minute. Better yet, connect your garage to your home security system through Goldy Locks for alerts and automatic closing features.
7. Leave a Radio or TV on When You’re Away
Noise implies presence. A low-volume radio or TV left on near a front window or entryway can create just enough uncertainty to make a burglar think twice. It’s a simple psychological deterrent that adds to the illusion that someone is home.
8. Invest in a Two-Way Video Doorbell Camera
Burglars often ring the bell to see if anyone answers. Goldy Locks installs two-way video doorbells that allow you to speak to anyone at your door, whether you’re home or not. That unexpected voice response can send an intruder walking.
9. Use Real-Time Monitoring for Fast Response
A loud alarm is great, but it’s the professional monitoring behind it that turns noise into action. Goldy Locks connects your system to a 24/7 monitoring center that responds immediately to threats, notifies authorities, and gives you instant mobile alerts.
10. Put Security Signage Where It Counts
Burglars don’t want problems. A clearly visible Goldy Locks yard sign or window decal sends the message that your home is protected by pros. It’s one of the easiest and most effective psychological deterrents available.
11. Install Timers on Indoor and Outdoor Lights
Lighting that turns on and off automatically helps your home look lived-in, even when you’re not around. Smart light schedules remove the guesswork and add consistency. With Goldy Locks smart home automation, you can set up custom lighting patterns from your phone.
12. Don’t Leave Spare Keys Around the Property
It might feel convenient, but hiding a spare key under the doormat or behind a planter is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Burglars know where to look. Instead, upgrade to a keyless entry system that removes the need for spare keys entirely.
13. Reinforce Front and Back Doors
Standard door frames and hardware can be forced with a few good kicks. Reinforcing strike plates, hinges, and using solid-core doors can make a big difference. Goldy Locks can help you assess your entry points and recommend the right upgrades.
14. Use Cameras with Full Perimeter Coverage
Don’t rely on just one camera at the front door. Goldy Locks designs systems with multiple outdoor and indoor cameras that cover driveways, side gates, backyards, and blind spots. Burglars take the path of least resistance, covering every angle leaves them none.
15. Keep Landscaping Trimmed Back
Overgrown bushes, tall shrubs, and unlit corners make great hiding spots. Keep trees and vegetation around windows and doors trimmed to maintain clear sightlines. This pairs well with outdoor lighting to eliminate places for someone to crouch or linger.
When it comes to protecting your home, not all security is created equal. Goldy Locks brings more than advanced equipment, we bring decades of expertise, fast local support, and a full suite of residential solutions designed to stop intruders before they act. From professional-grade locks to smart cameras and real-time monitoring, everything we install is built to give you confidence and control.
Take action before they do. Get serious about securing your home. Talk to Goldy Locks for the protection that works.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deterring Burglars
Can home automation features actually improve security?
Absolutely. Automation lets you control lighting, door locks, and even blinds from your smartphone. This helps create the illusion that someone is home, even when you’re not. When integrated with a Goldy Locks smart security system, automation becomes part of a stronger, more responsive security plan.
What should I do after a break-in to prevent it from happening again?
After contacting the authorities and securing your home, it’s essential to reassess your security setup. Goldy Locks can provide a full evaluation and install upgraded solutions like video surveillance, stronger entry point protection, and 24/7 monitoring to help prevent future incidents.
Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Gerry Griffin
