How to Deter Burglars

Six methods to keep yourself, your home, and your family safer.

Published August 31, 2026

When it comes to protecting your home, you don’t always have to invest in an expensive security system to make a difference. In many cases, the best defense is making your property a less appealing target to criminals in the first place. A few smart upgrades and everyday habits can go a long way toward deterring burglars and giving you greater peace of mind.

Use Tech to Your Advantage

Smart home devices have made it easier than ever to keep an eye on your property, whether you’re home, across the street, or halfway around the world.

Video doorbells, security cameras, smart locks, and app-connected alarm systems let you monitor activity and receive alerts in real time. Even if you never need to use the footage, visible cameras and security signs alone can be enough to encourage would-be burglars to move on.

Secure Doors and Windows

Your doors and windows are the first places an intruder may try to enter, so making them more secure is well worth the effort.

Make sure exterior doors have sturdy locks and solid frames, and always keep windows locked whenever they’re closed. For added protection, you can also consider adding window locks or security sensors to alert you if a window is opened unexpectedly.

Illuminate Your Home

Burglars typically look for homes they can approach without being seen. That’s why outdoor lighting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve security.

Install lights around entryways, garages, driveways, and walkways, and consider motion-activated lights that switch on whenever someone approaches. Not only do they startle unexpected visitors, but they also draw attention to activity around your home while saving energy when no one is around.

Maintain Landscaping

A well-maintained yard isn’t just good for curb appeal — it can also improve home security. A tidy property sends the message that the home is occupied and cared for, making it less attractive to someone looking for an easy opportunity.

Trim back overgrown shrubs and bushes, especially around doors and windows, so they don’t act as convenient hiding spots. It’s also best to keep trees pruned and grass mowed to improve general visibility around the home.

Make It Difficult

Sometimes it’s the little things that create the biggest security risks, so avoid hiding spare keys under doormats, flowerpots, or fake rocks, since these are some of the first places burglars check.

Additionally, always lock your garage door, even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes, and think twice before posting vacation photos while you’re still away. Broadcasting that your home is empty makes it more vulnerable to criminals.

Build Smart Habits

Good home security isn’t about one big upgrade or the occasional safety measure; it’s about staying consistent.

Before leaving the house or heading to bed, make it a habit to lock and check all doors and windows. If you’re traveling, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail, put interior lights on timers, and arrange for packages to be picked up or held until you return. These simple precautions help create the appearance that someone is home, making your property a less desirable target.

Learn how to also deter car theft with these simple best practices.