Protect your home from break-ins with these nine tips

In the United States, one burglar will attempt to break and enter into a home every 15 seconds, according to Safewise.

Considering that over 60 percent of these intruders forcibly break into people's homes, and how 33 percent of them target the front doors, it's extremely crucial to learn ways to bolster your home's security.

In an exclusive guide below, we draw recommendations from various home security and crime experts to give you nine of the smartest home safety tips you can put to good use.

Not all of these suggestions require that you buy brand-new equipment or spend big bucks on consulting with security experts — which is exactly why these tips can be so handy.

If you want to go out and learn some vital self-defense skills to ward off intruders, that's perfectly fine, too. But first, let's take a look at how you can fortify your home, from the outside in!

Scroll further to learn about these clever ways to keep your home safe from intruders, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tip #1: Draw The Blinds And Curtains

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This tip may sound pretty obvious, but we may often overlook it.

Bankrate, a financial services company, suggests using shades, tight blinds, drapes, and other similar window treatments by your window.

This will keep potentially valuable items in the house well out of sight, and make it less "tempting" for the intruder to want to inspect further.

Tip #2: Check Your Windows And Sliding Doors

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If you've ever spoken with a home security expert, or watched clips on how to keep your home safe from intruders, then you'll know that windows and sliding doors are one of the weakest links possible.

Most older sliding windows and glass doors can be very easily lifted off their tracks, and aren't bolted down with locks. This allows intruders to freely slip into your home undetected.

According to top security and crime analysis expert Chris E. McGoey, you can easily take a shower curtain rod or a dowel and slide it into the tracks of the window or door.

This will make it harder for the intruder to slide and lift the glass.

Tip #3: Fortify Your Front Door

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Many homes have rather weak front doors made of lightweight wood. These can very easily be kicked in or torn down. The key is to first strengthen the material of the door.

Check out solid hardwood or steel front doors for an alternative. Then, you can move on to inspect the locks on your door.

McGoey recommends using quality, heavy-duty deadbolt locks and knob-and-locksets with a dead-latch mechanism on your door, and to strongly attach them to the door frame.

Tip #4: Light Up Your Home

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Here's a key rule to remember when burglar-proofing your home: the brighter and lighter your home looks on the outside, the less likely an intruder will attempt to barge into your home.

It's good to consider lightening up the front of your home, especially the area right in front of your door, or by the porch.

Motion-sensing lights are great for this purpose: they will guard your entrances and doorways, and will automatically light up when they track someone's movement.

Tip #5: Put Out Clever Warning Signs

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Not everyone can afford high-tech home security gadgets — but with this clever trick, you might not need them!

Simply buy an alarm or patrol service decal to place on the side of your front door, windows, or anywhere where an intruder may choose to look.

Chances are, this little sticker will make criminals think twice about breaking into your home.

Tip #6: Know Where To Hide Valuables

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According to SimpliSafe Security Systems, burglars follow a pretty well-known search pattern.

First, they head straight for the master bedroom to look for any cash, jewelry, or valuables that they can pick up.

Then, they will look under the bed, and inside closets and the medicine cabinets. Nine times out of 10, thieves will leave the kids' rooms untouched.

Therefore, consider storing your most precious belongings in a child's nightstand, sock drawer, or closet, instead of in your own room.

However, if you don't like the idea of putting your child's room in any potential danger, consult some DIY options to build secret hiding places within drawers and walls.

Tip #7: Install Deadbolts On Every Door

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Most insurance companies and locksmiths recommend installing Grade 1 or Grade 2American National Standards Institute deadbolt locks on every entryway door.

You can choose either a single- or double-cylinder lock, which has a keyed opening on both sides.

According to Melissa Richards, Home Depot's safety and security merchant, double-cylinder locks should be used on a door with glass, or on doors that are located near windows.

"If the glass is broken, and someone tries to reach in to open the door, they won't be able to," she said.

Tip #8: Set Off Timers In Your Home

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When you're not home at night, it's important to give the illusion that someone is at home.

One great solution is a timer that can be synced to indoor lights, TVs, radios, and other electronics.

Charles Sczuroski, a former police officer and current senior trainer for the National Crime Prevention Council, says, "Setting a timer to switch on about 30 to 45 minutes before it gets dark makes it appear more like someone is really at home, and combined with a radio or TV activating during the day and evening, that impression can be even more convincing."

Tip #9: Ask A Neighbor For Help

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When you're away for long periods of time, you don't want to be stressed over the thought of home safety.

To remedy this, McGoey recommends that you befriend your neighbor. Communicate often with them, and establish a sense of trust.

They can help you watch out for your home or apartment when you're away, and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Good neighbors can also help pick up your mail, newspapers, and bills, and even park in your driveway, to give the appearance that you're at home.

Please SHARE these crucial home security tips with friends and family!

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