Home security is a top priority for most homeowners. Even if you have already taken the time to ensure your home is protected, there will inevitably be times when you will need to reevaluate your home secure. Making certain adjustments to your daily routine, as well as investing in certain security installations will help you keep your family and property protected.

Below you will find a list of the top 8 signs that should put homeowners on alert when it comes to their home security. If any of the signs below affect your home and security, make sure to take the appropriate steps to regain control of your home security once more.

#1 - A Neighbor Has Reported a Break-in or Other Crime

Any homeowner should be on guard if a crime or break-in has occurred in their area. While you may think it is unlikely that you will become a target since one of your neighbors already has, know that it is common for criminals to strike the same neighborhood twice. Simply because your home was not broken into this time around does not mean you are in the clear completely. Criminals take advantage of the fact that homeowners will let their guards down if they were not originally a target.

#2 – You Reveal Your Location on Social Media Often

Social media has become a part of our everyday lives. However, oversharing may put your safety at risk. Sharing your location, in particular, can be dangerous and threaten your safety. It is easy to determine where someone lives based on their photos, whereabouts, and other social media updates, even if an exact address isn’t disclosed. Refrain from sharing where you live and when you will be away from home if you want to protect yourself and your property.

#3 – You are Often Away for Trips or Vacations

Individuals that leave their homes unattended for short or long periods may be more at risk for break-ins. Newspapers and mail piling up for several days, for example, is the number one sign that a house has been left vacant. Criminals can easily pick up on these signs and take advantage of your absence. You can avoid this by hiring a house sitter or enlisting the help of a trusted neighbor to gather your mail, newspapers, and packages for you until you return.

#4 – Your Home Locks are Old or Haven’t Been Updated in a While

You should never continue to use faulty locks for the entrance and exit doors of your home. Your locks should be the main priority when it comes to your home security. If you have noticed that one of your locks is acting funny or has lost its strength over time, be sure to have it replaced immediately. Faulty locks that are old or breaking down can easily be broken completely by a criminal attempting to enter your home.

#5 – You Have Yet to Invest in an Alarm System

Home alarm systems are a must for most homeowners. Regardless of how safe you think your neighborhood is, crime can occur anywhere and at any time. Be sure to look into installing a home alarm system if you haven’t already.

#6 – You are Hesitant to Install Security Cameras

While most homeowners will install home alarm systems, most have yet to invest in security cameras of some kind. The good news is, home security cameras are becoming more affordable every year. You don’t have to worry about installing a highly sophisticated system. In fact, a couple exterior cameras or a doorbell camera will be enough for more homeowners to adequately provide security for their properties.

#7 – Your Window and Garage Door Locks are Old

Be sure to pay attention to your window and garage door locks, too. These two particular types of locks may go unnoticed by homeowners as they start to wear down, especially since they may not be used as frequently as door locks. Windows and garages are particular points of vulnerability for most homes. You do not want to offer criminals an easy way to enter your home, so make sure that all points of entry leading into your home are secured with newer locks.

#8 – You Have Never Received a Home Inspection

Every homeowner can benefit from a personalized inspection. If you are ready to make certain installations or upgrades, you will need to hire a locksmith. Or, if you are not sure which upgrades your household will benefit from the most, you can always ask for an inspection and consultation. If you want more personalized suggestions for how you can protect your property, or you are ready to move forward with some of the installation suggestions described above, call a locksmith in your area to schedule an appointment.