8 Home Security Mistakes That Are Putting You At Risk
When it comes to home security, most people do the basics: lock the doors, maybe install a camera or two, and hope for the best. But home security isn't just about the big-ticket items, it’s also about the habits, blind spots, and outdated assumptions that make your home more vulnerable. Even if you’ve already taken care of the usual stuff, these are some details that homeowners tend to miss.
1. The Second Floor
Most break-ins happen through the ground level, but not all. If your second-story windows or balcony doors are easy to reach, they're not off-limits. Thieves often use fences, sheds, or stacked bins to climb up. If those windows are left open or unlocked, getting inside takes seconds. Install window locks upstairs just like you would downstairs, and make sure access points can’t be easily scaled from the outside.
2. Detached Buildings
Sheds, detached garages, or workshops often go unprotected, or at least less protected than the main home. But they usually hold expensive tools, bikes, lawn equipment, and in some cases, spare keys or access to your home's utilities. If these buildings aren't locked down or alarmed, they’re easy targets. Add motion lighting, padlocks, and even door sensors if possible. Don’t treat them as afterthoughts, they're part of your property, and they matter.
3. Outdated Locks
Many homes still have older deadbolts or doorknobs that haven't been replaced in years, which on its own is a risk if your property has ever had previous break-ins. Basic and old locks can be bumped, picked, or forced with little effort. Upgrading to high-security locks or smart locks with tamper alerts gives you stronger defense against theft and better control. Old hardware might still "work," but that doesn’t mean it’s working well.
4. Wi-Fi Networks
If your home automation or security system runs on your Wi-Fi, your digital defenses are just as important as your physical ones. Weak passwords, unsecured routers, or outdated firmware can allow someone to hack into your cameras or smart locks. Always rename the default network name, use strong passwords, and keep your router updated. Home security is no longer just about doors and windows , it includes everything connected to your network.
5. Side Gates
A lot of break-ins start with easy access not to the front door, but the backyard. Unlocked side gates make that access simple. Once someone's behind your home, they’re hidden from view and have more time to look for entry points. Lock those gates just like you would a door. Use padlocks or latch systems that can’t be easily lifted or undone from the outside. A locked gate can slow someone down enough to make them move on entirely.
6. Mail and Packages
Mail theft is more than just an inconvenience or annoyance. It can expose sensitive information, or even lead to identity theft in extreme cases. Uncollected packages can also signal to thieves that no one's home. If your mailbox doesn't lock, consider upgrading it. For deliveries, use a package box or ask for items to be dropped off in a less visible spot. Regularly check your front step and keep the area clear to avoid drawing attention.
7. Basement Access
Basement doors and windows are often out of sight and therefore easy to forget, but if they lead directly into your home, they need the same level of protection. These entry points are often older, less secure, or partially hidden, making them an ideal target for criminals. Reinforce the door, add lighting around basement entrances, and check that any windows are secured from the inside.
8. "Safe Neighborhood"
Living in a quiet or upscale area doesn't guarantee safety. In fact, these places can be more attractive to thieves who assume homeowners let their guard down. Good lighting, strong locks, and regular security checks are just as important in "nice" neighborhoods. Avoid complacency. Crime can happen anywhere, and staying alert is what keeps a safe neighborhood that way.
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The best kind of home security comes from awareness. Once you've handled the basics, it’s these often-overlooked gaps that can put your home at risk. Take the time to walk through your space with a different lens. Where do you see gaps in your security, which areas of your home area still vulnerable? Once you handle those, you'll start to feel much safer.
Daniel Mitchell
