The term “burglar-proof” is actually a bit of a misnomer if you’re looking at making modifications to your house. It’s almost impossible to make any home completely impregnable. However, there are definitely several steps you can take to make a house more secure from home invasions.

Let’s take a moment right now to talk about some ways you can make your home as unappealing as possible to potential break ins.

Install a Murphy Door Bookcase

Installing a Murphy door bookcase is a smart idea. You can have a hidden room in there that can serve as a panic room if someone breaks in. You can also keep your more treasured valuables in there.

Put Bars on the Windows

You can install bars on the windows if you live in a bad neighborhood or one that seems to be going downhill. Having them on the upper windows might seem excessive, but you will certainly want to consider putting them on the windows at ground level.

Install an Alarm System

Installing a wired alarm system that you can activate when you go to bed at night can serve you well. If the alarm gets triggered, it can alert a security company that can contact you and ask you if you need police assistance.

Install Motion-Activated Lights

You can install motion-activated lights on the outside of your house. Crime takes place in darkness. Having powerful lights come on after dark if someone approaches can deter many potential burglars.

Install Timers on Your Lights

You can also install timers on your indoor lights. Having the lamps come on at ground level in the early evening makes the home appear like a less attractive target. You can also set them to switch off at midnight or at another time that makes the most sense to you.

Install Outdoor Cameras

Installing outdoor cameras is nowhere near as expensive as it used to be. You can get battery-operated ones that come with a smartphone app for a few hundred dollars. Many criminals will be reluctant to break into a house with visible cameras guarding ingress points.

Get a Dog

Getting a dog is great for exercise and companionship, but it’s also nice for the security they can provide. Even a relatively small dog that makes a lot of noise when a stranger comes around can act as a powerful crime deterrent. 

Install Smart Locks on Timers

You might install smart locks on your doors. You can then set them to lock automatically at a certain time of the evening. This way, you will never forget to lock your doors.

Put Up a Fence

Putting up a fence, particularly a nice tall one, can act as a deterrent. Getting a stockade-style fence rather than a chain link one is usually a sound strategy, as it presents a more formidable barrier. 

Get a Safe

Buying a safe where you can keep your most prized possessions also makes sense. If you can hide it creatively as well, that’s even better.