Home security is something that everyone should take seriously. After all, your home is your castle, and you want to do everything you can to protect it.

However, far too many people make avoidable mistakes when it comes to home security, and these can often leave their homes vulnerable.

Here are some of the most common home security mistakes that you need to avoid making.

1. Assuming Locked Doors are Sufficient Protection

Simply locking your doors is not enough to deter burglars. Investing in a good quality smart lock is a much better option as it will make it harder for burglars to break in.

Smart locks can also be controlled remotely, so you can always check to see if your doors are locked even when you’re not at home.

While locked doors are certainly a good start, they are not enough to deter a determined burglar. If you want to secure your home properly, you need to install a reliable security system.

According to Policy Advice, more than 50% of burglaries happen through the front or back door. So, if you want to deter burglars, you need to make sure that your doors are properly secured.

While locking your doors is important, it is not enough to keep your home safe. You need some type of security system for your home or apartment that will provide 24/7 protection.

2. Installing Outdoor Static Lights

If you have outdoor static lights, then you might as well put up a sign that says “Burglars Welcome”. That’s because burglars can actually use them to their advantage, as they provide the perfect opportunity to scope out your property and plan their break-in.

Outdoor static lights are not only ineffective at deterring burglars, but they can also be a nuisance to your neighbors.

Instead of static lights, opt for solar motion-sensor lights. These will only come on when there is movement, so they won’t be a nuisance to your neighbors.

This will not only surprise burglars and make them think twice about trying to break into your home, but it will also save you money on your electricity bill.

3. Alarm System Panel Visible From Outside the House

Having an alarm system is a great way to deter burglars from targeting your home. However, if the alarm system panel is visible from outside the house, it can actually do more harm than good.

Burglars will often case a home before attempting to break in. If they can see that you have an alarm system, they can also see if it's armed or not.

If the panel is not visible from the outside, burglars will have to guess whether the system is armed, and this can often deter them from trying to break in. It's better to be safe than sorry, so make sure your alarm system panel is not visible from outside the house.

4. Travel Posts On Social Media

Social media is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, but it can also be a gold mine for burglars. Posting about your upcoming vacation is like sending an invitation to burglars that your home will be empty.

A lot of people post photos of their homes on social media without realizing it. These photos can give burglars a good idea of your home’s layout and what valuables you have inside.

This is like presenting burglars with a map of your home and your timeline of when you’ll be away. If you are going to post about your vacation on social media, wait until you return home to do so.

It's also a good idea to tell a trusted neighbor or friend that you will be away, so they can keep an eye on your home.

5. Installing Fake Security Equipment

Fake security cameras, alarm signs, and even beware of dog signs are all ineffective deterrents for burglars.

Burglars are experienced in spotting fake security equipment, and they will not be deterred by it. In fact, they may see it as a challenge and be more likely to target your home.

The only thing fake security equipment will do is give you a false sense of security. If you want to deter burglars, invest in real security equipment.

If you want to deter burglars, make sure your security equipment is real and up-to-date.

6. Not Updating Your Alarm System Software

Most alarm systems come with software that needs to be updated on a regular basis. These updates often include new features and bug fixes.

If you don’t update your alarm system’s software, you could be missing out on important security features. Additionally, older versions of the software are often more susceptible to hacking.

To avoid this, make sure you update your alarm system’s software on a regular basis.

So if you want to keep your home safe, make sure you are using the most up-to-date version of your alarm system’s software, so you can take advantage of the latest security features.

7. Not Arming your Alarm When Leaving the House

What’s the point of having an alarm system if you’re not going to use it? Too often, people forget to arm their alarm system when they leave the house.

Burglars are often opportunistic and will target homes that look easy to break into. If they see that your alarm system is not armed, they will be more likely to try and break into your home.

To avoid this, make sure you always arm your alarm system before leaving the house. You can also set up a smart home automation system that will automatically arm your alarm system when you leave.

8. Not Automating Your Lights

One of the best ways to deter burglars is to make it look like someone is home even when they’re not.

You can do this by automating your lights. Having lights turned on and off at random times will make it look like someone is home, even when they’re not.

Burglars often target homes that look empty. By automating your lights, you can make it look like someone is home even when you’re not.

It's also a sure way to create a more inviting space when you are home or entertaining guests.

9. Self-Monitoring Your Security System

In today’s age, self-monitoring your security system is no longer enough.

There are now companies that will monitor your security system for you. These companies will often call the police if they see something suspicious.

Self-monitoring your security system is still better than not having a security system at all. But if you want to be extra safe, consider using a security monitoring service.

There are plenty of DIY home security systems you can build yourself, but it's important to know the limitations of self-monitoring.

10. Not Assessing Vulnerabilities in Your Home

One of the best ways to deter burglars is to make your home as difficult to break into as possible.

The first step in doing this is to assess the vulnerabilities in your home. Are there any weak points that a burglar could exploit?

Once you have identified the vulnerabilities in your home, take steps to mitigate them. This could involve anything from adding extra locks to your doors to installing a security system.

You can even hire a security company to do a vulnerability assessment of your home.

Making your home more secure will not only deter burglars but will also give you peace of mind.

Better Safe Than Sorry With Home Security

In today's world, it's more important than ever to take steps to protect your home from burglars. By following the tips in this article, you can make your home more secure and deter burglars.

Don't wait until it's too late to take action. Start making your home more secure today.