Most burglaries occur when a home is empty. This is why it is of most importance to secure your home before vacation. A burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds according to the FBI database. A large number of burglaries can be prevented by installing a home security system.

Installing a home security alarm and surveillance cameras will immediately make your home a safer place for your family and property. Home security alarms are also offered with home security monitoring. Nothing can completely guarantee the security of your home, but there are things you can do which will greatly enhance security. The most cost effective technique is to add motion sensing lighting all around the outside of your home. Many steps can also be taken inside the house to improve security. Go over all the locks on windows and doors and make sure that they work properly. Anyone can find themselves the target of burglars, so don't think that it will never happen to you.

Glass sliding doors on your patio or porch are just what a burglar needs for easy access. Secure your door; install a blocking device, like a "Charlie bar" or something similar. This will prevent the door from sliding open easily. At least block the track with something heavy, like a steel rod or wooden pole; this will keep it from being moved easily.

Where possible use a home safe to store any valuables including such items as keys to outbuildings, garages, vehicles and any other item that requires a key. You should also hide any personal documents and identity information in your home safe as well. If you don't have a home safe consider using a safety deposit vault especially if you live in a high crime area.

Giving the impression someone is at home is a great way to discourage a burglar and is key to improving home security. This can be achieved by using timers in various rooms to turn lights and appliances off and on at varying times of the day. Be smart though and apply this tactic to more than one room in your house.

Other security measures include stopping your mail and paper deliveries. If you have two vehicles leave one parked in your driveway or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway while you are away. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or relative and ask them to check your home periodically. Don't leave an answering machine message saying you away from home.

Ensure all outbuildings are secure, making sure any tools in your garage that could be used to gain access are under lock and key. No matter what steps and security measures you take your home will never be 100% secure. But the the more difficult you make it for a burglar to gain entry the stronger your home security will be.