Summer temperatures correlate with increased criminal activity, according to recent Rutgers-Camden research. However, Houston Police Department officials say residents can implement effective home security measures without breaking the bank.
“To improve security, let’s take a look at our homes. What does your home look like?... do you have newspapers that are just left out on the property that haven’t been picked up? Do you have overflowing mail? What does your home look, does it look like your grass is unkept? To make someone think that no one’s living there or they’re not home very often,” HPD Community Affairs Officer Jo Jones said.
Landscaping and Home Security
Proper landscaping maintenance plays a crucial role in deterring potential intruders. Jones emphasized that overgrown vegetation could provide cover for criminals.
“You could also be encouraging a criminal to want to hide behind those bushes to try to get access into your home through your windows. So keeping your shrubs sharp is a great, great deterrent for someone to not stop at your home,” Jones explained.
Secure Entry Points
The police department advises particular attention to garage security. “When it comes to garages, some people like to leave their garage open at night. I don’t recommend that. I recommend that you have a garage that is secure and that you don’t allow someone to feel like they have access to walk directly into your home,” Jones said.
Strategic Lighting Solutions
Proper lighting serves as an effective deterrent against criminal activity. “We have to remember that lighting is a friend of ours. When we have areas around our home that are dark, that gives a criminal an opportunity to, you know, hide. So if you can have some kind of lighting system that would really, really make a great difference,” according to Jones.
Community Watch Approach
While security cameras offer protection, building relationships with neighbors can provide additional security without cost. Jones advocates for community involvement: “Let’s do the easy things like get to know your neighbor. Your neighbor will start to kind of know your patterns and, and know that if someone’s at your home that shouldn’t be there, they can help you by possibly calling 911, okay?”
Cost-Effective Security Measures
Jones emphasizes that effective home security doesn’t require significant financial investment. “We can do things by just taking the time to slow down, make sure your home looks kept around your property, making sure that you have your windows and your home locked. Those are simple things that don’t cost any money to be able to do.”
Basic preventive measures, including adequate lighting, well-maintained landscaping, and vigilant neighbors, often prove most effective in maintaining home security. These fundamental approaches can significantly enhance home protection without requiring expensive security systems.
