Lighting And Home Security - Enemy Of Burglars

Light is the enemy of burglars. There are several reasons for this, but the main one is that darkness gives them cover and time to do their illegal activities. They know that they cannot break into a house if they are in sight of other people who might be around to see them. They have to either find a different way into the house that is not as visible or move on to a house that is not as secure. For this reason, it is essential that you include adequate lighting around your home's exterior as a part of an overall home security system.

To make the most out of your exterior security lighting, you should install a light fixture above each entrance, above the garage door and on both sides of the house. These are minimum recommendations, as there are many other places where lighting can be beneficial, including under the eaves and at the end of your driveway.

The kind of lighting you should have is that which is activated by motion. There is certainly no need to have your exterior lights on at all times of the day and night. It is far better to have your lights automatically turn on when a sensor detects movement. This will allow you to save both energy and money as you won't be paying for them when they aren't on. In addition, burglars can be lured in by the apparent darkness of your property but then scared away when the lights come on. Light is a powerful deterrent and is the first layer of your comprehensive home security system. If the burglar decides to take a chance and break in even when your property is bathed in light, that's when your alarm system will kick in as your second layer of security.

Of all the security upgrades you can make to your house besides the installation of a monitored alarm system, exterior security lighting is the most effective. Not only does it deter unwanted visitors, but it allows you to see your property when you come home after dark. This is another security feature that is on a more personal level. If you see something that is amiss, you can choose to stay in your car and call the police, or drive to a safe place. Without security lighting, you could be setting yourself up to be a victim. Exterior security lighting is an investment you can't afford not to make.



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