Every year, thousands of homes are broken into. But you can help stop this by using good burglary deterrents. A burglary deterrent is something that scares away a would-be burglar. They don’t want to get caught, so they look for homes without good security measures.
In this guide, we’ll show you easy ways to protect your house. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to stay safe. Many affordable home security systems are great at keeping burglars away.
Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.
A burglary deterrent is something that keeps burglars away. It can be a tool, a light, or even a security sign in your yard. Most opportunistic burglars will skip your home if they see something that might stop them.
Some homes are a prime target because they don’t have locks or cameras. If your home looks easy to break into, you are at a higher risk of burglary.
No one wants to be a burglary victim. Burglars steal valuable items like gaming systems, money, and jewelry. Some even throw bricks through windows or break glass doors. This can cost a lot of money to fix.
Having good security checks in place gives you extra protection. Plus, some insurance companies give discounts for homes with security camera systems or smart locks.
A strong type of deadbolt lock can stop burglars from opening your exterior doors. You can also use anti-snap locks or barrel locks for extra security. Make sure to use inch screws for a tight hold.
Smart locks can lock or unlock with your phone. These are hard for cat burglars to break. You can check your door even if you’re away on travel plans.
Security cameras let you see what’s going on. Some have a two-way audio feature so you can talk to anyone outside. 100% wire-free security cameras are easy to set up and move.
You can even use video doorbells to see who is at your front door.
Burglars don’t like to be seen. Motion detection turns on lights when someone walks by. Motion sensor lighting or security lights near garage doors, floor windows, and basement windows helps a lot.
You can also use lights on timers or automatic timers. These give the appearance of activity when you’re away for an extended period of time.
Put up a security system sign or window sticker. This shows you have adequate security. Even if you don’t have a real system, this can be an effective deterrent.
A loud burglar alarm can scare off opportunistic burglars. You can also try burglar deterrent gadgets like a burglar beacon or alarms that make noise if windows break.
Keep your garage door opener safe. A smart garage door can close on its own if you forget. Keep your garage doors locked too!
Keep your yard clear. Trim bushes underneath windows so burglars can’t hide. Use exterior lights to light up dark corners. This adds a strong layer of security.
If you’re away, stop daily deliveries like newspapers or mail. Ask concerned neighbors to pick them up or use a smart device to handle it.
Use tools to create an activity schedule with lights or music. It helps show activity in the neighborhood and your home.
Join a community watch program or Neighborhood Watch Programs. This means more eyes on the street and fewer property crimes. Go to community safety workshops or talk to a crime prevention officer.
You can also pay for professional home monitoring. This means someone is always watching your cameras. Some services like Acme Security or Barry Bros Security help with this.
A crime prevention specialist can give your home a full security assessment and suggest better security measures.
Many break-ins happen through basement windows, floor windows, or weak arcadian doors and french doors. Make sure these are strong and locked.
Use a security strike plate and a strong frame with screws on all exterior doors.
If your home has a broken window, fix it right away. A burglar might see it as a weak spot.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money. Some common DIY security systems are very cheap. Even an affordable doorbell camera can help.
Look into budget-friendly security systems for complete home protection.
If you have homeowners insurance, your plan might cover theft. Some also offer condo unitowners insurance or commercial insurance if you run a business.
Keep your certificates of insurance updated. Check with insurance companies about coverage.
If you see suspicious activity, tell the police or a crime prevention unit. Also, alert neighbors so everyone knows. Don’t try to stop criminal activity by yourself.
This can help stop a break-in attempt or other type of crime before it happens.
Pay attention to activity in the neighborhood. If someone strange is walking around, they might be looking for an appealing target. Share news with your neighbors.
You can even use advertising items like signs or decals to show your home is protected.
If your home was damaged during a break-in, you need to secure it fast. You can call professionals for emergency board-up services. They cover broken windows and doors to protect your home.
👉 Preferred Restoration’s Emergency Board-Up Service in Orange County can help anytime there’s a break-in or storm.
Visible security cameras, security lights, and burglar alarms are some of the biggest deterrents. They scare away burglars fast.
Yes, a security sign or window sticker can fool opportunistic burglars. It shows that your home might have security camera systems.
Use automatic timers for lights, stop daily deliveries, and tell concerned neighbors. Set your smart locks and check your security cameras.
Yes! Smart locks, video doorbells, and motion sensors are great tools. They let you watch your home anytime.
Tell a crime prevention officer or your community watch program. You can also share info with neighbors to stay safe together.
Visit your nearby local emergency responder or contact us today for more information.
EXCELLENTBased on 54 reviews
Verified
Selene H.October 15, 2024I don't usually leave reviews but Eric is honestly the most knowledgeable and helpful contractor I have ever met. I had a moisture problem from outside the house that impacted my drywalls and potentially studs. Eric talked me through all my options and made referrals to others who can help me with my drywall issues due to asbestos. He also walked me through the entire asbestos testing step and any additional work that I could do should I want to save cost. I am so grateful for the time and dedication Eric has shown. Honestly you won't regret hiring him for your job!Verified
Nina E.October 3, 2024I had a very good experience with preferred restoration. From the first phone call, Eric was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He has a high level of professionalism and excellent communication. I was happy with the mold remediation he did in our home and I would recommend him and his team. I also found his pricing to be very fair. Every step from start to finish was very seamless!Verified
Wendy B.September 26, 2024Eric and his team at Preferred Restoration were nothing short of amazing when they handled the mitigation of our hot water slab leak. From the very start, they were incredibly kind, understanding, and attentive to our needs during a stressful time. Arnold and the crew worked efficiently and were always mindful of our home and belongings. They took great care to contain the affected areas, ensuring that dust and debris were kept to a minimum. Each day, they meticulously cleaned the workspace before leaving, which made such a difference in keeping our home livable during the process. Their attention to detail and commitment to tidiness was impressive--they treated our home as if it were their own. We truly appreciate the professionalism and respect they showed throughout the entire project. Preferred Restoration went above and beyond, and we couldn't have asked for a better team to help us through this ordeal. Highly recommend!Verified
Rick C.August 22, 2024Had. A great experience with Eric at Preferred Restoration for a mold issue at one of my properties. They were very quick to respond and were always available. Eric was extremely professional, helpful and fair. I'm glad I found them and will be using them solely for my future needs.Verified
Victoria H.June 19, 2024I had a mold problem in my guest room's closet. Eric was the first to respond and came to my house the very next day. He promptly identified the underlying issue which was a leak from my bathroom and was very thorough in explaining the repair process to me. He sent me an itemized quote and also gave me a referral for an abestos testing company because of the age of the house. He was very honest and kind. I ended up using a different service referred by the plumbing company because the extent of the damage was smaller than expected. However I would not hesitate to call Eric for any future remediation needs.Verified
Charles C.June 10, 2024I called for a consultation and Eric was very thorough with his inspection. He offered a honest evaluation and we felt confident taking our next steps after his evaluation.Verified
Vania Y.May 21, 2024Eric and Vincent came to do a mold inspection at our house and they were exactly what they say on their mission statement: honest, kind, and helpful. I really didn't know what here to start as we were getting sick in this house and Eric talked me through the process on the phone and scheduled a consult for us quickly. They were punctual, came into the house with shoe covers, and even gave us suggestions as to different sources of our several months long cough (dust) and tips on how to mitigate it. Even though it wasn't their service and they get nothing from it, it was very helpful of them to lead me in a direction on where to go. In the end, we didn't need their services after all, (see, honest!) but if we have mold issues, I would definitely call them back and have no hesitation recommending them.Verified
Michael Y.May 8, 2024I've contacted Eric on two separate occasions and he was always professional. No fear mongering, no upselling, just honest recommendations that are straight and to the point. Of all the restoration companies I've contacted in the past, I can say that Eric has the most integrity. I'm hoping I never have to call again, but if I ever have a situation where there is possibly water damage, I will be calling Eric and Preferred Restoration first. Thank you again for putting my mind at ease after a stressful ordeal.Verified
Phyllis Y.April 19, 2024After the recent heavy rains, we noticed some water damage and contacted several contractors and remediation companies; of them, Preferred Restoration was by far the most responsive and professional. Eric and Vincent were friendly and courteous, but more importantly, they clearly knew what they were doing and did a fantastic job. It can be hard to know who to trust in situations like this, so we are really glad we found them, and though we hope we never need to, we wouldn't hesitate to use them again.Verified
Briana W.April 12, 2024We had a drain leak in our house and it caused major damage throughout our entire house. I was having the worst time dealing with our insurance adjuster and felt like I the company that they sent out to complete the water mitigation was NOT looking out for my best interests. So, I made the decision to call Preferred Restoration and I am thrilled that I did. Erik was wonderful to work with and was excellent with communication throughout the entire process. Erik uncovered all of the water damage in our house and truly went above and beyond in working with my insurance adjuster as well as the Public Adjuster that we eventually had to hire because our insurance company was so horrible to work with. Uncovering water damage and mold in your house can be a traumatic experience. Hiring Preferred Restoration was the best decision that we could have made. We were thrilled with the remediation that was completed by Erik and his team and I was confident they always had my best interests in mind. Preferred Restoration provided quality service, excellent value, and I can't say enough great things about them.
EXCELLENTBased on 54 reviews
Verified
Selene H.October 15, 2024I don't usually leave reviews but Eric is honestly the most knowledgeable and helpful contractor I have ever met. I had a moisture problem from outside the house that impacted my drywalls and potentially studs. Eric talked me through all my options and made referrals to others who can help me with my drywall issues due to asbestos. He also walked me through the entire asbestos testing step and any additional work that I could do should I want to save cost. I am so grateful for the time and dedication Eric has shown. Honestly you won't regret hiring him for your job!Verified
Nina E.October 3, 2024I had a very good experience with preferred restoration. From the first phone call, Eric was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He has a high level of professionalism and excellent communication. I was happy with the mold remediation he did in our home and I would recommend him and his team. I also found his pricing to be very fair. Every step from start to finish was very seamless!Verified
Wendy B.September 26, 2024Eric and his team at Preferred Restoration were nothing short of amazing when they handled the mitigation of our hot water slab leak. From the very start, they were incredibly kind, understanding, and attentive to our needs during a stressful time. Arnold and the crew worked efficiently and were always mindful of our home and belongings. They took great care to contain the affected areas, ensuring that dust and debris were kept to a minimum. Each day, they meticulously cleaned the workspace before leaving, which made such a difference in keeping our home livable during the process. Their attention to detail and commitment to tidiness was impressive--they treated our home as if it were their own. We truly appreciate the professionalism and respect they showed throughout the entire project. Preferred Restoration went above and beyond, and we couldn't have asked for a better team to help us through this ordeal. Highly recommend!Verified
Rick C.August 22, 2024Had. A great experience with Eric at Preferred Restoration for a mold issue at one of my properties. They were very quick to respond and were always available. Eric was extremely professional, helpful and fair. I'm glad I found them and will be using them solely for my future needs.Verified
Victoria H.June 19, 2024I had a mold problem in my guest room's closet. Eric was the first to respond and came to my house the very next day. He promptly identified the underlying issue which was a leak from my bathroom and was very thorough in explaining the repair process to me. He sent me an itemized quote and also gave me a referral for an abestos testing company because of the age of the house. He was very honest and kind. I ended up using a different service referred by the plumbing company because the extent of the damage was smaller than expected. However I would not hesitate to call Eric for any future remediation needs.Verified
Charles C.June 10, 2024I called for a consultation and Eric was very thorough with his inspection. He offered a honest evaluation and we felt confident taking our next steps after his evaluation.Verified
Vania Y.May 21, 2024Eric and Vincent came to do a mold inspection at our house and they were exactly what they say on their mission statement: honest, kind, and helpful. I really didn't know what here to start as we were getting sick in this house and Eric talked me through the process on the phone and scheduled a consult for us quickly. They were punctual, came into the house with shoe covers, and even gave us suggestions as to different sources of our several months long cough (dust) and tips on how to mitigate it. Even though it wasn't their service and they get nothing from it, it was very helpful of them to lead me in a direction on where to go. In the end, we didn't need their services after all, (see, honest!) but if we have mold issues, I would definitely call them back and have no hesitation recommending them.Verified
Michael Y.May 8, 2024I've contacted Eric on two separate occasions and he was always professional. No fear mongering, no upselling, just honest recommendations that are straight and to the point. Of all the restoration companies I've contacted in the past, I can say that Eric has the most integrity. I'm hoping I never have to call again, but if I ever have a situation where there is possibly water damage, I will be calling Eric and Preferred Restoration first. Thank you again for putting my mind at ease after a stressful ordeal.Verified
Phyllis Y.April 19, 2024After the recent heavy rains, we noticed some water damage and contacted several contractors and remediation companies; of them, Preferred Restoration was by far the most responsive and professional. Eric and Vincent were friendly and courteous, but more importantly, they clearly knew what they were doing and did a fantastic job. It can be hard to know who to trust in situations like this, so we are really glad we found them, and though we hope we never need to, we wouldn't hesitate to use them again.Verified
Briana W.April 12, 2024We had a drain leak in our house and it caused major damage throughout our entire house. I was having the worst time dealing with our insurance adjuster and felt like I the company that they sent out to complete the water mitigation was NOT looking out for my best interests. So, I made the decision to call Preferred Restoration and I am thrilled that I did. Erik was wonderful to work with and was excellent with communication throughout the entire process. Erik uncovered all of the water damage in our house and truly went above and beyond in working with my insurance adjuster as well as the Public Adjuster that we eventually had to hire because our insurance company was so horrible to work with. Uncovering water damage and mold in your house can be a traumatic experience. Hiring Preferred Restoration was the best decision that we could have made. We were thrilled with the remediation that was completed by Erik and his team and I was confident they always had my best interests in mind. Preferred Restoration provided quality service, excellent value, and I can't say enough great things about them.