5 Tips Any Homeowner Can Use to Protect Against Burglary
Tucson is a vibrant community, but like any city, it’s not immune to property crime. As a local burglar alarm company, we’ve seen firsthand how a few simple habits and upgrades can make a tremendous difference when it comes to securing your home. Here are five practical steps every homeowner should take for better peace of mind.
1. Don’t Advertise an Empty House
Burglaries are more likely when a house appears unoccupied. When you’re away, make your Tucson home look lived in:
- Use timers or smart home devices to switch lights and radios on and off at varied times.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up mail, newspapers, and deliveries.
- Park a car in your driveway or ask a neighbor to do so occasionally.
Little changes like these can make your home far less attractive to criminals scanning for easy targets.
2. Reinforce Entry Points
Most burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows. Simple hardware upgrades can dramatically boost your security:
- Install solid-core or metal exterior doors with quality deadbolts.
- Secure sliding glass doors with bars or dowels to prevent forced entry.
- Upgrade window locks and, if possible, add security film to make glass harder to break.
Pay extra attention to garage and side doors—these are common weak points overlooked by many homeowners.
3. Keep Landscaping Neat
Trimmed bushes and clear sight lines around doors and windows eliminate hiding spots for would-be burglars. Overgrown shrubs are an invitation for someone hoping to access your home without being seen. Consider:
- Pruning back trees and large plants near the house.
- Installing motion-activated lights to brighten dark corners of your yard at night.
- Choosing thorny bushes under windows as a natural deterrent.
4. Build Neighborhood Connections
Getting to know your neighbors is one of the most powerful deterrents to crime. A tight-knit community watches out for one another and is quick to notice suspicious activity. In Tucson, joining a neighborhood watch or simply trading contact information with adjacent homeowners can make you all safer.
When you’re out of town, ask neighbors to keep an eye on your place. Offer to return the favor when they travel. Working together is how communities discourage crime before it starts.
5. Invest in a Monitored Alarm System
The presence of a monitored burglar alarm is proven to deter criminals—most will bypass a house protected by a reputable security company. Here’s why monitored systems stand out:
- Alarms are connected to a central monitoring station, so help is dispatched even if you can’t call yourself.
- Window and door sensors, glass break detectors, and cameras can all work together for comprehensive coverage.
- Insurance companies often offer discounts for professionally monitored systems, saving you money in the long run.
Studies show that homes with visible security systems are much less likely to be targeted by burglars. Even basic signage and window decals can make a difference—but nothing matches the protection of a fully monitored system installed and maintained by local professionals.
Making your Tucson home more secure starts with small, actionable steps. By combining these techniques, you’re not only protecting your property, but also helping to strengthen the safety of our entire community. If you would like to talk to one of our security experts about upgrading your security system, we’d love to talk to you. Click here to contact us today to learn more and get a complete 100% free home assessment!
