1. Lock Every Door and Window, Every Time

It sounds incredibly obvious, yet unlocked entry points remain the leading cause of successful burglaries. Many homeowners develop a false sense of security during daylight hours. You might step into the backyard to tend to your garden, leaving the front door unlocked, or leave a side window open to catch a cross-breeze while you run to the grocery store.

Thieves frequently canvass neighborhoods during the morning and early afternoon, testing doorknobs and looking for easy access. Make it a non-negotiable habit to lock all exterior doors the moment you enter or exit your home. Pay special attention to secondary access points: sliding glass doors, basement windows, and side garage doors. If a burglar tests your door and finds it locked, they are highly likely to abandon the attempt rather than risk making the noise required to break a window.