We all want to feel safe in our home, but if you have been the victim of a burglary, this might not be the case. Many report feeling uneasy when home alone after their home has been broken into, and others have gone as far as moving to a different home.

To keep from becoming one of the millions whose homes have been broken into, taking a few precautions can go a long way.

If you are planning on being away for a long period of time, it might be worth investing in a timer that will give the impression that someone is still in the house. You could also have a friend stay in your home, or at least collect the mail to make sure that it isn’t obvious the house is empty.

Your front door is the most common entry point for a burglar, so you should make sure that it is a good quality, solid wood or metal door with a deadlock bolt to keep it secure. If you have windows near the door, they shouldn’t be so close that a burglar can break them and reach the lock.

A home alarm system can be a good deterrent, and sometimes, just seeing the signs that your house is protected will deter a potential break-in.