Do you keep your dog outside when you aren't home? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can't be seen. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn't react well to strangers, since they won't approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog's collar.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This is vital, as you want to safeguard your valuable items in case of home burglary. The safe should be situated in an inconspicuous area of your home.

When you're picking out home security equipment and services, don't forget to ask your friends and family for help. Knowledge of first-hand experiences can be very helpful to you when it comes to making this important decision. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.

Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.

Consider changing your locks as a part of your home security program. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

Are you aware of the value of your home's wires? Many people are not aware of this until they are stolen from their home. The copper component of wiring is very valuable and may be stripped from the outside of your home in a fairly short amount of time. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.

Be more proactive when you are determining the safety of your neighborhood. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Keep on eye on their home and ask neighbors to return the favor. It does not necessarily pay to steer clear of gossip. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.

Do not let people on the street see valuable items in your home. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. If your windows face a street, be sure they're always covered and have your valuables safe.

Don't let anyone in your house without knowing their work history and checking their references. Try doing a background check to look at their criminal history. You can never be certain if the contractor, repairman, maid, etc. that you hire to do services in your home is honest. If you let these people in without knowing anything about them, you could experience significant losses.

Consider buying a paper shredder for your home. Thieves can get lots of information simply by looking through your trash. If you can't afford to buy a paper shredder, tear your papers up into tiny bits before throwing them away.

If you are entering a house that has already been occupied, you should first change your locks. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. Find a reliable locksmith who can replace the locks or do it yourself.

Request that prospective security firms design a system specifically for your home. Each situation is different. If you have found a company that could cater to your needs, then it is easy to get the security that will make you and your loved ones comfortable.

Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.

When you hire a security firm, be certain to review all contracts carefully. There may be hidden costs in the event you wish to cancel before the end of the contract. This may also be true if you need more or different equipment in the future. Avoid nasty charges or fees regarding early termination, contract expiration and additional features or equipment.

If the front door is open when you get home, resist the temptation to go in alone to find the reason. This is a delicate situation as the burglar might still be in your home. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.

Dog owners, especially those with large, tough pets, have a leg up in the home security game. Burglars don't want risk being attacked or bitten. You should consider adopting a large dog that can be trained to protect you and your family.

If the living room window in your home has direct line of sight to the street, you'll want to draw those curtains at night. You want to avoid having people peek in the windows. Burglars may see something valuable, which will tempt them to steal. Keep your valuables out of sight and you'll make yourself less of a target for crime.

If your door is not made out of solid wood or metal, you should replace it. Those materials will hold. A burglar is very unlikely to be able to kick in a solid wood or metal door. It shouldn't be too costly to replace your exterior doors, so go do it.

Do you feel confident now? Learning all you can is key to home security. Have this advice handy when making a decision.