There is virtually no limit to the amount of money you can spend to improve your home's overall security; computerized alarms that are connected to security cameras and which you can control remotely can be installed around your property's perimeter, as an example, and this can make your home very secure. However, if you don't want to spend that much money or learn how to work such a complicated system, there are other options for improving your home's security and reducing the risk of break-ins and theft.

Rethink your fencing

Consider your property's fencing and note if it would do anything to keep out intruders, or if it's very easy to climb. A simple chain link fence offers a great toehold, and a small picket fence that is not very tall does very little to keep out unwanted visitors. Solid panel fences are harder to climb and also offer privacy in your yard so that a potential thief cannot see if your home is potentially occupied.

If you don't want to swap out your property's fence, consider what is planted around it. Thorny shrubs can stop any intruder, and using gravel or river rocks as mulch around the fence allow you to be alerted to the sound of someone who has scaled the fence. This can increase your home's security and work as a natural alarm.

Add window film

If burglars want to make a quick entry and exit into your home, they may simply smash a window. Adding security film to the glass panes can make them difficult, if not impossible, to break. You can find film that you apply yourself or have a professional installer manage this to ensure it's done properly. Many security films are very translucent, so that they don't interfere with the view, and they are especially good for windows in the back of the home, where a thief is more likely to enter.

Security doors

Security doors don't need to look overly industrial or be very heavy and cumbersome; a residential security door can be made with a steel inner core for strength and then covered with wood skins for a natural and attractive look. Vinyl doors are virtually unbreakable but also lightweight, and metal doors can also be painted. This means you can have that red entry door you love for your home, but with the added security you need. Consider the doors you have at your home's entryways and upgrade to something more secure if needed.