Securing your doors and even your garage door can go a long way in preventing burglaries or worse. Residential burglaries are on the rise and that you cannot put a price on your peace of mind and your family's safety.

Perimeter Lighting: Remember that lighting is a great way to deter a thief. Motion sensors and photosensitive lights that turn the lights on when it grows dark and off at sunrise work great.

Window Locks: One study showed that 20% of burglaries happen as a result of an unsecured window. So, always be sure to lock your windows (including screen doors). Although, beware that some window latches are not very secure in their own right. If the screws that mount the locking hardware are not very long a burglar may be able to twist a knife or blade to pop the screws out to make entry. Typically, casement and crank out windows are a safe bet.

Shrubbery: Excess shrubbery can provide a burglar with a much wanted screen that will allow them privacy while they break into your home. One solution is to use a shrubbery close to the house that is covered with thorns that will most likely deter a thief.

Doors: One study shows that nearly 65% of burglars enter either through the front or the back door. Poor locks and easily broken doors are typically to blame. Doors with windows are easily breeched by breaking the windows. One option is to install safety glass designed for windowed doors. Always use a deadbolt style lock as the less-effective spring loaded versions are easily and quickly by-passed with a credit card. Also, ensure that you have a steel reinforced strike plate that holds the bolt in place.

Garage Doors: Garage doors should always be kept locked as this can be a home's most vulnerable entry point. Older garage door openers may need to be re coded to mae sure they are not still using the generic factory settings. Leaving your remote control in your vehicle parked in the driveway is another way that a burglar can easily access your garage. All they have to do is simply break your car window or open the door using other means to use the remote.