Essential Home Security Tips You Should Know

2025-11-14

Every year-end, thieves flock to the area, making it virtually impossible to guard against. From clothes and shoes left to dry on public balconies to valuables inside the house, nothing escapes their attention. There's no way around it; thieves also want to make it to the New Year, so when else would they dare to steal? For those of us who could potentially be robbed at any time, prevention is key. So how can we prevent theft? Here are 10 fire prevention and theft prevention tips from the editor of Huadu Times in Henan.

1. For those friends who work and rent rooms away from home for a long time, no matter how busy you are, remember to bring your clothes back to your room at night when you are drying them out. Even if you have installed a camera, things can still be stolen, so remember to bring your belongings back at night and remind your landlord to be more careful.

2. When leaving for work, remember to close all doors and windows, especially windows. Don't overlook any windows in your room, or think that you don't need to close them if you live on a higher floor. For houses with exposed water pipes, you can install anti-climb netting, barbs, or grease on the pipes. Residents living on the ground floor can plant small potted plants around their windows and balconies, which is both aesthetically pleasing and serves as a security measure. Install reliable security windows and keep them closed and locked promptly. Other suggestions: Change your locks frequently; it's always better to be safe than sorry.

3. If you are going to be home very late at night or will not be home at all, it is advisable to keep the lights on in the room and turn on the TV or play music before leaving. In short, you should create the illusion that someone is in the room.

4. If one day you suddenly find some strange symbols on the outside wall of your room, be careful, as you may have been targeted by a thief. Thieves usually first determine if anyone is home by scouting the area, knocking on the door, and observing. If no one is home, they will use tools they carry to force open the door or window and then break in to commit theft. It's also possible that you've been followed by a thief for some time, learning your whereabouts and waiting to strike. Therefore, you should immediately strengthen your room's security measures or perhaps move out as soon as possible.

5. Residents are advised to replace their door lock cylinders with higher security cylinders as soon as possible. Currently, door locks on the market are divided into Class A, Class B, Super B, and Class C locks, with Class A locks having the lowest security and Class C locks having the highest. It is best to install a peephole on the door. Be vigilant towards uninvited guests and never open the door to strangers. Always carry valuables with you to work, such as bank cards, passbooks, ID cards, and laptops. For valuable electrical appliances, you can leave them with your landlord. Don't think it's troublesome or worry about bothering the landlord; remember, if your belongings are stolen, you will be the one who suffers.

6. Single women are easily targeted by thieves and robbers. So, when you get home from get off work at night, don't take shortcuts, even if it means walking a little further. Avoid sparsely populated alleys, as robberies often lurk in hidden alleys.

7. When walking on the street, if you are carrying a bag, remember to wear it crossbody or around your neck. We have seen too many cases of theft by bicycles on the roadside in the news. So don't be careless just because it hasn't happened to you.

8. Some girls may forget to take their bags out of the fitting room when they come out while shopping. Be especially careful here, as many thieves take advantage of this opportunity to sneak into the fitting room and steal your bags when you are not paying attention.

9. For those who own cars, when driving out, you may encounter this situation: some criminals deliberately bump into your car and then try to extort money from you. At this time, you must remain calm, call the police first, and do not open the car door, because they may be trying to rob you.

10. Always make sure to park your vehicle in a designated, guarded area with cameras. It's better to pay a parking fee than to park randomly on the side of the road. Also, try not to leave valuables in your car, or you could lose a lot of money.

In addition to the above anti-theft tips, the police remind the public to pay attention to the following points:

1. Keep valuables separate. In burglaries, thieves usually don't have much time to commit the crime. Keeping valuables separate can reduce the risk of theft. 2. Never keep large amounts of cash at home. 3. Never leave spare keys outside the house. 4. For rental properties with frequent and complex traffic, landlords should be sure to change the locks. 5. If you are going to be away for an extended period, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things. 6. If a burglary occurs, do not panic. Immediately call 110 to report the crime. Do not rush into the crime scene or clean up your belongings. Do not touch doorknobs or locks, and do not allow onlookers to enter the scene to avoid disturbing the crime scene. 7. If you discover or suspect that your passbook or bank card has been stolen, report it to the bank immediately. 8. If you find that the thief is still inside the house, do not enter the house alone to arrest him. Your safety is the priority. Lock the door from the inside and call the police immediately. At the same time, ask neighbors and passersby for help.