Why You Need Security in the Suburbs

Out in those lazy little edge-of-nowhere towns, where nobody really ever locks their doors and people leave the ignition keys in their cars, what is the point of security? The truth is, security is important regardless of where you live.

As anyone who has ever lived in the suburbs can tell you, small-town people know their neighbors. As a result, they also know that there is ‘that guy’, the one with the scabs and the red eyes, the one who has an odd odor coming from his house sometimes late at night. That guy has friends, whom, one assumes, come visiting sometimes.

While it is likely that you will not get robbed in the suburbs, it’s important that you maintain security. Security in a small town means knowing your neighbors and keeping an eye out for one another’s property. If you don’t know your neighbors, the best thing to do is to meet them, shake their hand and tell them your name.

Your fence needs to be in good repair. Likewise, your gates need to be functional and kept locked. Not just to keep the cows and cars in, but also to keep burglars and random strangers out.

Another thing that is a good idea to do on a regular basis is to patrol your property. Not only to check on any security lighting and motion detectors (because sometimes critters tend to chew on those things), but also to make sure everything is secure. If there is a water leak or a stray with kittens, patrolling is the fastest way to discover it.

Outbuildings should be kept locked, including tools and equipment. Not only to keep them safe, but also because running over one of those tools with the riding lawn mower can break the blade or worse.  Safety and security go hand-in-hand.

And finally, don’t be lax with the basics. The key to the riding lawn mower and garage door should be kept inside the house. Keep doors and windows locked when you aren’t using them. Don’t count on the dog to be your sole means of protection, or let him wander unattended. Lock your doors. Keep the car locked, too. Keep the shrubs cut back from the house. Lock up the guns, jewelry, and cash.

If this advice sounds to you like it could be applied to anywhere you live, you’re correct. Because safety isn’t a place; it’s a mindset. Being a diligent homeowner can keep your property secure wherever you go--and you can feel safe about that.