It's midnight when you hear the noise outside. But, whether it's the wind or an intruder, the last thing you want to wonder is how secure your home is against a potential threat. Without exception, our agents know how important home security is to our clients. Even in the safest neighborhoods, more security is always the best protection. 

• Create a Castle
  One thing all criminals have in common is speed. Their goal is rapid entry and exit. The harder you can make it to enter and exit the property, the longer it will take and the less likely they will target your home. Creating layers of structural deterrents is the best way to deter a break-in. Effective changes you can make to the landscaping and exterior of your home include:

• • Trim trees and other foliage from around windows and doors to eliminate hiding spots.
  • Install layered lighting, including path lights, floodlights, patio lights, uplights, and downlights outside your home. 
  • Cover all basement windows with locking window covers. 
  • Fix the fence. Always make sure your fence is sturdy and strong. And make sure the gate has a solid lock.
  • Plant thorns beneath windows. Holly, Hawthorn, Roses, Agave, and other thorny plants make it harder to sneak through the window.
  • Install a monitored home security system. Your home security system should incorporate cameras positioned at all entrances, cameras in the hallways, alarms, lights, and sirens.
     
• Secure the Interior Through Good Habits
  The following are some simple tips that will help keep thieves away: 

• • Never flaunt your good fortune; always break down boxes for new purchases and stow them within trash bins for disposal.
  • Watch who you invite over. Make sure you know everyone who enters your home. This includes friends of your children and friends of friends.
  • Change the locks. Make sure to change your locks whenever you purchase a new home and change your security codes regularly.
  • Install a wall or floor safe. Don't put it in the closet, but somewhere less common like a utility closet, storage room, bathroom, etc.
  • Keep valuables, including artwork, televisions, etc., out of sight of windows.
    
    
• Fortify the Keep
  Home invasions are relatively rare. However, your profession or personal situation may mean you have specific threats you need to protect your family against. While not every family should have, or needs, a panic room, judges, lawyers, government officials, and others may benefit from the investment. If you have an elevated risk, it is advisable to install additional security. In particular, a "panic room" where you can secure yourself and your family until first responders can arrive. If you opt to install a panic room, you will want to stock it with flashlights, batteries, secure communications, and essential documents. The goal of a panic room is to protect your family until first responders arrive, and in Bakersfield, that is roughly five minutes. 

There are some fantastic Bakersfield homes for sale right now that we would love to show you! We invite you to contact us to schedule a showing of your favorite properties. We will be happy to show them to you and to point out the security features they incorporate.