A Higher Standard of Home Security
Foundations of a Secure Home
Your home should be a place where you feel safe and in control. But modern home security isn’t just about locks and alarms — it’s about making smart choices, knowing what to look out for, and using tools that give you peace of mind.
This guide shares essential, often-overlooked tips that will help you secure your home, property, and loved ones. Along the way, we’ll introduce some innovative solutions from Ring that can make home security simpler and more effective.
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Secure Every Entry Point
When was the last time you walked the perimeter of your home? Take a moment to check for any weak spots — like low windows, side gates, or areas hidden from view. Don’t leave ladders, tools, or patio furniture near windows or fences, as these can be used for access. Secure all basement windows and pet doors. And don’t forget to lock secondary entrances like side doors and sunrooms.
Smart Solution
Installing a Ring Smart Lighting and Outdoor Cam is a great way to illuminate and monitor less visible areas.
Protect Your
and Vehicles
Garage
Garages often provide easy access to both your home and your car. Always keep garage doors closed, lock interior connecting doors, and make sure your garage has a secondary lock. Vehicles should be kept locked — even inside the garage. Never leave the garage door opener inside a vehicle parked outside. Protect your identity and accounts by removing purses and wallets from your vehicle. Store car keys in a secure place, never on hooks near the door where they can be easily snatched during a break-in.
for above the garage and Spotlight Cameras inside the garage for motion activated lighting.
Keep Outdoor Areas Neat and Well-Lit
Overgrown hedges, tall fences, and dark corners can create opportunities for intruders to approach unnoticed. Trim shrubs, maintain open sightlines, and use lighting strategically to eliminate shadows. Avoid overly tall privacy fences — they can block the view from neighbors and give intruders more cover.
Smart Solution
Ring’s outdoor lighting options combine elegant design with motionactivated security.
Update Your Locks and Hardware
High-quality locks and hardware make a significant difference in security. Consider upgrading to deadbolts with reinforced strike plates and long screws. Check window hardware and sliding door locks regularly. Even small upgrades can make it much harder for someone to force entry.
Smart Solution
The Ring Alarm Security Kit offers contact sensors for windows and doors that work with smart locks from Schlage, Kwikset, Yale and others to help protect overlooked spots.
Conceal Valuables
Avoid storing valuables in obvious places like dresser drawers, closets, or jewelry boxes. Consider using discreet storage solutions, such as containers designed to blend in with household items. If you choose to use a safe, avoid placing it in the primary bedroom — one of the first areas a burglar might check. Instead, choose a concealed location and bolt the safe to the floor from the inside.
Smart Solution
Add a Ring Indoor Cam with a built in privacy shudder that you can open when you leave and close when you’re home.
Create a detailed inventory of valuables, including photocopies, receipts, serial numbers, and descriptions, to simplify recovery in case of theft and provide documentation for insurance purposes.
Stay Informed About Local Activity
The more you know about your neighborhood, the better prepared you’ll be. Get to know your neighbors, stay connected through community groups, and use local alert systems to stay aware of nearby incidents.
Smart Solution
The NeighborsApp by Ring lets you see and share safety updates in your
Prioritize Digital Security
Your smart home depends on a secure digital foundation. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep device firmware updated. Avoid connecting smart devices to public networks and use a guest network for visitors.
Smart Solution
Ring devices are designed with built-in privacy features and customizable settings.
Maintain a Lived-In Look
Homes that appear vacant are easy targets. Use smart lighting and remote controls to create the impression that someone is home, even when you’re away. Vary your light schedules, leave a TV or radio on a timer, and ensure that packages aren’t left unattended for long periods.
For extended trips, pause mail and newspaper deliveries to prevent a buildup that signals no one is home. Contact your local police department to see if they offer a service to check on your property.
Smart Solution
The RingApp allows you to control lights and cameras from anywhere.
Exclusive for Engel & Völkers Clients
As part of our commitment to helping you live securely and confidently, Engel & Völkers clients enjoy exclusive pricing on select Ring products. Speak with your affiliated Engel & Völkers real estate advisor to learn more about these exclusive offers.
Peace of Mind, Designed for Modern Living
A secure home is about more than technology — it’s about thoughtful preparation, proactive choices, and tools that work together to create a safe, welcoming environment. With these insights and solutions, you can enjoy the luxury of security every day.
