How do I keep my Merced home safe? Security experts share simple steps

Residents who are looking to increase safety and security around their homes don’t have to spend a lot of money on fancy home security systems. Home security experts and law enforcement say some simple steps can make an impact when looking to deter would-be criminals.

Securing Entry Points

One of the easiest and simplest ways to protect yourself and your home from intruders is by making sure all doors and windows are locked when you’re not at home. Home security company SimpliSafe, also suggests installing entry sensors to alert you of any unexpected activity. The sensors can be placed at the entrance to the home as well as in a basement or garage.

As seasons change and temperatures begin to rise, doors or windows that are left open for ventilation should not be left unattended. Experts agree that windows, should be closed and locked at night while sleeping or when away from the home.

“Windows are one of the most common entry points for intruders, especially during warmer months,” SimpliSafe said in an email to the Sun-Star.

While experts suggest keeping ground-level windows closed and locked when not home and overnight, it is also suggested that second floor windows be secured if they are accessible from from areas such as a tree, fence or porch area.

Outdoor Lighting as a Deterrent

Installing motion-activated lighting around the home is a relatively simple and inexpensive step that can be taken to enhance security. According to SimpliSafe, having lights installed around a home’s perimeter, especially near entry points such as doors, windows and garages, can make a big impact as intruders typically avoid well lit areas where they are more likely to be seen.

Not only can can lighting help discourage unwanted people from being around a home, they can also serve to alert those inside the home of movement around the property. Combining motion-activated lighting with security cameras can add additional defense by providing residents with a view of their home’s perimeter.

“One of the things we always tell people is thieves and burglars, they don’t like lights,” Merced County Sheriff Capt. Aaron Rosenberg said. “So if you can get security lights, flood lights around your property, around your house— motion sensors, motion lighting, things like that, those are great deterrents.”

Landscaping

Foliage and landscaping around homes often used to provide privacy, also can provide cover for potential intruders, especially if overgrown. Keeping trees, bushes and shrubs trimmed helps to ensure they do not block motion sensors, lighting or security cameras. Rosenberg said overgrown trees and bushes could even provide cover for thieves, obscuring them from the view of nearby neighbors and law enforcement. SimpliSafe said residents can even take the step of planting bushes and shrubs that contain thorns under windows such as rose bushes and holly, as a way to try and discourage entry into the home.

Smart Devices for Home Security

Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Northern California, recommends residents make use of smart devices to ensure safety around their home.

Johnson said homeowners tend to pay more attention to alerts they receive on their phone while they are traveling Smart devices can alert residents to activity on their property including things such as garage door activation.

Johnson said roughly 40% of homeowners say they do not have a home security devices because they feel it is too expensive. He suggests homeowners research and shop around for security systems to find one that fits both their needs and budget.

“If you have a second car, leave your extra car parked in the driveway so that people think that someone might be home,” Johnson said. In addition to motion sensing lights, Johnson also suggests using lights that can be set to a timer, allowing them to turn on making it appear as though someone is inside.

Another step residents and homeowners can take to prevent unwanted access to their home and property is to unplug the garage door motor or lock the garage door when gone for extended periods of time. According to Johnson, this may prevent someone with any type of device that can scan and use the frequency of a remote controlled garage door, from gaining access to your home.

Home Security Systems

Rosenberg suggests putting a sign for an alarm system in your yard, as that can sometimes deter a would be thief from taking a chance as to weather or not the home has an alarm.

Another step residents can take to protect their belongings from package thieves and mail theft, is by installing some type of locking device for packages on a front porch.

“It’s always great to invest in something like that, that the delivery service can put into some type of box and then lock it with a lock you leave for them,” Rosenberg said.

He added that locking mailboxes, especially in more rural areas, can be another way of securing mail.

Good secure locks for doors, as well as security cameras are a good deterrent, according to Rosenberg.

Community-Based Security Efforts

Johnson said keeping in contact with neighbors is another step residents can take to try and keep their home secure.

“If you trust your neighbor, you could always notify them that you’re going to be gone, when you’re going to be back, to keep an eye on things,” said Johnson.

Rosenberg also suggests that residents get to know their neighbors and possibly even start a community group online or through text.

“If you’re close enough with your neighbors, start a community text message group that everybody can keep an eye out for things going on in the neighborhood, anything looks suspicious then let each other know,” Rosenberg said.

Reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement is another way people can look out not only for themselves, but also their neighbors.

“If the community isn’t letting law enforcement know what’s going on, it’s hard of us to assist in combating some of those problems,” Rosenberg said.

Even if something seems small, Rosenberg said law enforcement encourages people to report those types of suspicions activities in their neighborhoods.

Rosenberg said that a lot of times thieves are looking for an easy target.

“The easier you leave the target, the more likely you are to be victimized,” he said.

This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 10:51 AM.