In 2010, the FBI estimated that more than 2 million burglaries occurred, and nearly three-quarters of them targeted private residences. With stats like that, it’s hard to imagine any home being totally secure. Don’t panic, though — just a few small tweaks could increase your home’s Security exponentially without straining your budget. Here are a few affordable ways to make your home a little bit safer today.

Motion-Triggered Lighting

Most intruders wait until the cover of darkness descends to cloak their criminal activity, but they won’t be able to hide if you install motion-sensing lights outside. These blinding lights start around $15 apiece and automatically switch on whenever they sense movement within a certain range. The sudden burst of light should be enough to spook any potential intruder, or at the very least, alert you to their presence.

Door and Window Sensors

If the motion-sensing lights don’t scare off burglars, the startling screech of Door and window sensors should. For less than $10, you can purchase sensors online that you affix to your doors and windows. Considering that about 34 percent of burglars break in through the front door, this is a good investment to make. When you activate them, the sensors will sound off with an alarm as loud as a jackhammer. You’ll immediately know if someone is attempting to enter your home, and that person will likely head for the hills immediately.

New Locks

If you fear the current locks on your home aren’t strong enough to keep out a determined intruder, you can buy a new deadbolt for less than $15. Sometimes, keeping criminals out is as simple as turning the lock on your door. Many burglars look for an in that doesn’t require the “breaking” part of breaking and entering so they can go undetected. Replace your locks if necessary and make sure you actually use them whenever you leave home or close up the house for the night.

Common Sense

Then there are some approaches that only require common sense, which is free! For instance, don’t post anything about upcoming vacations on social media. Anyone with access to your pages — which could be more people than you think — will know exactly when to break into your home. Also, keep the shrubbery near doors and windows low and maintained so would-be burglars don’t have anywhere to lurk.

A Full Security System

If you decide you’d like to go with a full, contemporary security system, you have some affordable options. Many high-ranking security systems, such as SimpliSafe and LiveWatch, will keep an eye on your house without breaking the bank. For instance, after an initial installation fee — generally around $20 — a system like LiveWatch will only run you $35 and up per month. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

With so many cheap ways to enhance the security of your home, you should be able to feel safe and snug when you go to sleep. Just incorporate one or two of these suggested switches to secure your abode’s perimeter.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington