Being home alone is scary enough, but what about adding the thought of home invaders?

A burglary occurs approximately every 18 seconds in the United States. That equates to almost 200 every hour, and 4,800 every day. The statistics are alarming.

"True prevention is not waiting for bad things to happen; it's preventing things from happening in the first place."

Here are nine helpful tips for scaring away Burglars. Discover what the best deterrent for burglars is, in this guide.

1. Use Security Systems

Burglars are least likely to target a home with a security system. Make sure that you make it clear that your home is under protection.

This can be done through visible signage supplied by your security provider, stickers on your windows and entry doors.

2. Lock Doors and Windows

This may sound like an obvious deterrent factor. But there are many entry points a homeowner will continuously forget. If you have a backyard, rear-facing door that seems impossible for a burglar to get to.

Rid that thought from your mind. When you're home alone, do a systematic check of all windows and doors. Make sure they're locked on the first and second floors too.

3. No Hiding Spare Keys

Don't do what they do in the movies. A burglar will inevitably find the place you hide your spare keys. Consider leaving spare keys with a friend or a neighbor instead.

4. Secure Your Garage

Your garage is an easy access point for would-be burglars. Deter theft by leaving the alarm system on your vehicle on, even when it is parked inside your garage.

If a thief sets them off, it will give you warning well ahead of time to call the police.

5. Arm Your House

Without the purchase of a firearm or other weapon, there are household items that can be used for defense. Consider strategically placing pens, belts, and other heavy objects throughout your home and keep a mental note of where to find them, if someone gets inside.

6. Deadbolt Locks Are the Best Deterrent

Out of the hundreds of locking systems, Deadbolt Locks serve as the best burglar deterrent. Deadbolt locks make entry difficult for burglars and burglars know the longer they spend on your property, the more likely it is that they will get caught.

7. Get a Dog

The four-legged friend can be a great ally before and during a home invasion. Burglars are much less likely to target a home that has a dog. They're alert, and when it comes to deterring, even the smallest bark can warn an intruder off.

8. Keep a Well-Lit Exterior

Exterior lighting is a deterrent all in itself. A burglar will choose a dark home, where people inside are less likely to see them coming, than an extremely well-lit home.

9. Timing Devices

Consider putting timing devices on your lamps, for when you may not be home or running late. A burglar will be stopped in his tracks if he sees an upstairs light go on while he's approaching, even if there's no one there (he doesn't know that!)

Your Guide to Staying Safe

Prevention is the best deterrent for burglars, follow all 9 steps to ensure that you're covered from receiving unwanted visitors.

Be sure to check out our self-defense kits for added protection.