5 Common Security Mistakes People Don’t Realize They’re Making
Even careful homeowners miss a few of these. Let’s fix them—fast
You don’t need to be careless to have a vulnerable home. In fact, most people who experience a break-in assumed they were doing everything right. The truth is, a few small oversights can create big opportunities for intruders.
Here are five common home security mistakes—and what you can do to fix them today.
1. Relying on a Lock (and Only a Lock)
It sounds obvious, but many break-ins happen through locked doors. Why? Because locks alone aren’t always enough. Without alarms, cameras, or motion sensors, intruders know they have time.
Fix it:
Install a smart door sensor or a video doorbell. Just seeing that tech is often enough to make a burglar walk away.
2. Leaving Packages (and Clues) Outside
A stack of Amazon boxes or a dark porch can tell a stranger two things: you’re not home, and you probably have valuables inside.
Fix it:
Use motion-triggered lights and camera systems. With ADT, you can even get alerts when packages arrive—or when someone starts snooping around.
3. Skipping the Garage
Many people secure their doors and windows—but forget the garage. It’s one of the easiest access points, especially if you keep tools, bikes, or even a door to your home inside.
Fix it:
Treat your garage like any other entry point. Add contact sensors or smart controls to monitor access and get alerts when something’s off.
4. Forgetting to Arm the System
This one hurts—because it’s so common. You pay for a great system, but then… forget to turn it on. Whether it’s overnight, during a quick errand, or when you’re just distracted, it happens to everyone.
Fix it:
Use ADT’s app to arm and disarm remotely, or set up reminders. You can even create schedules to arm automatically at bedtime or when you leave.
5. Thinking “It Won’t Happen to Me”
This is the biggest one. Most of us think our neighborhood is safe, or that break-ins only happen to “other people.” But data shows otherwise—most burglaries happen in ordinary homes, on ordinary days.
Fix it:
Awareness is the first step. Taking just a few small actions now—like installing a door sensor or signing up for professional monitoring—can give you a major edge if something ever goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
Security isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about being prepared.
Most of these fixes take just minutes—but they can save you from a lifetime of regret.
Need help figuring out the right system for your home? That’s what we’re here for. At Homesense101, we help you get matched with the best ADT package for your lifestyle—so nothing gets overlooked.
