Thinking about ways to protect your home? Don't forget the basement!
While burglars often target front doors and windows, the basement can be an unexpected weak spot—and a surprisingly common entry point for intruders. Because basements are typically out of sight, they can be left unlocked or obscured by landscaping, making them an appealing target for criminals looking for easy access.
To help keep your home and loved ones safe, here are five effective tips for securing your basement from burglars.
1. Make Sure All Windows and Doors Are Locked
We cannot stress this enough: always keep your basement windows and doors locked—especially since basements are easy to overlook in your daily routine.
It's common to open a window during cleaning or while working on a project, only to forget to lock it afterward. Unfortunately, that single oversight can create the perfect opportunity for an intruder.
According to ADT, about 23% of home intruders enter through first-floor windows, and many basements are even easier to access. Installing sturdy window locks or pin locks on all basement windows can go a long way in preventing forced entry.
You might also check the condition of your door frames, lock plates, and deadbolts. If they're old or loose, consider upgrading to reinforced strike plates or smart locks that send alerts if someone tampers with them. A few inexpensive upgrades could be the difference between safety and vulnerability.
Pro Tip: Test all your locks twice a year—spring and fall—just as you would test your smoke alarms.
2. Keep Shrubs, Plants, and Trees Trimmed
If your basement windows are low to the ground or have a stairwell leading to a basement door, overgrown landscaping can create the perfect hiding spot for criminals.
Burglars often rely on concealment to scope out or break into a home without being seen. To prevent this, trim shrubs, plants, and trees regularly around your home's foundation and window wells. Choose low-growing or thorny plants near basement windows for a natural deterrent.
Keeping your landscaping tidy doesn't just boost curb appeal—it improves visibility and safety. You'll also be more likely to notice subtle signs of suspicious activity, like:
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Footprints or scuff marks near windows
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Discarded cans, bottles, or cigarette butts
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Damaged window screens or disturbed mulch
If you see signs that someone may have been lurking near your property, notify local authorities right away.
Extra Layer of Security: Install motion-activated lighting near basement entrances or window wells. A sudden flood of light is often enough to send would-be intruders running.
3. Install Window Security Film
Even if your basement windows are securely locked, determined burglars may try to shatter the glass. That's where window security film comes in.
This clear, adhesive film makes it difficult for glass to break—and even if it does, the shards stay together, preventing a quick entry. A roll costs under $50 at most home improvement stores, and you can install it yourself in under an hour.
Security film not only deters burglars but also offers protection against storm damage and flying debris, adding extra peace of mind year-round.
Bonus: Some window films also provide UV protection, which helps prevent fading on furniture or stored items in your basement.
4. Consider Placing Bars Over Windows
For homeowners seeking maximum protection, window security bars can be an effective deterrent against forced entry. While the appearance might not appeal to everyone, modern styles include decorative grilles that blend into your home's architecture.
Security bars are available for less than $50 per window and can be customized for both fixed and egress windows. Just be sure that at least one basement window or door remains a viable emergency exit—safety regulations require a way out in case of fire.
With the right balance of aesthetics and practicality, window bars can make your basement nearly impossible to breach—without making your home look like a fortress.
5. Invest in a Home Security System
A professionally monitored home security system remains the most effective way to protect your home—including the basement.
Homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized, according to industry research. Installing door and window sensors, glass break detectors, and cameras provides layered protection. Should a break-in occur, you'll receive instant alerts, and authorities can be dispatched immediately.
Modern systems, like those from Ackerman Security, integrate with smart home devices for real-time monitoring and control from your smartphone. You can check your cameras, arm your alarm remotely, and even get notifications if a basement window is opened unexpectedly.
Peace of mind is priceless. Investing in professional monitoring helps protect not just your belongings—but the people you love most.
Want a Free Quote for a Home Security System?
Call Ackerman Security at 800.552.1111 or get an instant quote online.
For more than 50 years, we've helped Atlanta homeowners stay safe with cutting-edge alarm systems, smart surveillance products, and 24/7 professional monitoring. Our expert team will conduct a free on-site inspection and recommend the best solutions for your home's layout and budget.
We're proud to be the only security company in North America that offers a No-Theft Guarantee—because your safety deserves more than promises; it deserves protection you can trust.
