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March 30, 2026

What Does Target Hardening Mean For Home Security?

You’ve come across target hardening as a way to deter burglaries, but you might be thinking about how it applies to your own Des Moines home. Read more about this crime-prevention strategy and discover how the leaders in home security at ADT can help you implement it. 

Understanding Target Hardening

A well-known theory in criminology rooted in the 1970s, target hardening simply suggests that criminal actions will decline when opportunities for crime are minimized. In other words, if a target feels like too much effort or risk, potential offenders will simply look elsewhere. Target hardening is about making your home less attractive to burglars through the use of observable, layered home security measures.

Ways To Make Your Des Moines Home Less Of A Target

Would-be-offenders, like other people, will choose the path that looks the easiest. Your job is to give them pause about approaching your property. But what might you do? Follow these guidelines:

Observable Deterrents Are The Initial Layer Of Defense

Outdoor cameras and home security signage let trespassers know you have protection. Surveillance is among the most powerful deterrents, as no criminal wants to be recorded in the act. ADT has advanced exterior and doorbell cameras with night vision, high-definition imaging, and smart detection.

Light Up Your Property

A brightly lit house is much less appealing to burglars. Illuminate dark areas around your house, and add accent lights near tree lines, hedges, and fencing, and other areas where intruders might lurk. You might even have interior lights illuminate automatically if a surveillance device finds questionable activity outside.

Opt For Whole-Home Protection

You need a comprehensive plan, which means supplementing your cameras and signage with entry-point sensors, motion detectors, and a functioning alarm. ADT can defend every access point, including the largest one, your garage.

Don’t Overlook The Basics

Ensure that all windows secure properly, and always use a deadbolt on your primary entrance. Think about reinforcing door frames, and insert a metal bar in the lower track of your sliding door to stop intruders if the lock is bypassed.

Maintain A Clear Sightline

Large trees, hedges, and overgrown bushes are useful cover for strangers who wish to remain concealed from view. Ensure that you can easily see all levels of your property by trimming greenery next to windows. A tidy, properly maintained landscape informs potential thieves that they should look elsewhere.

Why Secure Your Des Moines Home With ADT?

Protecting American families for over a century and a half, ADT is the most trusted name in home security. Recognized for 24-hour service and fast response times from trained professionals, ADT has more monitoring locations than any competitor. You’ll appreciate the peace of mind and the modern equipment like Google Nest surveillance cameras. 

Improve The Security Of Your Des Moines Home With Secure24 Alarm Systems

Ready to bolster your home’s protection? Choose a comprehensive ADT security system from Secure24 Alarm Systems. As your authorized ADT dealer, we offer top-of-the-line equipment from the top name in home security. Discover how we can bolster your security by calling (515) 212-6493 or submitting our form today.

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