Protecting your home from theft and vandalism takes some planning, and it also means looking for vulnerabilities in your home security setup. In some cases, your basement may be that vulnerability. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to beef up security for your home's basement. Here are just a few things to consider.

Window Bars

Window bars are an excellent option if you have basement windows that open, as they help to block entry from the outside of the home. Work with your locksmith to find a security bar setup that allows you to open the bars from the inside in the event of an emergency. You can also source these security accessories in a host of designs to coordinate with the rest of your home's design theme.

Security Window Film

Security window film helps to make your basement windows more resistant to shattering, which means it can be harder for a would-be burglar to smash his or her way into your home. The film is placed directly over your existing window panes, and it helps to keep shattered pieces of glass in place, thereby preventing the window from being broken out completely.

Exterior Lighting

Adding exterior lighting to your home is a beautiful option for increasing security in and around your home. Choose fixtures that cast light upward and downward, as this helps to brighten your entire home while making it harder for would-be thieves to use the cover of darkness to break into your basement. For the sides and rear of your home, consider motion sensor lighting, which can scare off intruders. Your locksmith can help you to identify blind spots around your home near the basement where you might need extra illumination at night.

Bolstered Entry Door

For homes with a basement door leading to the outside, it's important to make sure this door is just as secure as the front entrance. Work with your locksmith to choose a metal entry door, and look for ways to reinforce the doorframe when installing this new door. Your locksmith can install additional deadbolts and kick plates to add even more layers of security to your basement entrance. You may want to couple this door with a security storm door, which can be added to match your window security bars.

A locksmith from companies like Bob's Lock & Key can help you to identify areas around your basement and the rest of your home that might be in need of a security upgrade. Work together to create a plan, and work to keep your home as secure as possible.