Home security issues are often near the bottom of everyone’s home improvement wish list. Luckily, there are several affordable things that can be done to make a home less attractive to thieves and ne’er-do-wells.

Step 1: Install motion sensing lights near doors and windows and around the perimeter of the home. Battery operated and solar powered motion sensing lights are an easy way to add additional exterior lighting. Install screw-in sensing devices in existing light fixtures or replace the fixtures with new motion sensing lights.

Step 2: Consider planting thorny bushes such as roses or berry bushes near windows. Plant trees far enough away from the home to assure they are not used to facilitate unwanted entry. Keep vegetation trimmed neatly near doors and windows to eliminate hiding spots.

Step 3: Install deadbolts on all exterior doors, including doors into and out of the garage. Install double cylinder deadbolts on doors with windows. Double cylinder deadbolts are keyed on both the interior and exterior of the door. Keep the interior key far enough away from the door to eliminate the possibility of reaching the key through a broken window.

Step 4: Install and use locks on all windows. Make it even more difficult for intruders to enter by installing window vent locks that can be adjusted to keep the window from opening more than a few inches.

Step 5: Install timers on lights throughout the home. Timers that turn lights on and off at somewhat random intervals work best. A light coming on in the middle of the night while you are sleeping will give the illusion that someone is still awake inside the home. Be sure to change the times and the light fixtures the timers control on a somewhat regular basis.

Step 6: Keep curtains drawn at night. When it is dark outside, interior lights highlight the layout and contents of a home to passersby. Keep a few lights on while watching television. The distinctive glow of a big screen television can be viewed as a welcome invitation to plunderers.

Step 7: Place a metal or wooden bar in the track of any sliding door to ensure it cannot be opened from outside.

Step 8: Install window and door alarms that emit a loud noise when doors or windows are opened.

Step 9: Install a motion activated security camera near the main entrance of the home.

— Have a home improvement question for Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at hardware@sunflower.com.