Smart home technology can provide a host of benefits, including security. Last year, the number of home burglaries in America declined by 7.6 percent, according to latest figures released by the FBI. One reason often cited for this impressive reduction is the increase in households adopting smart home technology. About one-third of U.S. consumers own at least two or more smart home devices. If you’re not already maximizing your smart gadgets, here are some simple tips to get started:

Use pre-recorded conversations

One of Alexa’s new skills allows users to put their smart speaker into "Away Mode" when they’re away from home. Built-in software will then play a typical family conversation such as an argument between a couple or a debate over furniture building. According to the U.S Bureau of Justice, 72 percent of burglaries occur when no one home. This is because an occupied home is the biggest deterrent to a thief. Therefore, a thief who seemingly believes you’re in thanks to your high-tech smart device is likely to move on and seek out another target.

Scare intruders off with bright lights

A large portion of burglaries occur at night. The logic is simple —  when it’s dark, intruders are more likely to chance breaking into your home. So, being able to improve security with smart technology and gadgets is advantageous. Installing connected lighting in the form of a smart wall switch allows you to turn the lights on in any part of the home no matter where you are. Additionally, if you’re upstairs and hear a noise in your garden, you can easily turn the downstairs lights on as well as your outdoor flood light to protect you and your family from any unwanted visitors. Even when you're not home, smart lighting solutions can be scheduled to make it look like you are. 

Who’s at the door?

Burglars will often ring the doorbell to see whether anyone is in, or come pose as someone else so they can scan the contents of your home when you open the front door. However, there’s no need to open the door for any unknown individuals when you’ve got the latest smart doorbell gadget installed. When the doorbell rings, you can bring up a visual image of your front door step almost instantly. Thus, allowing you to be on your guard around potential thieves. Furthermore, smart lighting can be set to instantly turned on as soon as someone rings the doorbell, so you can get a good look at whoever is at the door.

Smart gadgets have inevitably helped reduce the number home burglaries in the U.S. in the last year. This is due to thieves being put off by the innovative and intelligent technology that the nation is installing at an increasing pace. Therefore, to up the security of your home, be sure to maximize the full potential of your devices.