Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in.

A professionally installed and monitored home security system is a nice addition to your home’s defenses, but it shouldn’t be step one. First, conduct your own home security check. After you’ve inspected your home’s doors and windows, make sure these essential steps are covered:

Keep your home well-maintained on the outside.

Burglars want an easy target. Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself: Does my property look neglected, hidden, or uninhabited? A front door or walkway that’s obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window. To improve security, trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks.

Install motion detector lights.

You can purchase solar powered or battery operated motion-activated lighting. Place these in areas that are dark such as the back side of your home

Store your valuables.

Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics, cash, jewelry, and other valuables, though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV. Most make a beeline for the master bedroom because that’s where you’re likely to hide spare cash, jewelry, even guns. Tour each room and ask yourself: is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box? Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) that is bolted to the slab is a good repository for items you don’t use on a daily basis.

Secure your data.

While you probably won’t be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon, take steps to back up the personal information stored on it. Password protect your login screen, and always shut off your computer when not in use (you’ll save energy, too!) Don’t overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify, like digital photos.

Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens.

• Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home, and store the file online or in your home safe.

• Check that you’re properly insured for theft with your renters policy. Note that high-ticket items in your home office, such as computers, professional camera equipment, or other business essentials, may require an additional rider or a separate policy.