For effective burglary prevention, consider varying your routine and have someone take care of your home when you’re away. Many break-ins are committed by burglars who live in your neighborhood. By living nearby, it’s easy for them to learn your schedule and strike when they know you’re not home. They may also check for signs that you’re on vacation, such as flyers or newspapers accumulating at your door, or garbage cans left at the curb.
Keep all entry points closed, locked, and alarmed, even when you are at home. Make your home less appealing to intruders by keeping shrubs and trees trimmed back. Often burglars gain access to homes through open or unlocked entrances. First floor windows and doors are well-liked by burglars, especially when they can hide behind overgrown vegetation. Evidence of a security system influences the burglar’s decision to target another home. A monitored home security system will help reduce the chance of being a burglary victim. Use the yard signs and window stickers to alert potential intruders to your security system. Make sure the signs and stickers are visible from every approach to your home, not just the front entrance.
The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. Install indoor and outdoor motion-activated home security cameras so you can check on your home throughout the day. Plus, you’ll receive an alert if the camera detects motion. This gives you a chance to evaluate the situation immediately.
Whether they walk through an open front door or kick in a locked one, burglars aren’t shy about using your home’s primary entry point. Keep your front door closed and locked at all times. If the door is worn or has a hollow core, replace it with a solid wood or metal door—they’re much harder to break down. Mount a security camera or motion sensor light above the door, and install a smart doorbell. Never give your house key to contractors or hide a key outside your home.
Unfortunately, most people don’t hide their valuables carefully, and burglars know it. Once they break in, burglars head straight for the master bedroom, where they scavenge through dresser drawers and nightstands, look under mattresses, and search closets. Cash, jewelry, and weapons are some of the things a burglar wants most from your home. Store your valuables in a safe that’s bolted to the floor. Install it away from the master bedroom or closet.
Burglaries are often hard crimes to solve. Even if the burglar is found, your lost property may not be returned. Keep a record of your assets to assist in identifying them. Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables. Store the copies in a safe deposit box or with a relative.
Burglary prevention is a very important undertaking. Learn more about your home security options, and find one that meets your needs and fits your budget. Having a monitored security system may also qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance policy.
