Burglary is a crime that thrives on the unsuspecting and unassuming. In fact, the majority of burglaries occur when occupants are away or at home but not in sight of their property. According to a report by the National Crime Prevention Council and the National Commission on Crime Prevention, almost 1 in every 4 homes will experience a break-in or attempted break-in within a 12-month period. And while most burglars are petty criminals who target homes they believe are unoccupied, some are quite brazen in their efforts. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood with trustworthy neighbors and locked doors, you can never be certain when someone might take advantage of your absence to enter your home through an unlocked window or door. Some people may have old locks that can be picked easily; others may leave valuables that scream “take me” on display. Regardless of your situation, there are precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary:
What Burglars Look For When Targeting Homes
Even though we may think of burglars as opportunistic thieves who don't care about the security of your home, there are certain things they're looking for when targeting a home. If your home is unoccupied, it's more likely to be targeted by a burglar. Most burglars work during the day when people are at work. If a burglar is trying to break into your home, the first thing they'll check for is if you're inside. If your home is occupied, burglars are less likely to break in. Burglars don't want to be seen and prefer to break in when no one is around. If you see anyone suspicious around your home or neighborhood, call the police. If your home shows signs of disrepair, such as peeling paint, broken windows, or cracked or boarded-up doors and windows, it's more likely to be targeted by burglars. A well-maintained home with secure doors and windows is less likely to be targeted by burglars, so be sure to keep up with any repairs or maintenance.
Install Solid Doors and Windows
The first line of defense against home burglaries is sturdy and secure doors and windows. This can be achieved by installing security shutters on windows, installing a security door, or even adding extra locks to your front door. It is also recommended that you invest in security cameras to monitor your property. Many of these devices can be synced with your phone, so you will be alerted if an intruder is detected. You should also consider keeping valuables out of sight and away from windows. Wooden doors are easy to break, and ajar windows can be opened wide enough for someone to crawl through. A solid wood door with a sturdy lock, such as a deadbolt, is the best way to secure your home and prevent break-ins. If you live in a multi-story house, check for windows that can be opened. If you have old windows and they are drafty, you may want to consider replacing them with new security windows that are difficult to open. Be sure to keep your windows locked at all times and keep trees and bushes away from them so they can’t be used as a ladder to reach your windows.
Have a Reliable Lock Company Change Your Locks
If your home was broken into, or you inherited a house that has old locks, and you don't have the original keys, it's a good idea to have a reliable lock company change your locks immediately. It's much easier for a potential burglar to break into your home if it's equipped with outdated locks. Replacing your door locks with secure options can significantly improve the security of your home. There are several different types of locks to choose from, and most locksmiths can recommend a product that's best for your home depending on its location, layout, and exterior features, such as windows. Do not use your old keys, or you'll be locked out! If your property was broken into, or if you've inherited a house and don't have the original locks, have a reliable lock company change your locks immediately. You should also consider installing a security system with alarms that warn you of an intruder.
Use Smart Door Locks
Smart door locks such as smart doorbells and smart door locks are a great way to secure your home even more. These smart door locks come with various features, such as the ability to unlock your door with your smartphone, lock your door remotely, getting notifications if someone tries to tamper with your door, among many others. With smart door locks, you don’t have to worry about locking the door as it will automatically lock itself when you leave the house. This is a great way to keep your home even more secure. If you're away from home, you can check if someone is trying to enter your house from a remote location. Another way to secure your home even more is to create a guest access code for your smart door lock. If a visitor comes to your home, you can give them a code that lets them in immediately. This will prevent burglars from letting themselves in if they were to knock on the door and gain access to your home.
Installing Motion-Detection Lights and Security Cameras
Motion-detection lights are an easy way to scare off potential home invaders. If they're in the vicinity of your home while the lights are on, they're more likely to move to another neighborhood. These lights can be installed around your house to turn on when they detect movement nearby. They’re a great option for keeping your house lit up and secure without having to leave the lights on all night. These lights can be set up with a variety of motion detection settings, from a quick flash when someone walks by to a slower sweep that keeps your yard lit up for several minutes. Some of these lights can even be programmed to shut off during certain hours of the day to conserve energy. If they're discovered in your yard, they're more likely to flee before you or the police arrive. Security cameras are also a very useful tool against burglars. Burglars rely on the fact that they won't be seen, so they usually work quickly. A security camera with a wide view can capture their license plate number, which can be very helpful when police track them down. If you want to protect your home from burglars, buying a security camera is a good idea. Burglars are less likely to target a home that has a security camera.
Conclusion
Burglary is a crime that thrives on the unsuspecting and unassuming. When you are at home, you are most likely at ease, enjoying time with your family or doing some other activity that does not require alertness. Burglars are also at ease, but not for the same reasons. They are actively looking for a suitable target and an opportunity to exploit. They are looking for an unguarded home, an unlocked door, a cracked window, and a house that no one seems to be inhabiting. They are looking for the easiest path to wealth, and they are looking for you. The majority of burglaries occur when occupants are away or at home but not in sight of their property. There are precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary. The first line of defense against home burglaries is sturdy and secure doors and windows. You can also use smart door locks, install motion-detection lights, and install security cameras to protect your home.
