Tips to prevent a home burglary
Home invasions occur every 15 seconds in the US and 65% of all burglaries are residential. But by following these simple tips, you don’t have to be a victim of a home invasion.
1. Install secure door locks: You should have strong door locks installed on all doors including sliding glass ones. The best type of lock to have is Grade 1 (ANSI designation) deadbolt type lock. For added security, consider installing locks with key control. This simply controls who has keys to your home and will prevent someone getting unlawful access through a copied key that was unwittingly provided by you. Other lock features to look for are: strong strike plates, saw resistant bolts, and captured key deadbolts.
2. Home security system:Home security systems come with a variety of features and are very affordable. Those homes which have a home alarm system installed are 3 times less likely to be burglarized. Home security systems with monitoring service can protect your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are one of the best ways in preventing home burglaries. If you can’t afford to have a home alarm system installed and monitored, consider just placing a home alarm sign in your front yard. Thieves usually won’t take a chance on whether or not you have a home security system if they see a sign.
3. Home security cameras: For obvious reasons, burglars don’t want to be identified on camera. Outdoor security cameras coupled with a home alarm system can deter crime as well as identify potential suspects who try and rob your home. If you can’t afford a home alarm system, a fake camera can be an excellent crime prevention device.
4. Trim your landscaping: Trim all shrubs near doors and walkways to prevent a place for a burglar to hide. If possible, plant thorny bushes under all windows to make it difficult for a thief to enter.
5. Keep a well lit home: Ample lighting can be effective in preventing home burglary. Keep your porch light on at night, and think about installing motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of your residence. Lighting around your bushes, trees and sidewalks can also lower your chances of being victimized. Strobe lights connected to a home security system can also scare away burglars and help alert your neighbors of an emergency.
6. Keep windows closed: Burglars want easy access to your home and usually will find an open window to gain entry. Keep windows closed and consider using window stoppers on all your window jams. If you have a home alarm system, you can opt to have motion detectors attached to your windows for added security.
7. Secure tools and ladders: Some thieves will use tools such as hammers or saws found on your property to break doors and windows. Don’t leave ladders outside and make sure all tools are secured in a shed or garage.
Don’t make yourself an easy target for a burglar. Measures such as a home security system, deadbolts and cameras can easily change a burglar’s mind and protect what matters to you most.
Tags: burglar, home alarm system, home security system, outdoor security camera