Preventing Burglary – Tips for Deterring Thieves
A home burglary can be a frightening experience. However, there are steps you can take to protect your family from living through this type of nightmare. In most burglaries, thieves do not spend time casing a specific house and waiting for the owners to leave. Instead, they look for a home that has little to no security and an easy opportunity for an immediate theft. By understanding what the thieves are looking for, you can protect your home and family from a burglary.
The first and most important thing you can do to prevent a burglary is to install a home security system and use it faithfully. For a relatively small fee you can install a burglar alarm that is activated when an intruder attempts to break into your home. Post signage on your doors and windows that alert thieves to your home security system and make it an unappealing option. Next, put away your valuables. Leaving them in open view of a burglar puts you at a higher risk for a home invasion. Thieves are interested in items they can easily grab and escape with, such as jewellery, laptop computers and cash. By hiding these valuables or putting them inside a safe you can help reduce your risk of a theft. Also, lock your doors and windows. One study estimates that 30% of thieves enter a home through an open door or window. This is easily prevented by closing and locking these entrances when you leave your home.
Another step to preventing a theft at your home is to install a security camera system and alter your landscaping and lighting so that your house is as bright as possible. Thieves prefer to steal from houses that are hidden in shadows or blocked by shrubbery. Therefore, remove plants from outside your doors and windows whenever possible and install outdoor lighting that illuminates your home. Motion lights or solar powered lights are both great options that will help prevent a burglary.
Finally, if you must be away from your home, do not make it obvious to a thief. Most burglars will avoid breaking into houses when someone is inside. Therefore, you may want to leave lights or a television on in your home when you leave to give the illusion that someone is inside. If you are leaving town, arrange for someone to pick up your mail and newspaper, and ask them to open your blinds during the day and shut them at night. All of these things will make the thief think that you are at home even if you are not and help to prevent a burglary.