Home security begins with decreasing the chances of your home being targeted for robberies. Often times, homes can be easy targets for burglaries without homeowners knowing. You can protect your home, and yourself, with everyday measures that help increase home security without investing in professional home security systems. Don’t become a victim. Avoid these home robbery targets.
1. Burglars prefer to target empty residences.
Piled up newspapers, mail, and flyers, as well as putting your garbage far in advance or not at all are all signs of a home vacancies Stop newspapers when you go on vacation and have a neighbor pick up your mail to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your home.
Tightly closed drapes, no noise or lights, and no cars in the driveway can signal an empty home. Slightly open the drapes and set lights and electronics on timers to appear as if you are home.
2. An easy escape route is important for a burglar.
Overgrown bushes and trees close to your home can provide a hiding place for a burglar and give leverage to higher windows and home access points. Make sure all shrubs are trimmed and not covering windows.
Unsecured doors provide an easy opportunity for a burglar to enter your home. Unlocked garage or shed doors allow thieves to find tools that assist in the entering of your home. Install strong dead bolt locks on doors and fixed weak doors and windows.
3. Dark properties attract home invasions. 90% of all intruders choose not to enter a residence that is well lit.
Dark surroundings make it easier for people to go unnoticed. Make sure areas surrounding your home are well lit. You may also choose to set up a motion sensor that triggers an exterior light.
4. Some robbers don’t get the idea to break into your home until you give it to them.
Openly talking about vacation plans or expensive purchases give robbers a reason to target your home.
Be aware of deliveries sent to your home, especially around the holidays. Packages left sitting outside signal that no one is home. Plan to be home for the time of delivery or arrange for a required signature upon delivery. Consider having packages delivered to your workplace where it will be secure and someone will be available for delivery.
5. Most burglars look for something worth stealing.
Valuables visible from outside the home, such as bikes, cars, and other spare items in your allow robbers to see what there is to steal. Open window treatments and curtains that provide visibility of large electronics and computers give a burglar incentive . Get in the habit of closing blinds at night and keep the garage door closed.
6. Thieves look for any information to make themselves sound like they know you.
Putting your name on the mail box and answering machine, while stating you are not home. Only put your house number on your mailbox and door and say you’re “unavailable to answer the phone” on the answering machine without stating the name of your residence. Avoid providing all of your contact information unless it is absolutely necessary.
7. Burglars find out the majority of your personal information in your every garbage. Your trash may be another person’s treasure.
Don’t carelessly throw your garbage away in an accessible area. Shred any important documents, receipts, bills, statements, credit cards, even invitations which could give a date of when you may not be home. Not only will this protect your home, but could protect your identity as well.
8. Burglars observe your daily routine.
The same daily routine makes your home an easier target. Consistent daily routines give burglars an estimated amount of time to complete their job and a better chance of not getting caught. Try not to be too predictable, come home earlier on some days, or leaving for work later on other days.
Hiding your spare key in typical places, such as under the door mat, above doorways, or anywhere close to the door does not trick anyone. That is often the first place people will look to find valuables. Alternate the location where you place a spare. Another option is to give a spare to someone you fully trust. Do not leave access to your home for anyone to find.
9. Over 40% of home burglaries are termed by police as "no force" entries. Open windows and unlocked doors make easy targets.
Leaving your home unsecured is an open invite for home break-ins. Get in the habit of making sure all accessible windows and doors are locked when you leave the house, even if it is just for a quick stop at a neighbors. It is also safest to make sure all doors are locked when you are home as well. It only takes a few minutes for someone to enter and exit a house they notice is unattended.
*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.