If you run a quick Google search of home burglaries and break-ins, you’ll notice that crime rates are on the rise in many parts of the country. From Orange, Connecticut to Glendale, California, home burglaries are happening with more intensity and frequency. Here are five fast facts you need to know in regards to keeping your home safe.
1. Strengthen Window and Doors
(Photo by Emily May)
When enhancing the security of your home, start with the obvious entryways: doors and windows. Criminals enter a home just like anyone else, and this typically means coming through doors or windows.
The problem with doors is that many people have a false sense of security. They feel like they know their neighbors and have nothing to worry about. Well, the danger with this is that your neighbors aren’t typically the threat. Burglars like striking in neighborhoods where people leave doors unlocked or don’t use deadbolts. No matter how safe you feel like your neighborhood is, make sure you secure the doors with deadbolts.
Springtime is especially dangerous for homeowners because windows are often open to let cool breezes inside. As a result, many windows – even first floor windows – are left unlocked. This gives burglars easy access. Always lock windows and never leave them open when nobody is home.
2. Keep Garage Doors Closed and Operable
(Photo by Jeremy Levine)
Many people leave their garage door ajar so that animals can come in and out, but this isn’t smart. Even just a few inches of space between the door and the ground can give a burglar everything they need to enter the garage – and potentially the home. Along this same line of thinking, it’s not smart to leave garage door openers in cars parked in the driveway. A criminal can break into your car, hit the garage door opener, and gain access to your home.
3. Give the Appearance of Occupation
(Photo by Sarah D)
If you’re away for the weekend, try making your home look like it’s occupied. A home with lights or TVs on is much less likely to be targeted than one that’s totally dark. Using automatic timers, you can program certain lights and devices to turn on and off throughout the day. Other tips include asking a neighbor to collect your mail/newspapers and keeping the grass mowed (if away for an extended period of time).
4. Install Better Lighting
(Photo by Dan Eckert)
While criminals prefer to break into homes during the day when it’s more likely that homeowners are away at work, they will also strike at night if the conditions are right. One way to better protect your home is to install landscape lighting that eliminates hiding spots around your property. Floodlights with motion sensors are particularly good as they can alert you of movement and scare away the would-be burglar.
5. Use an Alarm System
(Photo by Mr.TinDC)
Finally, consider using an alarm system. While an alarm system may not prevent the actual break-in from occurring, it will typically stop a criminal in his tracks and force him to move on before causing any more damage. You should also post signs outside of your home and near entrances that warn criminals of your alarm system. Most burglars try to stay away from properties with these systems and will instead target unprotected homes.
Keep Your Family Safe
Overall, it’s clear that certain cities and zip codes are experiencing sharp spikes in home burglaries. Whether you’re in one of these areas or simply want to prevent your home from being affected, then you should heed these five tips in order to protect your family.