Security For My Home

Why not give a burglar reason to stop and decide whether your home is worth attempting to break into?  After all, isn’t it best to stop a burglar before he even makes an attempt?  Here are 8 easy tips for burglary prevention.

1. Home security system. It’s a simple fact, homes with an installed security system installed are three times less likely to be broken into.  Plain and simple.  You may be thinking, installing a home security is simple?  Well, basic wireless systems are actually just that.

2. Fake home security. So what if you don’t really have a security system installed, but the potential burglar thinks you do?  Installed security systems provide “adverstisement” (small signs, window stickers, etc.) to anyone who approaches a home (burglars included).  What if you had the “advertisments” but not the system?

3. Make it appear that someone is home. Burglars are less likely to break into a home if they think someone is at home.  There is more to it than simply leaving a light on.  Burglars are not stupid (?).  Lights and appliances on timers are helpful.  If you’ll be gone for a while, arrange for newspapers and mail to be collected and have the lawn mowed.  Don’t make your home and property appear different when you’re gone than when you are home.

4. Make them think someone is watching. High-end security systems involve video cameras.  If a criminal believes his activities are being filmed (and thus evidence of his crime recorded) there is a great likelihood he’ll think more than twice about invading that home.  Fake cameras can be purchased and installed.

5. Entry points exposed. Burglars need a way to get into a home.  That means doors and windows.  Don’t make his job easier by providing hiding places in which to gain entrance.  A well-lit exterior, particularly at doors and windows, will make the crooks job very difficult.

6. Entry points blocked. This may seem to “go without saying,” but it needs to be said anyway; keep your windows and doors locked, especially if you’re not at home.

First story windows can be made inaccessible by planting shrubs and plants that make any contact with them very uncomfortable, that is, plants with stickers.  For instance, plants in the holly or barberry families are very effective (and quite attractive).

7. Pay special attention to weak spots. Sliding glass doors (like at patios and decks) are particularly vulnerable and therefore a favorite spot for crooks to try to gain entry.  The latching mechanisms on these doors just aren’t that strong.  A rod laid in the track of the door is the easy and effective way to prevent the door from being opened (commercial products for this purpose are available for purchase, but are not more effective).

8. Dog. The presence of a dog (preferably one that will bark) is enough to keep many crooks away and looking for some other, easier target.