According to reports from the FBI, a home burglary occurs every 16 seconds in America and 90% of the time, the owners aren’t home when it happens. What can homeowners do to protect their valuables and make their homes more secured? What preventive measure should you put in place to ensure you’re never a victim of such an unfortunate incident?
The worst fear for most homeowners is to come home and find out they’ve been burgled, or worse, are victims of an armed robbery. People lose valuables such as jewellery, vital documents and spend thousands of dollars trying to recoup.
Having the right security measures mitigates against beat opportunist and expert thieves. Criminals are always looking for easy targets and if they see that you have concrete security measures, they quickly move onto the next home. You can better safeguard your home against burglars and intruders by following these proven tips from Neighborhood Garage Door Services.
1. Scrutinize your home like a burglar
The first step to take when securing your home is to observe it from the eyes of a burglar. Do a thorough check of your external home, look for any weak points or easy accesses that would make a thief feel confident about robbing your home.
The local police department might offer a courtesy home assessment that identifies all the weak spots. Take note of expensive gadgets and valuables that can be spotted from outside. There is no need tempting burglars unnecessarily.
2. Build a fence
A fence is a good way to protect your home and a recommended option is the ornamental metal fencing or open chain-link as both can be secured into concrete to prevent lifting.
Some homeowners prefer solid fences for noise reduction and privacy but they are easier to climb and offer perfect hiding spots for thieves. So, use sharp pointed tops or a rough barbed wire around the fence instead.
3. Install an excellent security system
Installing a quality home-security system is a solid deterrent to burglars who might be casing your home. People who live in apartments or homes without a security system are three times more likely to be robbed. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a home security system:
- Security system cost.
- The company to buy from.
- The level of customer support they offer.
- Type of home alarm monitoring system.
- Self-installed or professional installation.
4. Always keep the walkways and shrubs trimmed
The goal with home security is to make it difficult for thieves to rob you and one easy way to safeguard your home is to ensure you regularly trim scrubs and other hiding spots burglars or intruders may use as a cover. Consider planting some thorny scrubs by the windows to make it painful to break in.
5. Get a big scary dog
Past criminals always say they avoid homes with large dogs. It’s not the fear of dogs that is off-putting but the barking, which alerts neighbors and homeowners. For extra protection, buy a trained guard dog which serves as a good defense for your home. These dogs are trained to protect your home with their lives, so even if criminals get past the front door they will have a hard time getting to the door.
6. Make security a family habit
Home security is the collective function of every member of a household, including kids. Create a simple routine with rules like:
- Never let in unknown people or strangers.
- Always lock the garage door.
- Use alarm systems even when you’re in the vicinity.
- Lock the windows when entering or leaving the house, especially at bedtime.
7. Appearance is everything
- Don’t install glass doors near the doorknob as it is easy to smash and twist the knob. Alternatively, purchase an inexpensive window break alarm to complement your home security network.
- Don’t leave anything of value out in the open.
- Secure in-windows air conditioners.
- Secure cat or dog doors.
8. Smart lighting options
Installing smart lighting indoors and outdoors makes it harder for robbers to break in. Use strategically placed motion detectors, security lighting or flood lights outdoor. Specifically install them at all points of entry such as garage doors, front doors and windows.
Additionally, mount security cameras because it’s more likely your home will be burgled when out, so set indoor timers and lights that make it look like you’re home.
9. Limit the number of people with access keys to your home
The keys to your home is one of your most prices assets, don’t just hand them out to anyone. Having several locks on the door makes it harder for intruders, especially with the combination of a security chain, deadbolt and lock set.
When you hire a babysitter or dog walker, don’t give them all the entry keys but one, such as the garage door opener or front door. This way, if they lose the keys to the front door, the burglar won’t have access to the other entrance.
10. Disconnect automatic opener when going out of town
Garage doors look like impenetrable forts so it’s easy to overlook them when securing your home. If you’re going out of town for a week or more, disconnect the automatic lift for extra security.
Furthermore, only those close to you or your workplace should know when you’re travelling. Avoid posting it on social media because the more people who know you’re away, the higher the possibility of a break-in.
11. Consider replacing your garage door
If you keep valuables in your garage, or your garage door is linked to your home, it might be a weak link that burglars exploit. Consider upgrading your garage door to a modern, secure option.
“Modern garage doors provide amazing insulation that keeps the garage cold or warm”, says John Holden, city manager at Neighborhood Garage Door Service. “They feature the latest safety innovations such as automatic reversal and smartphone apps that let you know when someone tries to open the door.”
So, if your old garage door is slow, noisy or isn’t as efficient as you want it to be, consider a new garage door.
In conclusion, here are few helpful tips from a former burglar:
- If you have a neighbor who stays at home during the day, ask them to keep an eye out on your property.
- Don’t advertise the brand of security system you use because it’s easier for burglars to disable it when they know the brand.