There are some very simple things you can do to make your home appear less “burglar friendly”. These steps you can take will fend off criminals and divert them elsewhere, most of the time to a house that looks easier to target, which is usually a neighbors house.
At its peak in 1986, more than one out of every hundred people had their homes burglarized. The rate since then has dropped, but it still happens quite often. Even homes in quiet little neighborhoods out in the country are being broken into and burglarized, so it’s not just people that live in the city that have to worry.
The first step you should take to protect your home is installing a home security system along with placing signs showing you have said security system installed in your home. It is often a good idea to get a generic security sign or have one designed for you. Experienced burglars often know how to disarm certain security systems, so displaying that you have a certain one might not be the best idea. If you’re running low on cash you don’t even have to buy the actual system. Just buy a security sign as that is usually enough to scare them off.
Another thing you can do is keep your curtains or blinds closed. The first thing a burglar often does is look through the windows to spot valuables and make sure there’s no one around. If you have your windows covered, they will be less likely to try breaking in. Make sure you always cover your windows at night or when you’re not home. It may seem like a no brainer but people often forget and they end up paying the price.
The third thing you can do is to install a security camera. It doesn’t even have to be real either. They make fake ones that look realistic just to scare people off. Make sure you put it in a very visible location though so it is effective. If you have the money though, it is definitely a good idea to get the real thing in the case of a break in.
There is a way to catch burglars that get into your home though. A good majority of burglaries aren’t forced entries. That means it is someone you know, and let into your home voluntarily such as repairmen or nannies. It is very easy to catch these criminals red handed. Simply install a hidden camera. Unlike security cameras these are hidden in electronics and are sitting in plain sight. This tactic isn’t a way to protect your home from being burglarized; rather it serves as a means to catch people that steal from you.
These three things along with obvious ones such as locking doors and windows, keeping lights on at night, and having a neighborhood watch program, will effectively keep your home safe and fend off criminals of all kinds.
