Preventing Residential Burglaries

Residential break-ins happen right around the corner. Almost nothing is more intimate than having an unwanted foreigner enter your house and your privacy.

Things a Burglar Looks For When “Shopping” for a Home:

1. A house that appears to be empty. Are there a lot of newspapers on the grass? Is the mailbox full to the brim? Are the lights on or off all the time? Are the normal driveway vehicles missing, or have they been sitting there unused for days on end?
2. Can a burglar readily conceal their entrance to the house? Exist any tall hedges blocking windows? Does a fence obstruct the view of the home’s back doors and windows? Does a lack of exterior illumination make it difficult to observe what is going on around the home’s perimeter at night?
3. Is the house equipped with an alarm? A thief is frequently deterred from breaking into a property if he sees a sign or sticker for an alarm provider.
4. The occupants’ schedules. Because residences are frequently vacant during working hours, the majority of residential burglaries occur then. The residents depart for work at what time? What time do they get off work? Are they returning for lunch?
   What is in the garbage? Is the new 60″ plasma HD TV’s box widely visible on the curb and ready for trash pickup?
5. Window shopping acquires a whole new meaning over the holidays. For potential burglars, a holiday tree that is prominently displayed in the front window and filled with gifts for the season makes for excellent window shopping.
   Unlock the garage doors. Not just items to steal, but also tools to employ in this break-in and others. Hammers, saws, drills, ladders, etc.
6. Dogs. Dogs are disliked by burglars. Even tiny canines with loud barks can deter criminals from targeting a house. Unlocked doors and windows. Keep in mind that criminals dislike witnesses and commotion. Most houses at least have one window that hasn’t been locked by the owner. Breaking glass produces a lot more noise than simply opening a door or window.
7. Where is the extra key located? Burglars are well-versed in hiding places.

 

Things Homeowners Can Do to Make it Harder for a Burglar

1. Lock all windows and doors. Invest in a quality lock while we’re talking about locks. It is difficult to take apart a door with long deadbolt locks that end in a strong door frame.
   Also, spend money on a decent, sturdy core door.
2. Trim back shrubs as needed. It is simpler for neighbors or authorities to see a shattered window if windows are visible. Think of “thorny” shrubs as well. A deterrence is created if reaching a window over shrubs hurts.
3. Always keep your garage door closed. In addition to preventing theft, this removes even another indication of your whereabouts.
   Use your garage to keep your cars if you have one. This makes it more difficult for thieves to figure out when you’re at home and away, and it also makes it less likely that they’ll break into your cars.
4. Learn more about your neighbors. an effective criminal deterrence. Additional eyes watching over your property, reporting any suspicious activity, and assisting in keeping you safe. Repay the favor by keeping an eye on their house as well.
5. Think about an alarm system. Alarms are typically discounted by insurance providers, and some systems also check for fires.
6. Be careful what you put in the trash. If you just bought a new TV, computer, or other pricey item, think about finding another way to get rid of the box. Does the shop offer to throw the box in the trash for you? Can you chop up the box and put the pieces in trash bags?
7. Use light timers to give the impression that someone is home when you are gone for an extended amount of time. Have a neighbor pick up your paper and mail and receive shipments. Leave a radio or TV on at a volume appropriate for discussion. Request that your neighbor clear the front door of the accumulated door hangers and other advertisements.
8. If you have expensive jewelry or jewelry you don’t wear frequently, you might want to think about storing it in a safe deposit box.
9. Join or start a crime watch organization. A potent weapon in your arsenal against crime is getting to know a lot of your neighbors and inviting the police to your gatherings.
10. After sunset, turn on the external lighting. When you’re not home, keep the same lighting routine that you do when you are.
    Give outside light timers some thought.
11. Imagine you are a burglar. Consider this question: “What aspects of my home might a burglar find inviting?

 

Keep in mind that YOU are a crucial ally in the battle against crime.