Prevent a Home Burglary

In 2007 the FBI estimated that there were 2.2 million burglaries in the United States. Out of these 2.2 million burglaries 2/3rds of the burglaries were on homes. To prevent a burglary in your home try to think like a burglar and follow these tips.

• 1) Home Security Sign- Rather than actually buying an expensive home security system an alternative deterrent for burglars is just having a sign for a home security company in your yard giving the impression that you actually have one.

• 2) Home Security System- Actually having a home security system is a great way to prevent burglaries, if a burglar forcibly enters your home the security system will go off and the police will be notified.

• 3) Keep your garage closed- Open garages advertise your belongings to potential burglars and are a common entry point. Keep your garage doors closed and locked.

• 4) Be a good neighbor- If you are a good neighbor you will less likely be victimized by a member of your community, also if someone sees something unusual going on in or near your home they will be more likely to let you know and call the police.

• 5) Limit the amount of vegetation around your home- An abundance of trees and bushes provide cover for burglars making it easier for them to escape if something were to go wrong for them or for them to be seen.

• 6) Leave the radio on- If a burglar hears the radio on he will think that someone is home and will be less likely to try to rob your home since most burglaries occur then the home owners are not home.

• 7) Lock all Doors and Windows- Make sure that all your doors and windows are locked and dead bolted especially when you are not home or at night.

• 8) Motion Sensing Lights- Install lights that turn on automatically if someone in within range.

• 9) Call the police to drive by- When away for an extended period of time call the police and ask them to drive by your home a few times and check up on your house.

• 10) Burglary in Progress- If you come home and see a door or window unexpectedly open, don’t go in. Call the police and go to a neighbors.

• 11) When away arrange for deliveries to be postponed or arrange for a neighbor for family member to take your deliveries and hold them until you return- Burglars look for signs that people are away such as packages that are not taken in and an accumulation of newspapers.

• 12) Look to see who is at the door before you open it- If you open the door before checking to see who it is a perp can rush you before you can react .

• 13) Don’t Leave hidden keys- Burglars know where to look for hidden keys such as a doormat or plant.

• 14) Have a dog- Dogs can give a burglar unwanted attention, small dogs are usually better because they are more nervous, less easy to trick into calming down, and bark longer than bigger dogs.