Home Burglary Prevention Tips

 

Easy, Cost Effective Ways to Prevent a Home Break-in

 

Last year, the FBI reported, a home burglary occurred every 15 seconds. That shocking number totals 2 million plus home burglaries per year. Summer is the most active time for thieves because of mild weather and vacationing homeowners. Simple ways to stop a home burglary are attention and prevention. There is little chance stopping the professional. These steps will deter and stop the amateur which according to the FBI is the biggest perpetrator of this crime.

 

FBI Crime Data on Home Burglary

Data supplied by the FBI shows that 60% of the break-ins involved forcible entry and 30% were entries without force. $4.6 Billion in goods were stolen from homes and businesses but residential burglary accounted for 70% of the crimes. Theft losses averaged $2100 plus the replacement cost for the damage from the break in. Most items stolen are “easy to carry and sell” things such as: Laptops guns, jewelry, cash, cameras, electronics, tools, furs, etc.

 

 

ATTENTION

First step in home burglary prevention. Take a look at your home, both day and at nighttime, as well as a walk around and honestly assess the security of your home. Ask Yourself.

 

• Is it well lit?


• Are there open windows?


• Does the landscaping allow the burglar places to break in unnoticed?


• Do you have motion detectors with outside lighting?


• Does your home look occupied or deserted?

 

PREVENTION

Home Security System

There is a 300% increase that your home will be burglarized if it doesn’t have a Home Security System.

85% of break ins are done by non-professionals and these are also the most dangerous if a homeowner discovers them before they are finished. Most are crimes of opportunity as evidenced by FBI statistic showing 30% were unforced entry thru an unlocked window or door. 60% of the forced entries were done by thieves with basic tools such as a screwdriver, hammer, and pry bars. No sophisticated equipment needed. An inexpensive home security system protecting vulnerable entry points such as sliding glass doors, first floor windows and the obvious front door will help deter the unprofessional thieves. Companies such as ADT offer free installation of the hardware with a contract for the protection service agreement at an affordable monthly rate. If the budget is tight, a DIY system like REACTOR HOME SECURITY SYSTEM, priced at a very reasonable $249.95 with no recurring monthly fees, is perfect peace in mind for family security.

 

Low Cost Security Upgrades

• Security Locks featuring a heavy duty 1 inch deadbolt into a heavy duty strike plate installed using 3 inch screws into the frame.


• Solid Core and Metal Doors.


• Wooden dowel or rod in the door track of sliding doors and windows


• Family Dog—all sizes are good, their bark will alert you of entry while sleeping. A mid-sized dog can be a huge deterrent, post a “Beware Guard Dog” sign in a visible place, even if you don't own a dog.


• Home Guarded by Alarm System lawn sign and window stickers are usually enough to keep away the amateur thieves even if you haven't invested in a system. Perception sometimes is enough for them to look for a softer target.

 

 

Vacation Time

Every year we leave our homes for that much needed vacation. Make sure you don't return to find an unexpected surprise. Some quick tips to prevent a home burglary while you are away on vacation or a weekend trip.

 

• Leave a vehicle in the Driveway or have your neighbor park their car in your driveway.


• Use timers to turn on lights, TV, radios.


• Put a temporary hold on mail and newspaper deliveries.


• Ask your neighbor to collect any circulars left on your property.


• Make sure all windows and doors are properly secured.


• Let a trusted neighbor know you will be away and have them report any suspicious behavior.


• Don't broadcast on social media sites that you are going to Mexico for a family vacation the first week of March..that falls into the Too Much Information(TMI) category.


• If you have a security system, make sure you give a trusted neighbor the key and the code.


• Alert the police that you will be away and they may patrol your block and look more closely at your property.


• To prevent fire, Unplug appliance plugs from the wall, You also save money.

 

 

Nothing beats common sense. The home burglar is usually a desperate person with dependency issues. They are not skilled and want an easy entrance/exit and escape. Your job is to make your home secure enough to deter that type of burglar. Forget stopping the professionals without sophisticated systems. It's just not happening and that's why you need homeowner's insurance in case of loss. Remember to lock doors and windows and you will stop all but the most determined home burglars.