The majority of home burglaries are not random; they are typically planned. Thieves look for houses that are easily accessible. They want to get in quickly, swipe your valuables, and get out without being detected. There isn’t one thing you can do to protect your home 100% of the time, but there are some simple steps that will decrease the likelihood of a break-in.
Before we get to those suggestions, read these facts:
- In two-person family homes, most invasions occur during the day.
- On average, thieves spend one minute breaking in and less than five minutes inside a home.
- The ground floor is the most common place for burglaries.
- The rear door, side door, and garage door are the most common areas for entry.
With these facts in mind, look around your house for areas of improvement. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you windows be opened easily?
- Do all exterior doors have deadbolts? Can doors be kicked in?
- Have you changed the code to your garage door recently?
- Does the landscaping help a burglar conceal himself while attempting to open a window or door?
- Is your home well lit? Are lights motion-sensor controlled? Are lights high enough so that burglars can’t disable the lights?
- Is your identity displayed anywhere outside your house?
- Are your valuables secure, documented, and out of sight?
By answering these questions, you can make your home less attractive to criminals and improve your peace of mind.