It is estimated that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States. If you want to avoid being one of the statistics, you should protect your home by being proactive with specific safeguards. Your family’s safety depends on it. And you should take measures to ensure that your valuables stay out of the hands of thieves. According to Nationwide Insurance, the average cost of a home burglary results in a loss of approximately $1,600 to their victim, and if reported, only a staggering 13% are solved by the police or sheriff’s office. Continuing reading to learn essential tips for not only protecting your family and your valuables but also ways to make certain that thieves know you’re watching them.
Install a home security system
Despite the overwhelming home burglary statistics, many homeowners still choose not to install a home security system. It is the wisest investment that you can make to deter thieves from entering your home. Burglars want an easy and quick target, and the lack of a home security system could be the only reason why they choose your home and not someone else’s. Don’t make it any easier for them than it should be. When you consider the investment that you’ve already made by purchasing or renting a home, the expense of a home security system is small-change and worth the peace of mind. To learn more, view here.
Maintain good outdoor lighting
Most burglaries that occur are merely opportune moments. And outdoor lights are a burglar’s worst fear. Being seen is not on the top of their list. A well-lit home is paramount when trying to deter them from even entering your property in the first place. The best types of outside lights that deter burglars are floodlights and motion lights. In addition to having your front and back door lights on during peak night hours, these types of lights are essential for preventing a burglary. Even “career criminals” don’t want to be seen in the light and typically bypass a well-lit home.
Properly block visual access
Even if the above measures are in place, it’s always wise to make sure due-diligence occurs for further deterrents. Be sure that you’re blocking basement windows and basement sliding glass doors with proper window coverings or shades. A thief will sometimes scout a home to choose their next victim. If they see that you have valuables in your basement, that may entice them to burglarize the home later or on-the-spot.
Don’t overshare on social media
Taking the proper precautions extends beyond your home. Be extra vigilant when posting social-media comments and pictures. It may surprise you that thieves are using these platforms to follow your every move. Posting comments that you’re away on vacation or sharing pictures while you’re gone is a definite bait that a burglar will take. Remember, a thief can be someone that you know. Instead, wait until you return and post everything. It is also highly recommended that you have someone check on the home while you’re away as well as put inside lights on timers.
Secure the garage with deterrent monitoring
A garage can be easy access for a burglar. While it’s not advisable to include the garage as part of the home security system, unless you want your alarm going off at inconvenient times because of vibrations, it is wise to install a camera outside the garagedoor in clear view. Thieves are now creative enough that they can access the code for your garage door opener without you even realizing it. Once they gain entry through the garage door, they’re only a few steps away from gaining entry into your home. A camera lets them know they’re being watched, and they will usually move on.
Photograph by Steve PB