Every 20 seconds, a burglary occurs in the U.S. But you can protect yourself, especially if you know the techniques burglars use and how to thwart them. Your home is one of the most valuable assets you have and contains your personal valuables. You know this and so do others. Those with nefarious inclinations (read: burglars) will try to take advantage of your home’s vulnerability, resulting in stealing and/or damaging your home and assets. Here are some tips to help you to protect your home and valuables.
1. When The Cat Is Away…
Burglars don’t like company, so they like to break into a home when people are away…especially between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm because it is highly likely people will be at work or school.
2. Posting To Social Media Shares More Than The Cocktail On The Beach
Thanks to social media, burglars can know when you are not home, especially when you post vacation photos or other activities highlighting you are not home.
Burglars can also use the GPS data in your posted photos to find home addresses, making it easy to find your home while on vacation. One recent survey found more than 10 percent of burglars used social media to determine who was not home.
3. Burglars Don’t Want You To Take Security Precautions
Cheap or expensive alarms systems….burglars don’t like them! A home is 300 percent more likely to be broken into without a security system.
Strong codes used on security systems should be used (ie, not birthdays) and keypads should be kept clean.
What is an invitation to burglars? Unlocked windows, unlocked deadbolts and poorly lit homes.
What makes burglars go away? Motion sensor lights, flood lights, TVs or radios left on, cars in driveway or anything that makes it look like you are home.
4. Like That Hedge? So Does The Burglar
Anything that obscures a view from the street makes a home inviting to a burglar. Tall bushes and landscaping, tall fences and walls make hiding easier for a burglar. If you must have tall landscaping, choose ones with thorns, such as cacti or roses.
5. Don’t Put Out The Bait!
If your expensive items are within plain site, it makes it easy for a burglar to target your home. Laptops, electronic tablets, money or other valuable items in plain site makes it easier for burglars to spot a target.
Key hooks, calendars and any identification documents in plain view gives a burglar easy access to your home, schedule and identity….keep it concealed!
While these steps may not be exhaustive, they will greatly increase the protection of your home and valuables. A little effort can go a long way!
Want to discuss more? Feel free to reach out with a phone call, text, or email….even if it is just to have me buy you coffee!