Being a victim of burglary is anyone’s worst nightmare. Your sense of security and safety that is shattered often takes a long time to be rebuilt. However, chances are high that a break-in could happen to you. The U.S. Justice Department estimates that American homes are burglarized once every 15 seconds, and the average homeowner losses about $2,000 in both stolen items and property damage.
The good news is that you can take steps to protect your home from break-ins. Here are some ideas to secure your home:
Invest in High-Quality Locks – More than 40 percent of break-ins happen without the use of force, and a high-quality lock can create enough of a deterrent for thieves. Always use the deadbolt on doors and don’t forget to lock the door leading from the garage. Doors on the ground floor are especially vulnerable. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend rather than under a doormat or in a flower pot.
Fortify Sliding Doors and Windows – Sliding doors and windows make excellent entry points for robbers. You can use a steel bar, called a dowel, to protect sliding doors by inserting one in the back groove. Lock your windows and think about adding a stopper to the frame in order to keep them from rising more than a few inches.
Keep Your Property Clean – Leaving items lying in plain sight around your home, like bicycles and lawnmowers, is one of the greatest enticements for thieves. Keep your property clean by storing items and always put boxes for high priced items in the trash or recycling bin. Make sure you prune your shrubs, bushes, and trees around the house in order to prevent ideal hiding places. Check to ensure that outdoor lights are always functioning. Walk around your house and make sure people outdoors cannot see valuable items through your windows.
Install Security Systems and Timing Devices – Home security systems not only alert you to the presence of intruders but can also set off alarms and notify local authorities if something happens. In the same way, timing devices can be employed in order to switch on lights, televisions, radios, and draw blinds so it gives the appearance that someone is home even when the house is empty.
Get a Home Safe – Secure your most valuable possessions and documents with a home safe. These devices provide an extra layer of protection for the most critical items because it takes extra time to break into a safe. Also, consider a paper shredder to keep personal identities from being stolen.
Take Extra Measures When Traveling – The opportune time for thieves to strike is often when you are away from your home for an extended period of time. Take extra measures for home security while on vacation by having someone look after your home and collect newspapers and mail. It is also critical to avoid mentioning your travel plans online especially on social media.