No one likes a home invader, a burglar, or an intruder. Why not give a burglar reason to stop and decide whether your home is worth attempting to break into? After all, isn’t it best to stop a burglar before he even makes an attempt? You have heard it said that “a man’s home is his castle”. Well, we can learn something about protecting our home by thinking about the defense of a castle.
Here are 11 easy tips to burglar-proof your home.
Home Security System
It’s a simple fact, homes with a security system installed are three times less likely to be broken into. Plain and simple. You may be thinking, is installing a home security system simple? Well, basic wireless systems are actually just that.
Also, door alarms are a last resort. That is, these sound only after an intrusion is attempted. But, better for them to quit at that point than to come on in.
Fake Home Security Sign
So what if you don’t really have a security system installed, but the potential burglar thinks you do? Installed security systems provide signs to anyone who approaches a home, burglars included. What if you had the fake security sign but not the system?
Window stickers and yard signs indicating that a security system is in place are effective. Homes with such security systems are three times less likely to be burglarized. How are the thieves going to know that the security system is there if you don’t tell them?
Make It Appear That Someone Is Home
Burglars are less likely to break into a home if they think someone is at home or at least looking like you are. Some burglars will and do break into homes even when they know someone is at home. But it’s less likely for them to do so.
There is more to it than simply leaving a light on because burglars are not stupid. House lights on timer switches and fake television sets are a couple of ways to give the appearance that someone is home. If you’ll be gone for a while, arrange for newspapers and mail to be collected and have the lawn mowed. Don’t make your home and property appear different when you’re gone than when you are home.
Make Them Think Someone Is Watching
High-end security systems involve video cameras. If a criminal believes his activities are being filmed and thus evidence of his crime recorded, there is a great likelihood he’ll think more than twice about invading that home. Fake cameras can be purchased and installed.
Entry Points Exposed
Burglars need a way to get into a home. That means doors and windows. Don’t make his job easier by providing hiding places in which to gain entrance. A well-lit exterior, particularly at doors and windows, and well-trimmed bushes and landscaping do not provide good hiding spots for individuals trying to gain entrance into your home. Porch lights or other outdoor motion sensor lighting can be helpful. Don’t provide dark, lurking places for would-be intruders.
Entry Points Blocked
This may seem to “go without saying,” but it needs to be said anyway – keep your windows and doors locked, especially if you’re not at home.
First-story windows can be made inaccessible by planting shrubs and pain-inflicting plants that make any contact with them very uncomfortable, that is, plants with stickers. For instance, plants in the holly or barberry families are very effective and quite attractive.
Pay Special Attention to Weak Spots
Sliding glass doors, like at patios and decks, are particularly vulnerable and therefore a favorite spot for crooks to try to gain entry. The latching mechanisms on these doors just aren’t that strong. A rod laid in the track of the door is an easy and effective way to prevent the door from being opened. Commercial products for this purpose are available for purchase but are not more effective. Bars or cages over windows and doors are a common, visible deterrent.
Select Good Hiding Places
Obviously, the key is to hide things where someone wouldn’t think to look. Mock name brand product containers are available that in reality are devices in which smaller items can be hidden. Hollowed-out chairs and table legs, above ceiling tiles, etc., are some other possible hiding spots.
Use a Safe
Some safes are obvious, like large gun safes for firearms. Everyone knows, including the intruder, what’s in there, but it’s just too large to move. Other safes are hidden, like wall safes, that can easily be covered over.
Have a Dog
The presence of a dog (preferably one that will bark) is enough to keep many intruders away and looking for some other, easier target in the first place.
