Our Homes are our Castles
We need to feel safe and secure in our castles. Home burglaries remain a common crime, and they have an impact on our family’s sense of security and well being. Our homes are not built or designed like castles, so we should be vigilant of what we do to protect our homes and family’s.
It only takes a burglar minutes to actually break into a home, grabbing the well known items that are easily sold on the black market. Items such as flat screen televisions (new ones that are light enough to carry), cell phones, laptops, cameras and gaming systems are quick easy targets. Often they will target the bedroom first, looking for jewelry or cash as most people keep those items in drawers or cabinets.
We can take comfort knowing most burglars will not take unnecessary risks. They look for the best safest opportunities, ringing or knocking on a door to make sure nobody is home, and that no dog is barking; this gives them a sense they can get away with a break in. The easiest way to get into a home is through a sliding patio door or french doors. The back of the home is also the best escape route as security or police approach the front of the home.
Some burglars will plan a break in, working in small groups, scoping out a neighborhood, see who stays home, who leaves, when, for how long and if there is a pattern. But commonly the burglars are opportunistic thieves looking for a quick easy score.
What a burglar looks for:
- Unoccupied Homes – No lights on, news papers stacked up outside, brochures in the door, grass over grown, curtains always closed, no car in the driveway.
- Temptation – Valuable items left in sight such as car keys, laptops, cell phones, wallets or purses.
- Anti burglar proofing – Signs of alarm system, burglar bars, dead bolts on doors, outside lighting, beware of dog signs, no hiding places around the house.
When an experienced determined burglar sets his sights on breaking into your home there is unfortunately not much that will stop him from making an attempt. No sophisticated tools are needed. They likely will not pick the lock, but rather use a pry bar, screw driver, hammer or even a rock from your garden.
What is important is that you become vigilant, not live in fear, but aware.
Some simple techniques to remove the criminal desires of a thief.
Harden the Target
- Add a dead bolt lock to your doors.
- Reinforce the door jambs.
- Have a working alarm system( put stickers on the windows and doors).
- Use a strong drop bar to help prevent sliding doors and windows from opening.
- Secure garage windows with security bars.
- Install motion sensor lights.
- Install a safe.
- Keep shrubs cut back to remove hiding spots.
- Lock the gate to the back yard.
- Lock a back yard shed.
- Install video surveillance system.
Remove the Temptation
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Fold electronics boxes inside out when putting out for garbage – don’t advertise your new purchases.
- Post “Beware of Dog” sign.
- Make your home look occupied – ask neighbors for help to remove newspaper, cut grass and keep watch.
- Become friendly with your neighbors.
- Start a neighborhood watch program.
- Keep a locked car in the driveway (hide the garage door opener).
- Don’t announce your vacations (especially on social media).
- Teach your children not to post you’re going away on social media.
- Always keep your alarm system on, even when home.
- Find new place to hide valuables, remember bedrooms are the first place burglars look.
- Lock your back door when working in the front garden.
- Lock your front door when your in the back yard.
- DO NOT hide a spare key under the mat, under planter or a rock; burglars know all the “secret places.”
Beware of Identity Theft
It is also important to know that today, homes are burglarized for reasons other than the theft of valuables. If they steal your personal information, you may become a victim of identity theft. Always treat your personal information as a valuable, and take precautions to secure access to that information.
If you have any questions about protecting your home or business, please reach out to us. We’d be happy to help.