7 Tips for Reducing the Risk of Home Burglary

August 6, 2012 | Filed under: Home | Posted by: kcooper

Owning a home comes with many benefits. It also comes with a host of responsibilities and worries. Getting burglarized is a fear of many people. Not only do people fear having their valuables stolen, but people fear the idea of someone invading their personal space; it makes us feel unsafe. While there are no ironclad ways to prevent a break-in, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk.

Get A Dog

If you are currently not a pet person, you might reconsider that position. Having a dog is one of the best burglar deterrents out there. According to criminologist Elicka S.L. Peterson-Sparks, robbers are actually more reluctant to rob a house with a smaller dog than a large one as the former can be a bit more excitable and more difficult to calm down.

Make Your Landscaping Inhospitable to Burglars

Keep hedges low to prevent robbers from using them as a hiding place to scope out the scene. Some nice thorny rosebushes near windows might help too. A gravely driveway makes it hard to be stealthy. Install motion-sensor lights.

Get Double Key Deadbolts for Your Doors

More than one-third of burglars walk right through the front door of their target’s house…a pretty high number. Making your front door as thief-proof is possible is a good idea if you are concerned about being burglarized. Double key deadbolts make it so you not only need a get in the house, but also out. This type of door has its drawbacks though, such as in a situation where you need to make a quick exit. Make sure the key is well-hidden but easily reachable at the same time.

Don’t Tempt Thieves

Keep bicycles, lawnmowers and other items out of sight. You do not want to tempt the thieves and pique their curiosity to find out what else you may have.

Do Not Advertise Your Absence from Your Home

If you are going to be away from home, have someone pick up your mail or put a temporary stop on it. Get timers for your lights and set them for varying times. Do not leave a message on your answering machine indicating you are away—Peterson-Sparks notes that many burglars will call their potential target to see if they are home.

Install Security Devices

An alarm system, especially one with 24/7 monitoring from a security company is one of the best ways to protect yourself, but make sure you use it. Some may not arm it because they find it inconvenient, thinking the sticker or sign outside their house is enough of a deterrent; it may not be so do not take the risk. You can also install security cameras that you can hook right up to your computer; sound expensive but some of these cameras can be had for under a hundred dollars.

Keep Your Patio Doors Secure

A thief is unlikely to smash your patio doors because of the noise it would cause but it could be an easy access point if they are able to get them open. Placing a sawed-off broom handle or similar object in the track will prevent them from being able to open it.

There are no guarantees in life but there are always strategies to minimize the risk of unwanted occurrences in our life, such as someone breaking into our home. Taking certain security precautions and employing some good old common sense can take you a long way.

Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who enjoys helping her clients expand their online presence and grow their businesses. Check out homesecurity.org if you are in the market for home security systems.

Photo Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanikac2/

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Posted by kcooper on August 6, 2012. Filed under Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry