While home invasions are a relatively rare occurrence,
protecting your home from break-ins and burglaries is an important preemptive
measure. There are numerous ways to shield your home from intruders, as well as
make it less appealing to potential burglars. Read on for some useful tips to
properly protect your home and keep you, your family, and your valuable
belongings safe and secure.
Install an alarm system
One of the best ways to protect your home
is by installing a security system. When a burglar enters your home, an alarm
will sound and the authorities will be alerted. However, alarm systems can be
expensive, so consider your budget as well as the crime rates in your area
before purchasing one. If you cannot afford one, you can set up the alarm
without paying for the monitoring. This way, the loud ringing will still sound
if a burglar breaks in, which will likely be sufficient enough to scare him off.
You can also simply purchase the decals declaring your home is protected by a
security system-it will likely deter burglars just the same.
Get motion sensors
Motion sensors around your home can trigger
exterior lighting when anyone gets close to your property's perimeter. A dark
home will be assumed unoccupied and is tempting to burglars--they won't be
visible as they creep onto your property and attempt to break in. Install
motion-sensor lighting on the front, back, and sides of your home to illuminate
all possible entrances if an intruder gets too close.
Use timed lighting
Keeping the inside of your home illuminated
while you are away is also important to create the illusion that you are there.
Leaving your empty house dark when you go out makes it obvious that no one is
home-increasing your risk of break-ins. If you prefer not to waste energy and
leave your lights on all day, have your interior lighting-and even your radio or
television-- set to a timer. Once it gets dark, your lights and electronics will
flicker on and give outsiders the impression that someone is home. Most burglars
do not want any confrontation-they simply want to sneak in and out while the
home is vacant. Any signs of activity in your home and they should keep their
distance.
Install deadbolts
Making sure the entrances to your home are secure is
essential for proper protection. Deadbolts with a throw of at least one inch are
the optimal lock type for your entryways, according to home security experts.
There are two types of deadbolts-single and double cylinder locks. Single
cylinder locks have a keyed opening on the exterior, and a knob that's turned
manually on the interior. A double cylinder lock has keyed openings on both
sides. If your door is surrounded by nearby windows or has glass panels, you
should always install a double cylinder. This will prevent a burglar from
breaking the glass and simply reaching in to turn the knob from the inside,
granting himself entry into your home.
Shield windows
Reinforce glass (especially near your doors) with
a protective barrier of quarter-inch Plexiglas installed over the panes. This
can prevent an intruder from breaking the window and climbing into your home, or
reaching through the space to open your door.
Install sturdier doors
Strong, sturdy doors can also protect
your home and keep burglars from gaining access. All exterior entry doors should
be either solid wood or steel-wrapped wood-core doors to withstand the possible
weight of an intruder trying to break it down. Hollow doors or older,
wood-paneled doors may not stand up to a forceful impact very well and cave in
easily if a burglar attempts to kick it in or throw his weight against it.
Prune greenery
Trees and shrubs provide aesthetics for your property, but
they can also be appealing to burglars for other reasons. Overgrowth provides
privacy and camouflage, and will make it easier for a burglar to slink around
your property unseen by the neighbors. Make sure to keep your greenery properly
pruned so that your doors, windows, and porches are clearly visible to your
neighbors and other passersby.
Install high fencing
If your yard is not
fenced in, it is much easier for a burglar to walk onto your
property and gain access to the back door-which is much more discreet and
appealing than attempting to break in the front door. Installing a high,
protective fence around your property will deter burglars
immensely. If the fence is at least six-feet high, the intruder would be forced
to climb it to get into your yard-an action which is very conspicuous.
Keep vacations discreet
Many home invasions occur during
extended stays away from home. If you are planning a trip, it's important to
keep it under wraps and attempt to hide any signs that you are away. Ask a
trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail so it doesn't pile up, and have
your lights and/or television set to timers to mimic activity and provide the
illusion that someone is home. You may even want to ask a neighbor to park his
or her car in the driveway temporarily.
Start a neighborhood watch group
Help keep your entire community safe by
organizing a neighborhood watch group in your town. Let your local police
department know you're starting a watch group-- several police officers will
likely meet with your group to talk about pertinent issues, provide safety tips
and discuss precautions of which you should be aware. It's important to remember
to never approach suspicious individuals, and always alert authorities instead
if anything appears amiss.
Get a dog
While a dog should not be considered the sole
protection method, having one can keep you alert in case there's an intruder
while you are at home. Dogs are naturally protective and have excellent
hearing-they will bark uncontrollably if they hear a burglar lurking outside.
This will let you know someone may be trying to break in, and probably scare off
the burglar in the process.