Keeping Burglars At Bay

You work hard for what you have. So don’t make it easy for someone to walk away with it. Every 10 seconds, a house is robbed. The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to make your home less of a target.

Think like a thief. The best way to protect your home is to know where you’re vulnerable. So take a good look around – both inside and out.

Eliminate hiding places. Dense shrubbery and dim lighting provide burglars with a perfect environment to go unnoticed while attempting a break-in. Keep areas well-lit and make sure shrubbery is trimmed. Consider exterior motion detectors for security. Thorny plants and shrubs below windows can be an added deterrent.

Secure doors and windows. Exterior doors, including those leading in from the garage, should be at least 1" thick, be made of solid wood or metal and fit securely in a sturdy frame. Make sure door hinges are installed from the inside, not the outside. If you have sliding doors, insert a steel rod in the lower door channel to resist opening and screws in the overhead track to make it harder to lift out. Use deadbolt locks and make sure they’re out of reach if the door is partially glass. Close and lock windows. Keep garage doors locked as well.

Don’t keep spare keys outside. The average burglar knows all the usual and “unusual” hiding places.

Install a peephole or wide angle viewer in your door. It lets you see who’s outside and provides greater protection than a door chain.

Consider drapes or keep valuables out of view. A new TV, computer or stereo that’s easily seen from outside can be all the motivation a casual thief needs.

Mark valuables with your license number. Use an engraving pen. Burglars shy away from marked items because they’re more difficult to sell. Make sure you keep an accurate record of your valuable belongings.

Avoid keeping empty boxes (e.g., TV, computer, DVD player) on the curb. They can be an open invitation to a burglar cruising the neighborhood.

Make your house looked lived in when you’re away. Put lights on timers and alternate the pattern. Turn the telephone ringer down. Stop deliveries. Many people leave on a radio or tape player to create conversation when they’re gone. If possible, have a neighbor stop by to change the position of draperies and shades. Keep the lawn mowed. Be sure to notify the local police that you’ll be out of town.

Limit the information you give to strangers. Be careful not to tell people you’ll be out or away when scheduling repairs, etc. The same holds true for the message on your telephone answering machine. Whenever possible use your business address on luggage, key rings or other items that may be out of your hands. Get into a safety routine. Whether you’re going out for the evening, to bed or on vacation, get in the habit of making sure doors and windows are locked and your home is secure.

Invest in an alarm system. It’s a good deterrent, especially those that also ring at an outside service. If your home has an alarm system, you’ll get the added benefit of qualifying for a discount on your homeowners insurance.