An average of around 3.7 million burglaries occurred each year from 2003-2007, according to the Bureau of Justice. In about 28% of these burglaries, a household member was home during the burglary.
When a burglary is occurring, almost 30% of thieves enter through an unlocked door or window, and 34% through the front door.
Don’t be the next victim! Our Pop-A-Lock locksmiths have some professional advice on how to keep your home secure and scare off burglars.
1. Install motion-activated outdoor lights
Burglars don’t want to be seen. If they’re creeping around the outside of your property and they trigger a light, odds are they’ll immediately leave the property in hopes no one sees them. They also may think someone is home inside and turned on the light.
2. Leave the TV on
If you’re out running errands or home alone for the night, it’s a good idea to leave a TV on. This makes it appear as if someone is home and awake, and is a good way to deter potential burglars.
3. Install break proof laminate on windows
Laminated windows seriously slow down burglars. Again, anything that forces them to be on your property for longer will be a deterrent, and if they do stick around their chances of being caught go up.
4. Consider a dog – if you don’t already have one
You don’t need – or want – a mean dog. But if you have a friendly dog who goes crazy when they see or hear people in the yard, you’ll have a good warning if someone is approaching, and the person outside won’t know whether or not the dog is friendly.
5. Put indoor lights on automatic timers
Allowing your lights to turn on and off – even if you’re not home or asleep – can make it look like you’re home and deter burglars from targeting your house. And if you vary the schedule it will throw them off even more.
6. Vary your schedule
And with the above point, we want to add that varying your schedule in general can deter burglars from targeting your house. If someone is patrolling your neighborhood looking for homes to break into, they likely won’t choose yours if they can’t tell whether or not you’re home at specific times of day.
7. Install a security system
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, installing an indoor or outdoor (or both) security system is a great way to keep an eye on your house and know if a burglar is trying to get in.
8. Always lock your doors and windows
It may seem obvious, but as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, almost 30% of burglars enter homes through an unlocked door or window. Check that all your doors and windows are locked before bed each night, and before you leave the house for any amount of time.
9. Keep your garage closed
A garage is just another entrance to your home for burglars. Always check that it’s closed before you leave the house or go to bed.
10. Make your house look lived in
When you’re out of town or away from your home for any extended period of time, put your mail on hold, schedule someone to come mow the lawn, ask neighbors to park in your driveway occasionally. Anything to make it look lived in and not empty will help ensure burglars don’t target your home.
Approximately 4,800 burglaries happen every day in the US. That’s a startling number. The good news, though, is that there are steps you can take to keep your home and family safe from burglars.
Our locksmithing experts have created a free home security audit. The checklist can help you create a safe environment for you and your family – while you’re home and away.
If you’re interested in re-keying your home or upgrading your home’s locks, contact your local Pop-A-Lock today!
