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According to the FBI’s most recent crime report, the property crime rate in the United States continues its 10-year downward trend, dropping 1.3% from 2015 to 2016 and 25.2% from 2007 to 2016. The bad news for homeowners, though, is that burglary still accounts for 19.1% of the estimated 7.9 million property crimes reported in 2016.
You can take steps to make your home less likely to be targeted by burglars.
Think about visibility
Visibility works two ways. You want to make it as difficult as possible for thieves to approach and enter your home without being seen. At the same time, you don’t want valuables to be visible from outside your home because that might entice a burglar.
Keep bushes and hedges trimmed so they don’t provide hiding places. When choosing a fence for your yard, chain link or decorative iron is preferable to a privacy fence. Consider installing outdoor lighting in any areas that provide shadows where thieves might hide.
To keep from giving thieves the impression that your home has costly possessions that are easily accessible, don’t place valuable items like electronics or artwork near windows. Cover the windows in your garage so burglars can't peek in to see if you are home.
Meet your neighbors
One of the best moves you can make to increase your home’s security is to become involved in neighborhood activities. Friends watch out for friends, and you can never have too many eyes watching over your property. Make trusted neighbors aware if you are going to away from home, and ask them to keep an eye on your place.
If your community has a Neighborhood Watch program, consider joining, or suggest starting one. Contact your local police department and ask if they provide a home security assessment to help you identify weak spots.
Keep doors (and windows) securely locked
Secure locks on your doors and windows help protect a home. Professional thieves can spot cheap locks that can be easily forced. Invest in quality deadbolts or smart locks for your doors and double locks for your windows. If you recently moved in to a new home, change all the locks so you know there are no spare keys floating around.
Of course, locks are no good if you don’t use them. Never leave windows open for pets or doors unlocked while you run errands, and secure your sliding glass doors. Pin locks that pass through the doors or locking bars placed in the tracks are simple to install.
Keep a presence even when you're away
A burglar's favorite time to strike is when you're not home and they know you'll be gone for a while. Announcing trips on social media sites can be like passing out invitations to thieves. While you are gone, have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers so they don't advertise your absence. Place interior lights on timers to closely mimic your normal routine.
Install an alarm
Burglars don't want to draw attention to themselves, which is exactly what home security systems do. Whether your alarm is silent or has audible and visual responses, no burglar wants to deal with it. Even a dog is preferable to no alarm at all.
A burglar has three main enemies when it comes to plying their trade: time, sound and visibility. All three increase the likelihood that they will end up as a guest of law enforcement rather than enjoying their ill-gotten gains. Make it hard for them to hide, to enter your home, and to exit it without being noticed, and you'll force burglars to find a softer target to attack.
You can take steps to make your home less likely to be targeted by burglars.
Think about visibility
Visibility works two ways. You want to make it as difficult as possible for thieves to approach and enter your home without being seen. At the same time, you don’t want valuables to be visible from outside your home because that might entice a burglar.
Keep bushes and hedges trimmed so they don’t provide hiding places. When choosing a fence for your yard, chain link or decorative iron is preferable to a privacy fence. Consider installing outdoor lighting in any areas that provide shadows where thieves might hide.
To keep from giving thieves the impression that your home has costly possessions that are easily accessible, don’t place valuable items like electronics or artwork near windows. Cover the windows in your garage so burglars can't peek in to see if you are home.
Meet your neighbors
One of the best moves you can make to increase your home’s security is to become involved in neighborhood activities. Friends watch out for friends, and you can never have too many eyes watching over your property. Make trusted neighbors aware if you are going to away from home, and ask them to keep an eye on your place.
If your community has a Neighborhood Watch program, consider joining, or suggest starting one. Contact your local police department and ask if they provide a home security assessment to help you identify weak spots.
Keep doors (and windows) securely locked
Secure locks on your doors and windows help protect a home. Professional thieves can spot cheap locks that can be easily forced. Invest in quality deadbolts or smart locks for your doors and double locks for your windows. If you recently moved in to a new home, change all the locks so you know there are no spare keys floating around.
Of course, locks are no good if you don’t use them. Never leave windows open for pets or doors unlocked while you run errands, and secure your sliding glass doors. Pin locks that pass through the doors or locking bars placed in the tracks are simple to install.
Keep a presence even when you're away
A burglar's favorite time to strike is when you're not home and they know you'll be gone for a while. Announcing trips on social media sites can be like passing out invitations to thieves. While you are gone, have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers so they don't advertise your absence. Place interior lights on timers to closely mimic your normal routine.
Install an alarm
Burglars don't want to draw attention to themselves, which is exactly what home security systems do. Whether your alarm is silent or has audible and visual responses, no burglar wants to deal with it. Even a dog is preferable to no alarm at all.
A burglar has three main enemies when it comes to plying their trade: time, sound and visibility. All three increase the likelihood that they will end up as a guest of law enforcement rather than enjoying their ill-gotten gains. Make it hard for them to hide, to enter your home, and to exit it without being noticed, and you'll force burglars to find a softer target to attack.
