According to the Department of Justice, more than three million homes are robbed each year in the U.S. alone. If you don’t want to become part of this sad statistic, here are five ways to protect your property from criminals and opportunists.
A home alarm system like Arpel Security Systems is a great way to scare off burglars, but you should also take pains to choose the right system. For example, if there are a lot of corners and dark shadows on your property, find an alarm that comes with floodlights and spotlights. If your neighborhood is full of cats, don’t pick the alarm with built-in motion detectors.
2. Use Timers
Most thieves only strike dark and empty homes, so if you travel often, consider putting your lights and televisions on a timer. This will give the illusion of occupancy even if you’re away, and it can prevent a break-in for nothing more than the cost of a few extra hours of electricity.
3. Secure Your Doors
Glass doors can be entered by removing the panes. Wooden doors can be entered by drilling holes in the weak spots of their design. It simply isn’t enough to lock your door and call it a night; you should invest in chains, deadbolts and even steel bars for things like patio doors. You need methodical measures to beat methodical thieves.
4. Make Friends with the Neighbors
You don’t have to invite them over for barbeques and dinner dates; just get to know them and let yourself be known in return. Join the neighborhood watch. Give your spare key to the nice old lady down the street. Make sure someone will care if they suddenly hear shouts or breaking glass from your home.
5. Don’t Showboat
If you buy a new flat screen, don’t leave the box on the curb. If you’re going to Hawaii for the weekend, don’t give the exact dates on Facebook. In the age of social media, it’s all too easy to share revealing details about yourself without even thinking about it, but these are nuggets of information that thieves hoard like gold.
If you’re serious about protecting yourself, your family and your valuables, these are just five ways to deter a burglar. They’re looking for an easy target more than anything else, so if you can make a robbery more trouble than it’s worth, you can ensure the safety of your home and your livelihood.