[READ A BIT BLOG] Shut Down Home Intruders
Here are a few tactics you can use to decrease your likelihood of home intruders.
According to the FBI, more than one million burglaries are committed in the United States each year.1 Fortunately, there are some proven tactics you can use to decrease your likelihood of being targeted by a home intruder.
Most burglars are looking for easy access with minimal risk. A monitored security system can be an effective deterrent, but it isn’t the only way to protect your property. Here are seven strategies to help you maximize your home’s security and minimize your chances of being targeted by home intruders.
The most common entry point for a burglar is an unlocked front door followed by a first-floor window or back door, so securing these points of entry is essential.2
EVALUATE THE CONDITION OF YOUR DOORS AND LOCKS
Make sure all doors have a solid core.
Pair them with a Grade 1 or 2 deadbolt lock and a reinforced strike plate.3
ADD WINDOW LOCKS AND SECURITY FILM
Install aftermarket window locks on first-story windows.
Consider using security film on windows that are adjacent to a door.4
Thieves target homes that they can enter and exit without being detected.
INCREASE VISIBILITY FROM THE STREET
Trim overgrown trees and shrubs that obstruct the view of your property.
Remove privacy fences or hedges that offer criminals a place to hide.5
USE BEST PRACTICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
Plant thorny or sharp-leaved bushes beneath windows.
Add some loose gravel that crunches when disturbed
A well-designed outdoor lighting system can make your home both safer and more attractive.
INSTALL LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
Eliminate pockets of darkness around your home’s perimeter with outdoor lights.
Use a combination of flood, spot, and pathway lights to add visual interest while increasing visibility.
USE MOTION-ACTIVATED SECURITY LIGHTS
Startle intruders with a motion-activated floodlight.
Choose a smart version to receive notifications when there’s movement on your property.
Most burglars will avoid breaking into a home if there are signs that it’s occupied.6
TURN ON YOUR TV AND LEAVE A CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY
If you’re away from home, connect your TV to a timer or smart plug.
When you travel, leave your car out or ask a neighbor to park theirs in your driveway.
INSTALL A VIDEO DOORBELL
Let home intruders know you’re watching by utilizing a video doorbell.
See, hear, and speak with visitors remotely from your smartphone—so they’ll never know you’re gone.
Security experts caution against placing valuables where they’re easily visible.7
CHECK SIGHTLINES FROM YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS
Avoid tempting robbers with a clear view of commonly stolen items, such as cash, jewelry, and electronics.
Take a walk around your property to ensure valuables aren’t visible from outside.
SECURE ITEMS IN A SAFE
Limit access to expensive items when you have workers inside your home.
Lock up firearms, sensitive documents, and valuables in a safe.
In surveys, convicted burglars admit to avoiding homes with obvious protective measures in place.6,8,9
INSTALL OUTDOOR CAMERAS
Place security cameras where they are easy to spot.
Record the footage so you can share it with police if you do experience a robbery.
POST WARNING SIGNS
Prominently display a security system placard and/or beware-of-dog sign.
Back up your threats with a noisy alarm and loud barking dog for maximum impact.9
On social media platforms, it’s easy to reveal more than you’ve intended.
DELAY POSTING PHOTOS OR TRAVEL UPDATES
Avoid “checking into” places or events, which can signal that your home is unoccupied.
Wait until you’ve returned home to share vacation photos on social media.
SET PRIVACY RESTRICTIONS ON YOUR ACCOUNTS
Think twice about connecting with strangers or casual acquaintances.
Limit your followers to those you truly know and trust.
Sources: 1. Federal Bureau of Investigation 2. ADT
3. National Crime Prevention Council 4. SafeWise 5. Forbes 6. KGW News 7. Security.org 8. Science Daily
9. The Guardian
YOUR HOME IS SAFE WITH US
We take home security seriously. That’s why we have screening procedures in place to keep our clients and their homes safe when they are for sale. We also remind our buyers to change the locks before they move into their new homes and provide referrals to locksmiths and security companies that can help. To learn more about our procedures and how to stay safe during the real estate process, contact us to schedule a free consultation!
New Century Real Estate is an energetic team that helps you fully understand the process of purchasing and/or selling a home. Be sure to ask us about savings available for local Hometown Heroes who buy or sell a home with a New Century Real Estate Agent.
