Don’t Invite Burglars Into Your Home!

LifeLock reports that in these lean and touch economic times that identity theft is on the rise. The FBI reports that a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States ever 15 seconds.

What concerns me the most is that the FBI is also reporting that in 6 out of 10 home burglary cases, there is no forced entry.  In these cases the thief entered through an unlocked door or window, or found a hidden key outside the house.

So how do you thwart would-be burglars?

1. Lock Your Doors! Doors are one of the most common means of entry for burglars. They prefer entering through doors because it arouses less suspicion than entering through a window. Obviously if you see someone that you don’t recognize climbing through a neighbors window you will be concerned enough to check it out or call the police. However, if you see somebody casually walking through the door, you could be forgiven for not paying much attention. Your doors should be locked at all time, even when you are in the home. If you are working or relaxing in your backyard, your front door should definitely be locked!
2. Lock Your Windows! An open or unlocked window is an invitation to would be thieves. Depending on your neighborhood, you may want to consider reinforcing your windows with wire mesh or iron grills. When considering these options, be sure to have an emergency route planned in case of fire as barred windows will keep people out of your home, but the will also keep you in.
3. Check the Quality of Your Locks! If you don’t have a deadbolt, consider installing them on all exit doors. Double cylinder deadbolt locks, meaning one that is capable of being locked with a key on both sides of the door is a stronger protection than a simple doorknob lock.
4. Fence Gates. Burglars don’t like fences as they provide an obstacle to a quick escape in the event that they are caught in or around your home.  They also  offer some protection to you in that burglars won’t be able to easily carry off large or bulky valuables from your home such as flat screen televisions or computer equipment. Be sure to keep your gates locked at all times, even when you are home.
5. Street Lights. Bright, well functioning street lights are an important deterrent to burglary as they illuminate exteriors of homes and neighborhoods. Be sure to report any non-functioning street lights in your neighborhood to the appropriate city agency.
6. Exterior Lights. Consider installing landscape lights around your home that will expose any place of entry and trim or cut back landscaping or dense shrubbery around windows that would provide a place for a burglar to conceal himself.
7. Warning Signs. If you have an alarm system be sure to put up the signs or decals that let people know one is installed. If you have a Neighborhood Watch, be sure to put that information up as well.