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Nearly everyone worries about the possibility of a home break-in from time to time. Whether you own a house, rent an apartment, or live in a van down by the river, there are measures you can take to keep your stuff safe and to make your abode less attractive to would-be crooks. This collection of advice can give you some ideas of ways to beef up your home security without sinking your cash into an expensive surveillance system or a dozen Doberman Pinchers.
Common Sense Counts
In our modern world of ‘selfies’, status updates, and a need to ‘check-in’ every time we visit new scenery, you must ask yourself if you are revealing too much information when it comes to your where-abouts. Many burglaries are planned ahead of time, and are often committed by people who may have some inkling of your habits. The burglar could even be so
meone you know personally! It is not wise to set Facebook status updates to “Bye y’all–going on a two-week cruise!” In addition, if you will be attending a publicly-known event of some kind that will keep you away from home (i.e. a funeral, wedding, etc.), it may be wise to hire a house-sitter while you’re away. You can also ask your neighbors to use your trash can and pick up newspapers in your absence so it would appear that you haven’t gone far.
Even if you’re not on vacation, it is best not to leave notes on your front door for service people who may be in your home while you are at work. Even if you trust the service worker, thieves will know immediately that you are not currently at home when they see the note. And seriously folks–don’t leave your brand-new big-screen TV box on the curb for recycling pick-up. Post-Christmas box scouting is a great way for pilferers to get a full view of all the consumer goods Santa brought you for the holidays.
Don’t fall for the ‘I need some help; Can I come in to make a phone call’ routine or anything that seems similarly suspicious. If you really feel like the person may need some assistance, offer to make the call yourself, from behind a closed door. In addition, if you frequent sites such as Craigslist, understand that anyone you admit into your home to pick up that old couch will get a good look at other things you own and may feel inspired to make a return visit. Arrange to meet in a safe public area, if possible, or move the large item outside your home for pick-up.
Sneaky Hiding Spots and Hints
According to experienced thieves, there are certain places visited first when looking for valuables in your home. The goal is to not put stuff in those common places, of course! The master bedroom is typically the first place robbers will visit, and if the pricey stuff is hiding in your dresser drawers, the mattress, under a decorative rug, behind a picture frame, or in some sort of gaudy decorative figurine or jar, they will probably find it! A better alternative is the kitchen. Many thieves do not spend the extra time needed to search through the numerous drawers and accoutrements in a kitchen. Empty a cereal box or soup can so you can hide valuables in your pantry.
Prescription medicine is another item that attracts criminals, which means it’s a good idea to destroy your pharmacy bags and information, which can be obtained through a quick peek into your trash. Yes, criminals can get a lot of ideas from your garbage, especially when it comes to what you purchase.
Protect your garage by covering any glass windows to prevent thieves from knowing whether or not you are home and what kind of stuff you own. If you own quality tools, it is a good idea to paint or etch them in order to deter thieves. Anything distinct-looking makes it harder to pawn or sell and easier for police to find if it ever turns up. Lock your car doors even when it is safely parked at home. Consider installing a peephole on the door between your home and garage. This will allow you to quietly investigate any strange noises without allowing easy access to the rest of your home.
Fake ‘security’ signs may seem tacky, but they can often encourage a crook to choose another house. Most homes are broken into from a rear door (French doors and glass sliders are particularly accessible), so a simple ‘video surveillance’ sign in your backyard flower bed could be serious turn-off. That tiny, yappy dog may also cause a thief to reconsider–no need for a Rottweiler when you have the loudest tattle-tale Poodle in the neighborhood!
Assess your Abode
Many local police stations offer home inspection services and advice to help you troubleshoot any security concerns you may be having. It might be the most worthwhile phone call you could make!
After you’re finished reading this, go outside and look at your home with a critical eye. Try to imagine what a thief would think. Are your untrimmed bushes near the windows a good hiding spot? Can you see a large TV and other high dollar items from your vantage point on the sidewalk? Do you leave your garage door open frequently? Is there an easy way to get to the back of your dwelling? Any of these things could make your house seem like a honey-pot to a thief looking for a quick score. A few simple changes can go a long way to deterring derelicts from your domicile!
