Home burglary prevention tips:
When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.
Make your home difficult to break in. Keep the locks on your doors and windows in good working order and replace them if necessary. Pushbutton locks are easily broken into, so it’s best if all entry doors are made of steel construction with deadbolt locks. Keep your outside doors locked whether you are home or out. Make sure all windows are locked. You would be surprised at the number of burglars who simply gained access through an unlocked window. If you have an alarm system… use it!
- Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
- Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked.
- Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.
Keep shrubs trimmed back as much as possible in locations near windows and doors. Install motion sensing lighting around the perimeter to illuminate dark areas at night.
Look as if you are home, even when you’re not. An uncut lawn, newspapers and mail piling up, blinds or window shades not opened, having your porch light on all day, are all indicators saying no one is home. Have a trusted neighbor, friend or family member go by to alleviate as many of these indicators as possible. Connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day. Also, remove your garage door opener from any vehicles you may leave behind in your driveway.
Don’t hide keys outside of your home such as under doormats or flowerpots…burglars know where to look.
Burglars love to peruse a target neighborhood on trash day to see what empty boxes you have placed on the curb. Electronic and appliance boxes, especially after gift-giving holidays, reveal what’s new inside. Going forward, break down your boxes and conceal them in trash or recycling bins.
Social media apps offer you a convenient way to “check in” your current location. Posting photos, videos and/or comments of your vacation spot is great, but maybe you should wait until you return home to do so. Believe it or not, many burglaries are committed by people familiar with their victims.
If you are attempting to sell valuable items that someone may want to steal, don’t invite strangers into your home. Many free advertising websites make it easy to reach potential buyers, however, thieves also use them to target unsuspecting homeowners. Arrange to meet in a public place, during the day and avoid going alone if possible. If the items you’re selling are too large or bulky for transport, have it moved to your garage for presentation.
Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 immediately.