7 Ways To Deter Home Burglaries

No one wants to be a victim to burglary. According to the FBI, crimes in the US, there are over 1 million burglaries in the country each year. The best way to protect yourself is to install a home alarm system from a reputable company like Security Essentials of Lexington. Besides installing an alarm, here are 7 ways to deter home burglaries:

7 Ways To Deter Home Burglaries

#1. Make Sure Your Home Looks Lived In

People who commit burglary are looking for an easy target. They will take advantage of homes that look vacant. If you will be away from home for a week or so, have someone look after the house. Make sure you have the snow shoveled or cut the grass. Don’t allow the mailbox to get full or newspapers to pile up. Consider placing your lights on a timer or getting automatic window treatments.

These measures make your home appear like someone is there even when no one is.

#2. Lock Your Windows and Doors

If you don’t lock your windows and doors, you are inviting a burglar in. Nothing is easier for a burglar than to find an open house. According to FBI crime in the US, almost 40% off all burglaries were not forced entries. On the same note, don’t hide a key in an obvious place. Burglars know where to look first.

#3. Keep Your Entry Ways Open

Many burglaries occur in hidden entryways where a burglar can easily break a window or mess with a lock. If you have trees or shrubbery that block the view of your door, consider having them trimmed back. Installing motion sensor lights will deter a burglar often better than a light that is on all the time.

#4. Hide Your Valuables Wisely

Robberies often occur when valuables are either left out in the open or are left in plain sight. If you have a fancy TV or entertainment system, make sure it’s placed away from windows. Don’t leave jewelry and other items on the dresser. In fact, your master bedroom is often the first place a burglar will look for valuables.

Keeping expensive cameras, guns and jewelry in a hall closet or the attic is often safer than storing those items in your master bedroom.

#5 Avoid Strangers At The Door

Many home invasions occur because someone opened the door. According to a Bureau of Justice Investigation, 27.6% burglaries occurred while the victim was home. Of those 27.6, 26% of those people became victims of a violent crime. If someone comes to your door, they will often have a reason to enter. They may sound very persuasive. Consider having a peephole installed in the door if you

don’t have one. If you don’t recognize the person knocking or you don’t expect anyone, let him or her know you’re there and tell him or her you’re not interested. Many robbers will knock before they pry the door open to make sure no one is home. By acknowledging them at the door, you let them know you’re there but choose to not let them in.

#6. Get A Dog

A Dog especially a large dog will deter a burglar. Many people are afraid of dogs. Even if they aren’t, a large dog barking will scare them off many times before they get too close. It is after all, easier to rob a house with no dog than one that has one.

#7. Don’t Advertise Your Vacations

Many burglars stake out a house before attempting to rob it. They will watch your routine: when you leave for work, where you park your car and when you return. Switching up your routine as often as possible will help fool a burglar. Don’t mention your plans on social media either. Crimes, like burglary, are often initiated by someone who knows the victim or is aware of the victim’s activity.

Security Essentials of Lexington KY can help you deter burglaries with an affordable home alarm system. We are dedicated to providing homeowners in the area outstanding customer service and affordable home security monitoring. If you would like to learn more about home security in Lexington KY, call Security Essentials of Lexington today.