Being a victim of burglary is unsettling and downright frightening. Even though you may have property insurance to cover your losses, you don’t want to lose your personal items. Some may be irreplaceable. You can protect your home and reduce the likelihood that you’ll become a statistic.
Make Access Difficult
Thieves look for easy targets when they pick a house. They want to find a window which can’t be seen by the neighbors or the street. You’ll reduce the appeal of your home if you plant shrubs under the windows.
At the same time, you don’t want those bushes to be prime hiding spots. Trim them so that anyone hiding nearby would be visible. Look at any areas which may provide good hiding spots. Add more light so that it will deter burglars.
Lock Windows and Doors
Keep your windows and doors locked even when you’re home. Burglars can quickly remove a screen and get inside and out in just a few minutes. However, they are less likely to try to get in if they have to figure out a way to break a lock.
If you have a traditional lock on your doors, you may want to invest in a deadbolt. Some locks are easy to pick, especially for experienced burglars. However, they aren’t likely to mess with a door that’s too difficult to get open.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
If you haven’t met your neighbors, make an effort to do so. If you do know them even just enough to wave, try to establish a relationship. Let them know when you’re going to be gone for longer than normal.
Many times, people will notice when someone new comes to the neighborhood. They may see a car that no one recognizes cruising through the neighborhood or someone walking around looking at houses. If residents make it obvious they are paying attention to what’s going on, burglars will often choose to go to another area where they won’t get as much attention.
Get a Dog
Statistics show that burglars will skip over houses where they hear a dog barking. Even a little dog will deter them, but a pet with a louder or deep bark will scare them away.
Your dog doesn’t need to be a guard dog, but it should be one that will bark at noises. Even though it isn’t a guarantee, it will help keep your items safe since most burglars are afraid to mess with dogs.
Of course, the most obvious solution to help lessen the chance of your home being picked for theft is to install an alarm system. You can find one to fit almost any budget. Just make sure you post a note that shows you have an alarm so that burglars will walk away. In the worst case scenario, if they try to break in, an alarm will make them stop.
Prevent your home from being a prime target for burglars by taking these steps. Not only will you avoid filing a home insurance claim, but you’ll protect your possessions as well.