Remember Home Alone, where the hapless intruders are chased away by Macaulay Culkin’s clever booby traps? You don’t have to go quite that far to make your own home unappealing to burglars, but a little preparation is a good idea.
According to the FBI, there were on average more than 3,000 burglaries a day throughout the country in 2019.
To keep your home off the books, help protect it with these simple tips:
Keep Your Front Entrance Clear
The FBI reports that more than a third of burglars enter through the front door. How can you discourage them? Keep your entrance free of shrubbery or furnishings so your neighbors can clearly see everything that’s going on. And make sure the entrance is brightly lit at night.
Install Screen Doors At The Front And Back
It may look decorative, but a solid locking screen door can dissuade criminals, who want to get in and out as quickly as possible. Your main door should be solidly built and reinforced, with a deadbolt that makes it harder for crooks to get in.
Secure Your Windows
Make sure your windows are double-pane glass, which is not only harder to break into but can also make your home’s heating and cooling more efficient. You can protect your windows by putting plants or furniture underneath them inside your house. No burglar wants to climb onto a cactus.
Keep Your Lights On A Timer
Automatic timers that switch your house lights on and off create the illusion that someone’s home even when you’re away. For the backyard, try a motion-sensor light.
off, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and clear away fallen leaves, which, to observant criminals, is a sign that nobody’s home.
Install a Security System
Whether you opt for a subscription monitored service or a plug-and-play system you can install yourself, having an alarm system and security cameras you can monitor from your mobile device is a smart move. Install alarms on every door and window that is conceivably accessible from the outside. And don’t underestimate the agility of a motivated burglar; even your second-story windows can be scaled with a ladder, a nearby tree, or simply by free-climbing up the side of the building. Place cameras at all entrances and opt for systems that automatically send you mobile alerts when movement is detected.
Don’t Advertise Your Vacation
Save the social-media updates about your Caribbean cruise until after you’ve returned. Letting the world know you’re about to leave your home unattended is an invitation to strangers who may be listening in. Before you set
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, get extra peace of mind by having the right home insurance policy. If you’ve taken steps to protect your home, like installing a monitored alarm system or deadbolts on your doors, you might even qualify for a discount.
By Sam Song
Tara Allen says,
That is smart to prepare against burglary by investing in an alarm home system. I like that alarm systems are able to keep your possessions safe. I like tip about not advertising when you go on vacation and leave you home vacant.
Brandon Roberts says,
I am so glad that I was able to find this! I always get super worried about someone breaking into my home when I go on vacation. My house windows aren’t very sturdy, so that’s what I’m most worried about. So I really appreciate you talking about this, and letting me know of a few different things I can do in order to secure my windows the best.
Steve Holt says,
Thanks for the tips! It seems like installing a security system can do a lot to protect your home from burglars, but it’s also important to make your home seem inaccessible to prevent burglaries. Your tip to secure my windows seems like a great way to do that. If the front or back door doesn’t work for a burglar, then they’ll most likely try entering your house through the window. Making it difficult to come in through the window without breaking it and tripping the alarm would help to prevent them from breaking in.
Lilly Sedrick says,
It is definitely a good idea to have double pane glass windows. These windows would be a lot harder for people to break. It is amazing how they can also be energy efficient. I definitely agree that it is so important for you to make sure your windows are always locked and secure. I also think that it is a good idea to put plants under your windows. That would definitely deter burglars from entering your home.
A.C. says,
Now I now why my mother always put things in front of windows. Even on the outside she would sometime put something in front of a window. This must be an age old idea. 💡 Bless moms and grandmas for having smart ideas.