How To Secure Your Home From Burglaries (Infographic)

How To Secure Your Home From Burglaries (Infographic). Graphic © www.off-grid,info. Illustrations: Pixabay (PD)

A burglary or theft can lead to devastating consequences both emotionally and financially. But many people still overlook, ignore and underestimate the need of taking appropriate home security measures. We’ve created a detailed infographic for How To Secure Your Home From Burglaries with several of the most commonly overlooked – yet often easily taken care of – steps to safeguard your home and reduce risks.

Remember that in most cases, burglars are looking for “low hanging fruit”. If something seems too difficult or risky, they will most likely skip it and look elsewhere for a “softer” target. By following these tips you can achieve a good level of security and importantly, greater peace of mind.

HOME SECURITY ESSENTIALS:

65% of break-ins happen between 6 AM & 6 PM.

According to an FBI report, 58.3% of burglaries involved forcible entry.

More than 2.5 million home intrusions are reported every year in the United States.

TIPS FOR HOME SECURITY:

ALARM SYSTEM: According to “Securing Home and Business” by Simon Hakim/Erwin Blackstone, homes without security alarm systems are 2.7 times more likely to be targeted by a burglar.

CCTV: Security cameras are one of the best deterrents against robbers attempting the crime.

SECURITY LIGHTS: Motion-detecting lights are among the most effective types of security lighting options. Lighting up the house with these lights will scare off burglars.

LADDER: Put your ladder away or lock it down. Many break-ins involve a ladder left out in the garden. Make sure your neighbors lock theirs up also as it could be used to break into other houses! The first-floor window is the second most often used entry point for burglars, according to the Washington Post feature: “The Anatomy of a Burglary.”

SUPERIOR DOORS & WINDOWS: Invest in tough glass windows and superior doors. Connect them to the alarm system to further deter intruders.

GARAGE SECURITY: Don’t leave your garage door unlocked. A garage door that is not properly secured could be one of the easiest entry points for a burglar.

SECURITY SIGN: The signs will let would-be intruders know that the house is under video surveillance and being monitored 24/7.

GUARD DOGS: Dogs are good deterrents to burglars. Burglars do not like to have attention drawn to their presence, not to mention the possibility of being bitten. Get a big dog that has a fearsome woof and most won’t chance it.

HOME SECURITY DOs AND DON’Ts:

DO:

Conceal all alarm system wiring.
A professional burglar looks for places where he or she can disconnect the security system.

Lock up your home when you leave.
Even if you go out only for a short time!

Ask for credentials.
Don’t let strangers into your home for any reason, no matter who they say they are. Ask for credentials from any sales person or service engineer who shows up without an appointment.

DON’T:

Hide windows with tall shrubs.
Trim bushes below window level and keep a clear line of sight, ideally to your property boundary.

Post alarm signs with the security company’s name.
Burglars can buy information on how the alarm system is wired.

Store all of your valuables in one place.
Hide valuable items in spots where burglars don’t think to look.

Please let us know any further tips in the comments.