The majority of home burglaries are planned Robbers look for easily-accessible targets where they can enter, find and take any valuables, and exit without being detected. There is no fail-safe way to protect your home, but there are some simple steps that will decrease the likelihood of a break-in.
Before we get to those suggestions, read these facts:
- In two-person family homes, most robberies occur during the day.
- Thieves spend an average of one minute gaining entry and less than five minutes inside a home.
- The ground floor is the most common area for burglaries.
- Entry usually happens via a side or rear door; the second most common access is via the garage door.
With these items in mind, take a moment to walk around your house and think like a burglar. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you windows be opened easily?
- Are deadbolts installed on exterior doors? Can doors be kicked in?
- Have you changed the code to your garage door recently?
- Does your landscaping allow a burglar to conceal himself while attempting to open a window or door?
- Is your home well lit and all lights difficult to disable?
- Is your identity displayed on your mailbox or house?
- Are your valuables secure? Documented? Out of sight?
By answering these questions, you can improve your peace of mind and make your home less attractive to criminals.