The majority of home burglaries are not randomly executed; they are typically premeditated. Criminals want to keep their time inside of homes to a minimum and search out easily-accessible targets. There isn’t a method that will offer complete protection from a home invasion. But there are a few simple things you can do to decrease your odds of a break-in.
First, read these facts:
- In two-person family homes, most invasions occur during the day.
- On average, thieves spend one minute breaking in and less than five minutes inside a home.
- The ground floor is the most common place for burglaries.
- The side door, rear door, and garage door are the most common places for entry.
With those facts in mind, take a moment to walk around your home and look for simple things to correct. Evaluate your home from the inside and out, both during the night and day.
- Are the windows secure? Are basement windows protected with security bars?
- Are deadbolts installed on exterior doors? Are they solid-core so they can’t be kicked in?
- Have you changed the code to your garage door recently?
- Does your landscaping allow a burglar to conceal himself while opening a window or door?
- Is your home well lit and all lights difficult to disable?
- Is your identity displayed anywhere outside your house?
- Are your valuables secure, documented, and out of sight?
By answering these questions, you can make your home less attractive to criminals and improve your peace of mind.