Reducing the Chances of Break-ins to Your Home

There are over 2 million burglaries reported in the U.S. every year. Many of these could have been prevented with just a little bit of foresight and precaution. Here are a few helpful tips for reducing the chances of break-ins to your home.

Install an Alarm System

Alarm systems are one of the best ways to deter a home invader. Criminals prefer homes with the fewest obstacles and chances of getting caught. In some cases, even a security system sign on your property can be a deterrence. For maximum protection, avoid placing your keypad in a visible area (where a burglar can see whether your system is actually armed).

Break Up Boxes in Trash

If you purchase expensive things like electronics and then leave the boxes where anyone can see them, you may unintentionally invite criminals into your home. When disposing of packaging materials, it is a good idea to cut the boxes up and make sure no writing or logos are visible while in the recycling bin or trash can.

Don’t Hide Spare Keys

An easy way for someone to enter your home is by hiding your key in a fake rock or under the door mat. If you need to keep a spare key outside of the house, consider getting a combination lockbox from a local hardware store. Be sure to also place the lockbox in a discrete location.

Limit Social Media Announcements

As much as you might love to keep your friends and family up to date on everything you are doing while on vacation, you are also letting people know that you are not home. This information may get into the wrong hands. It may be best to wait until you return home to post pictures and details of your trip.

Don’t Let Mail Pile Up

A pile of mail or newspapers is a clear sign to burglars that you are not home. If you are away for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor to pick up mail and newspapers for you. You may also ask the post office to hold your mail.

Install Better Locks

Relying on regular handle locks is not enough to keep a determined intruder from entering your home. Deadbolt locks are much harder to break through. Consider locks that require keys even when opened from the inside. This makes it much harder to just break through some glass and turn the knob.

Summary of Ways of Reducing the Chances of Break-ins to Your Home

There are many signs that criminals use as an invitation to break in to your home. It’s always best to be overly cautious. First and foremost, don’t make it easy for criminals to access your home by leaving doors unlocked or keys hidden in obvious places. Don’t broadcast that your home is empty by letting grass overgrow, allowing mail  to build up, or posting it on social media. Lastly, don’t make it obvious that you have valuables in your home by openly leaving packaging in the trash or leaving your blinds open at night. In general, try and keep what’s in your home and what’s going on with your family private and safe to reduce the chances of break-ins to your home.