Did you know that most residential burglaries are premeditated? Criminals hunt for easily-accessible targets where they can enter, find and take any valuables, and exit without being detected. There isn’t a method that will provide 100% prevention of a home invasion. But there are a few simple steps you can take to decrease your chances of a break-in.
First, read these facts:
- Most invasions of two-person family homes 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 place for burglaries.
- The side door, rear door, and garage door are the most common areas for entry.
With these items in mind, 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.
- Can you windows be opened easily?
- Are deadbolts installed on exterior doors? Can doors be kicked in?
- Is your garage door secure? Have you changed the keypad code recently?
- Does the 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 on your mailbox or house?
- Are your valuables secure, documented, and out of sight?
By following this process, you can make your home less attractive to criminals and improve your peace of mind.