Every year, millions of homes are broken into and burgled in the United States. Here’s how to keep your home from becoming a statistic.
Is Your Home Vulnerable to Break-Ins?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your home habits are attracting burglars, it might be time to re-evaluate your safety protocols.
While home burglaries are on the downturn, they remain a threat to homeowners across the country.
States Where Burglaries Are More Common
Some states are more at risk than others. New Mexico residents experience the highest number of home invasions, followed by Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Every 26 Seconds, a Burglary Occurs
According to the FBI, a home is broken into every 26 seconds in America. And today’s burglars are savvy – they know to check for alarm systems and unlocked points of entry.
Home Invasions Rarely Solved by Police
Of the 2.5 million burglaries that take place every year, almost half of them involve a home invasion. Even more alarming is the fact that nearly 90% of burglary cases go unsolved.
Survey Shows How Common Break-Ins Are
A survey from 2020 revealed even more concerning statistics. More than 20% of Americans have experienced a vehicle break-in, and almost 6% of those surveyed said their home had been broken into.
The Front Door Is a Common Access Point
34% of home-invading burglars use the front door to access the home – and over 17% of people don’t bother to lock the main entry when they’re at home.
Methods for Protecting Your Home
However, home security experts say you don’t have to be a sitting duck. There are ways to make your home less attractive for burgling and protect yourself.
Home Security Options
Investing in some sort of home security is a great start. Studies found that the most critical piece of home security equipment is an outdoor camera (or several).
These cameras, especially when combined with motion sensors and lights, are great deterrents for burglars.
Looking the Part
It’s also a good idea to prevent your home from looking vulnerable and empty, and there are several ways to accomplish that.
Turn the Lights On
The first tell-tale sign that no one is home is a dark home. If a would-be burglar went past your house and noticed that the lights stayed off for an extended period of time, your home may look like an easy target.
Using Technology for Protection
Automatic timers that turn lights on and off can be a good deterrent, but you might consider using a smart-home setup that allows you to control your lights from anywhere. This might look more natural to the casual passerby.
Smart Homes Are Convenient and Contribute to Safety
As an added plus, smart homes are not expensive to set up anymore and come with the benefit of convenience.
Burglars Rarely Go In Unprepared
Research shows that before a burglar makes their move, they have likely been observing their target to get a feel for when to strike.
This means watching for when your car is missing or when it’s been parked without moving for a while.
Don’t Let Your Car Sell You Out
Even if you’re home most of the time, periodically moving your car can signal to outsiders that the home isn’t empty.
If you are traveling, ask a neighbor or friend if they would mind checking in on the house now and then. Their car in the driveway could scare off a potential burglar.
Mailboxes a Dead Giveaway
An overflowing mailbox is another indicator that no one is around, leaving your home looking vulnerable.
Even if you’re not expecting anything important, make sure to check the mail regularly.
Have Someone Bring in Your Mail and Packages
If you’re not home, it’s a good idea to ask a housesitter or neighbor to grab the mail for you.
And if you know you won’t be home, try to avoid having any packages delivered until you get back, or at least make sure someone can bring them in for you in the meantime.
Don’t Let the Yard Go Unkempt
Outdoor maintenance like mowing the lawn or shoveling snow that goes ignored can also be a red flag for burglars, suggesting the home has been abandoned – at least temporarily.
If possible, hire out these tasks to someone who can keep your home looking properly maintained in your absence.
Basic Strategies for Protection
These tips can help protect you against unwanted visitors in your home, but it’s important to take normal precautions like keeping doors and windows locked, securing valuables in a safe, and even investing in a security system.
Striking a Balance Between Fear and Safety
Finding the right balance between paranoia and prudence can be difficult, and there’s no reason to go overboard and install a moat in the front yard.
But your home is your biggest investment and asset, so protecting it should always be a priority.
The post Expert Strategies to Fortify Your Home Against Intruders first appeared on Career Step Up.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
