A Guide To Home Security Facts
The FBI reports that a home is burglarized in the U.S. every 15.4 seconds. That is certainly a sobering thought and a thought that gives every homeowner pause to think about the steps they are taking to protect their own homes from a possible invasion by a burglar. Burglary is now considered to be the most serious threat a home can face. In most cases, residents are not home when their property is burglarized and as a result burglary is considered to be a non-violent property crime. Nevertheless, once your home has been burglarized, you will still commonly feel traumatized and that trauma may last for quite some time.
In most cases, burglars are looking for items that they can easily resell for cash. The most targeted items by burglars include laptop computers, guns, jewelry, DVD players and other similar small electronic items. The fact that only 13% of all burglaries are ever reported certainly seems to help burglars along in their trade. Even in cases, where the burglary is reported the thief has usually been gone quite some time before the homeowners return home and as a result, there is little chance of catching him or of recovering the stolen items.
Most burglaries occur during the day when homeowners are at work. Generally, burglars use a certain type of force when they break into a home; however, it only stands to reason that burglars target those homes with seem to offer the easiest amount of access. They look for those homes to target which offer not only the easiest access but also the best route for escape and the most cover. Unlocked windows and doors are the favored methods of entry. It is quite common for burglars to roam or ‘case’ a neighborhood looking for the ideal target before striking.
So, what is a homeowner to do? The best way to protect your home and your belongings is to make sure you are aware of security at all times even when you cannot actually be at home.
Consider burglar’s favored methods of entry and take steps to make sure that your home does not appear to be a prime target. Remember that all it takes is a single window to be open for your home to become a target and you a victim. Be sure that all of your windows are outfitted with anti-lift devices that will prevent your windows from being lifted. In addition, be certain to have a burglar alarm installed in your home.
When it comes to doors, make sure that your home is as difficult to enter as possible. While burglars are not averse to using some force to enter a home, they will typically avoid those homes that seem as though they require too much effort in order to enter. Be sure to use deadbolt locks that are not easily picked.
Finally, make sure you speak with a security company regarding having a burglar alarm installed in your home. Even if you are not home, a burglar alarm can help to detract burglars from targeting your home as an easy mark.
Bruce Kelly is a Home Security Specialist with 10+ years of experience configuring and installing home alarms