The FBI claims that every twelve seconds a burglary is committed somewhere. Taking steps to secure your home can keep you from becoming one of these statistics. Try to consider your home the way a would-be intruder does.
The first priority of any thief or burglar is completing the job without getting caught. This is why the least protected homes are the most appealing to them.
An inexperienced burglar might just run in and grab whatever they can and get out. Others are a little more calculating in their approach. They won't waste their time breaking in unless the reward is great.
The main aim currently is to enter the house unobtrusively. Hence, few house break ins take place in the day. Well lighted homes can be a great deterrent, especially in normally shadowed corners and such. Any area that could lead to an entry point should be well lit.
Pay special care to corners that are not facing the main street or out of line of sight for other homes. If there are windows in these areas, make sure they are secured with some type of wooden or metal dowels to prevent opening. Again, any lighting that can be provided in these areas is a plus.
Even windows with this extra protection can sometimes be removed from the frames. Here is a simple and affordable way to prevent this from happening.
Start by drilling a hole through the window frame into the wall that holds it. There are spring-loaded mechanisms available that will screw into the frame. These are similar to that found on some screen doors. You can also use a wooden or metal dowel to secure the window in the frame.
If the intruder is determined to enter at all costs, they may try to break or cut the glass to gain entrance. Some home security systems offer a feature that senses window vibration and will activate an alarm. A way to stop this is to install grills and iron bars at windows as well.
Another added measure of security is to keep your bushes and shrubs trimmed down to eliminate potential hiding places for intruders. If they cannot conceal themselves as they attempt to break in, they will likely look for a more vulnerable target.
They will take the opportunity when no one is home to try breaking in as it is safer for them. This is a good reason to get together with your neighbors and set up some type of neighborhood watch system. You can also take it a step further and have someone stay at your house while your away.
If intruders want to enter your dwelling, they will try all ways and means to do it. Taking some of these steps, however, will at least make them think twice.
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Moses Wright loves DIY Home improvement. He sets up this site to provide fellow home improvement enthusiast with tips and resources on
Home Security Legal Issues and
Home Security Windows and Doors Guide.
