How to secure your home against break-ins

Burglaries happen every day. Unfortunately, thieves often disappear without a trace and never get caught. Their victims lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in just a few minutes. Although the insurance company is supposed to cover the loss, the amount they offer may not be enough. In that case, they need to file an insurance claim and hire a public claims adjuster to help them reach an effective settlement. But sometimes not even that works out. People often end up asking for charitable aid or borrowing money to recover from burglary. To avoid all this, make sure to secure your home against break-ins.

Emotional consequences of burglary

The consequences of burglary are not only financial but also emotional. Material things can be replaced but who’s going to make you forget that traumatizing event? It could take months, even years for the emotional scars to heal. The anxiety of being home alone or leaving home even for half an hour. Being startled by the slightest noise. If you don’t want to live this way, take every precaution to ensure you are protected. We’ll tell you how.

Home burglary prevention – tips and tricks

There are various ways to save your home. Here’s what every homeowner can do to protect their belongings and their peace.

Secure all doors and windows

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  About one-third of all intruders enter the house through the front door. This is why your front door must always be locked, especially when there is no one home. Additionally, you should have a pick-resistant, deadbolt front door lock. Moreover, leave your outdoor light on during the night so that the door is visible. Movement sensor lights are also a good solution because your neighbors can easily notice someone when a light comes on.

• A metal jammer will stop burglars from entering through the glass slide door. Fold the jammer when you are not using it in order not to lift the doors off their tracks.
• An indoor lock for your garage for additional protection is another good idea. Installing a side deadlock is an inexpensive but useful way to secure your home against break-ins. Furthermore, a garage door timer that costs less than $40 would provide additional security.
• Darkness helps burglars – it makes hiding easier. If there are any outside doors or windows leading to your basement, having motion lights near them is another great way to protect your property from vandalism damage.
• Add locks to all windows, especially those downstairs. You can add a wireless alarm system to the windows, too. Moreover, shutters and grilles will stop burglars from entering your home through the windows. Second floor windows should be secured with locks, too. The fact that they are on the upper floors does not mean the burglars cannot use them to break in.

Invest in a home security system

If you want to secure your home against break-ins, spare no expense. It pays off in the long run. Installing a quality home security system does not mean it’s impossible to break in but you will be much safer. Homes without a security system are much more likely to be burglarized. The company that sells home security systems can provide you with signs warning that your home has this kind of protection.

Secure your home against break-ins when traveling

It is much easier to break into a home when the owners are gone. The period when you are away from home is when your belongings are the most vulnerable. It is important to make your home seem occupied even though there is no one in it.

• Use timers on radios, TVs and, most importantly, lights. They should be turned on and off at the same time you do it when you are home. The timer should have a battery in case the power goes out.
• Let your neighbor park in your driveway – the house will look occupied.
• Do not stop any deliveries. The burglars could see this as a sign that you are not in town. Have someone you trust collect your mail.
• Turn down the volume on your telephone. If the burglars hear it ring for too long they will suspect there is no one to answer. Moreover, some criminals call your home before breaking in to check if anyone is there. Therefore, if possible, forward all calls.

More tips on how to secure your home against break-ins

• Get a guard dog. A dog is not only a great companion but also a protector. A dog is truly your best friend. A barking dog will warn you whenever someone tries to enter your property, even attack a burglar. Even a ”beware of the dog” sign will keep some criminals away.
• Be careful to whom you give your keys. In the wrong hands, your house keys could easily find their way to a burglar. Then, the burglar could make a copy and use it to break in without being suspicious.
• Be friendly with your neighbors. It is important that people who live on the same street have each other’s back. A good neighbor will call you or the police if he/she sees someone breaking in.
• If you want to have plants near your house, the best choice would be roses or other plants with thorns. Your home is more likely to be broken into if there are larger trees or bushes around it. Therefore, trim or remove any plants that could provide a good place for hiding.
• Purchase a small safe for your valuables such as jewelry and money. These items are the most likely to be stolen in a break-in. Take photographs of your valuable items and use an engraver or ultra-violet markers to mark them.