Prevent Burglary

"Being a victim of a burglary can leave you with a sense of violation"

By: Sean Hattaway

A burglary is committed when an intruder illegally enters or attempts to enter a residence. It is usually, though not always, accompanied by theft. If you are the victim of a burglary it can leave you with a sense of violation. Knowing that someone has been through and stolen your belongings can be quite unnerving. However, you are not powerless against it. If you know and take advantage of the tools at your disposal, you can deter a criminal and prevent burglary in your home and from becoming a statistic.

Although most burglaries occur during daylight hours, it still makes sense to keep the house well lit at night. If there are any trees or shrubs around the house, be sure that they are well manicured and not blocking too much of the house. Even though you may do this for your own privacy, it also shields a criminal from anyone else that might be watching your house, such as a neighbor.

If possible, either join or create a neighborhood watch association. If you know there’s more than one person watching after your home it might help you to sleep better at night. This can help prevent crimes from occurring. Additionally, if you travel for more than a few days you should either cease mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor pick these things up for you on a daily basis. Timers for lights and even radios can be enough to keep burglars at bay if they feel there’s a chance that someone is home.

Just because most burglaries occur during the day doesn’t mean that extra precautions aren’t needed at night. In addition to keeping trees and shrubs well groomed, be sure that the house is well lit. Thieves like the cover of night. There are sensor lights available that will turn on automatically when they sense movement.

Although some people still keep a key hidden outside, this is a bad idea. Thieves know to look for a key and if they want to, they will find one. Since a small percentage of break-ins occur with a thief merely opening the front door, keep all doors and windows locked. There are home security systems that have window sensors available so if a window is already open and someone opens it further, it will trigger an alarm and prevent burglary.

Of course, one of the main tools at your disposal to help prevent a break-in is installing an alarm system. The alarm system is one tool in your home security system. Some systems have a “glassbreak� device that will set the alarm off at the sound of breaking glass, like a burglar smashing a window to gain entry.

If a burglar does get into the house, there are things you can do that will slow them down. One of the first places thieves will look is in the bedroom. That said, put a deadbolt lock on the bedroom door. It may not be enough to keep them out, but it will slow them down. The idea is to allow enough time for an alarm system to alert the authorities and get to your house. Installing a safe is another good idea. However, it is crucial that you have the safe installed professionally. If it is not bolted to a wall or a floor, it can be removed and stolen, with all of your possessions in it.

So, while there may be many professional thieves out there, there are tools available to you. Having a home security system in place is not only smart, it is important when you consider the things that go inside the home, including your family. Remember, your home security system includes an alarm system and all the things mentioned above. For more information or tips on how best to protect your home, you can contact your local police or sheriff’s department. You can prevent burglary by preparing today!