Protect Your Home from Burglars!
October 10, 2017
The good news about break-ins and burglars is that the FBI reports a steady decline in property crime across the country. The bad news is, criminals are still active and predatory. But there are lots of ways to step up your security to protect your home and family, and give you peace of mind.
Advancements in technology for home security systems have helped reduce burglaries, and the monthly fee for a monitored system is only about the cost of dinner for two. You can find a system that meets your needs and budget. Here are a few pros and cons about installing one yourself!
And for some inexpensive and effective protective measures that will deter burglars, keep reading!
Walk the Perimeter Like Burglars
Survey the outside of your home through a burglar’s eyes. Walk the perimeter of your house, and if you can tell that a window might easily be pried open, a thief may come to the same conclusion. Readers Digest offers a long list of burglar secrets that are worth a quick scan!
While you’re checking for vulnerable spots, take note of any expensive electronics, art, or temptations that are easily spotted through windows. You don’t have to rearrange your entire home to keep expensive items out of view, but making small adjustments could keep thieves from drawing a bullseye on your home!
Neighborhood Watch
Volunteers coordinate a neighborhood watch effort in our area – Southshore is designated as Area 26. These volunteers arrange meetings and social gatherings to introduce crime prevention tips and safety training for the residents. The Aurora Police Department has appointed Officer Shane Ellison as the Police Area Representative for Area 26, and he can help identify a home’s weak spots.
Burglar-Proof Your Doors
Here’s an eye-opening statistic: 34 percent of intruders enter through the front door and another 22 percent enter through the backdoor. To beef up security, start with your doors. One of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions is to install a low-tech deadbolt. Invest in a quality deadbolt (usually about $25), or consider a smart lock with electronic keys for your smart phone. A smart lock provides security against lock picking and, of course, whichever one you use, engage it at all times – even when you are home.
Light Up Your Property
There’s a reason why burglars operate in the dark – it reduces their chances of being seen, reported and caught. Nothing stops a trespasser faster than a motion-sensing light. Here are a few recommendations for the best security lights for your home. Inside, use automatic light timers throughout the house when you’re away with an on-off pattern that simulates your normal routines.
Announcing Travel Plans
Don’t announce travel plans casually to someone in a public place within earshot of strangers and especially don’t reveal anything on social media. Kids don’t understand an innocent mention online might invite burglars to target your home.
When You Leave Town
Arrange to have snow removed from your walks if you’re going to be gone for a long time. And, instead of stopping mail and newspaper delivery, ask a neighbor to it pick up. Seeing deliveries being made makes a burglar think someone is at home. Also consider asking a neighbor to haul your trash bin to the curb and bring it back on trash day.
Bring in Reinforcements
Family Handyman has a dozen more suggestions for securing your home, including reinforcing doors and windows by adding hardware and alarms and beefing up a wimpy garage entry door – something we may not consider, but thieves might!
Secure in Southshore
The beautiful master-planned community of Southshore was designed to insure happy, healthy, safe, secure living. We invite you to tour the new Delaney model from Richmond American Homes and explore the latest home designs from Century Communities at The Hills in Southshore! These lakeside homes are available in ranch and two-story models and priced from the upper $300s to the $700s.