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The first step in preventing home burglary is deciding what security measures you already take. You must then decide what areas of home security you might be missing. Once you have established a safe haven for your family and possesions, the risk of burglary becomes minimal.
A thief will be drawn to your home for many reasons. If you have nice items outside your home such as: a boat, an RV, or a new car, the assumption will be that you have equally nice things in your home. Also, a well manicured and maintained lawn indicates to a burglar that you might have nice lawn equipment or the money to pay for the services.
Before you start a home burgulary security plan, make a videotape of all your possesions for insurance purposes. it will help if you have valuables documented in case of a burglary. Remember to include items in your garage or any other storage buildings. Give a copy of the videotape to your insurance provider for safe keeping.
Now you are ready to determine what action needs to be taken to secure your home. There are three basic areas of home protection. The first is daily protection of possesions. The second is protection for the home while the family is away for a period of time, such as a vacation. The third is protection for the home and family for anytime the family is in the house.
If you can afford an alarm system, get one that best suits the needs of your family. If an alarm system is out of your budget, there are many home security items you can purchase at electronics stores. Some of these items include: window siren alarms, doorstop alarms, and small motion sensor alarms. Each alarm can be easily installed and is economically priced.
First, ensure all doors and windows (upstairs and downstairs) are locked when the house is empty. If you will be returning after dark, keep a lamp on in the house. You may also consider leaving on the porch light. A dark house is an invitation to any thief.
When returning home, always be aware of windows and doors. If anything looks unusual, immediately call the authorities. Always look around you as you walk to your door. As long as you keep yourself aware of possible dangers, the less likely you are to become a victim.
Second, protecting your home while you are away. Make sure you have your mail and newspapers held. If you will be gone for more than a week, have someone mow your lawn weekly. It would be wise to purchase a light timer and set it to turn on particlar lights on alternating nights. Also, for further security ask a family member or neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you are away. This will also help your neighbors determine if someone they don't recognize is at you house.
Third, protecting your family while at home. Keep all doors and windows locked unless you are using them. You do not want a burglar to walk right in your front door. Some thieves wait for the family to be home before attempting to commit a crime. It adds to the shock value. If someone comes to your door after dark, use extreme caution when answering it. Always be aware of your neighborhood. Establishing a neighborhood watch program is a good way to deter crime.
Burglary does not just happen to certain people. A house at the end of a country road is just as much a target as a home in the suburbs. Never think it cannot happen to you because it can. As long as you take precautions, you will be able to avoid being a victim. Remember do not let you and your family be a target.
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