5 Common Sense Ways To Protect Your Home From Break-Ins
Unfortunately breaks in are one of the most common crimes today. But, it is also one of the easiest to prevent. According to Statistics Canada, Police reported more than 181,000 break-ins in 2011. And, this is not to mention the number of break-ins that occurred in the country that went unreported.
In the United States, burglaries are committed every 15 seconds. Based on these numbers alone, it just shows how important it is to take the necessary precautions to proactively prevent the threat of break-ins.
The good news is there are many different things that you can do as a homeowner to keep your home safe and sound. Read: How To Protect Your Home From Burglars
The following tips will help keep your home and your family safe:
- Install a home security system: If you don’t already have a home security system installed, it’s important to seriously consider getting one. You never know when you could be a victim of a break in, and a security system will deter most thieves from even making an attempt.
- Secure your home before leaving: This may sound obvious, but make sure you secure you home before you leave. There are still many people that leave their windows open and doors unlocked when they leave. Make sure you lock everything, close windows, and create the appearance that someone is home.
- Make it a community effort: As they say, there is power in numbers. Work with your neighbors and community groups to help prevent break ins. Work together to be on the lookout for suspicious individuals. As a community, you can make all homes in your area safe.
- Don’t post vacation plans online: One of the biggest mistakes people make today, and one of the easiest ways to become a target for thieves, is to post your vacation plans on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Thieves use social media as a way to identify potential targets. So, wait to post those vacation pictures until after you return from your trip.
- Turn off the geolocation feature on your phone: Another form of technology that is used by thieves to target people is geolocation. When you check in online at a location, you are telling other people that you are not home – Turn off your location identifier when using your phone and mobile devices.
And, don’t forget, adding home security features to your home can also quality you for a home insurance discount (Read Alarm Systems and Effects on Home Insurance) – another reason to install a security system and invest in home safety.
Break-ins have a greater impact on your home than just stolen items. A break in can also have a huge impact on your families ability to feel safe at home. Therefore, it’s important to use the above tips and advice to make your home as safe and secure as possible.
What home security features do you have at home? Do you feel safer knowing that you have a home security system installed? What safety measures do you recommend to other homeowners?