You might be surprised what burglars look for when they’re casing your home. Without realizing it, you might be doing things each day that make your house an attractive target for thieves.
What do burglars look for when they are planning their next heist? Here are five tips to discourage criminals from invading your home or business. We urge you to share this blog with neighbors, friends, and family. Together, you can send a clear message to potential perpetrators: you take the security of your home seriously.
1. Skip the open-door policy
Statistics say a third of burglars enter the house through the front door. They will knock or ring the bell to confirm that the home is unoccupied, then test the door to see if it’s unlocked. The bottom line: keep your doors locked, even if you’re just running a quick errand or out for a walk.
2. Take precautions when workers are in your home
That well-groomed worker you invite in to install your new refrigerator might have a side gig: as a criminal. Watch what you say around him; if you’re chatting with your spouse about your upcoming vacation, he could very well scope out your home for valuables and could even unlock a window for easy access later while you’re sunning on the beach. If you are contracting out a job, put tempting items out of sight and watch your words. While the great majority of laborers are honest, trustworthy people, it is well known that there are some who use their day job to leverage their next hit.
3. Ask neighbors for help
A cluttered curb with garbage cans, recycling bins, old newspapers, as well as a weedy lawn, are just a few things that tip a burglar off that you are not home. If you’re away, ask a trusted neighbor to take care of the trash or collect the mail. It’s a small detail that can pay off big when it comes to theft prevention.
4. Don’t be a creature of habit
While it’s uncomfortable to think about, a burglar could be watching your every move, waiting to strike. It doesn’t take any time at all for him to figure out your schedule and how long it takes you to get to and from your destinations. So when at all possible, mix it up — adjust your comings and goings. If that’s impossible, keep a radio or TV on or use timers that turn lights on and off. Whichever you do, always lock your home and ensure that your home security system is working and activated.
5. Invest in a home security system with a reputable company
Police will tell you they rarely receive burglary reports at a home with a functioning security system, especially one with a surveillance camera or cameras. If you already have a system, make sure to activate it every time you leave your house. If you don’t have a home or commercial surveillance system in place, contact Maryland Security Professionals for a free security audit and quote.
We are a full-service security company staffed by retired law enforcement officers. Our leading-edge security solutions include camera systems, guard services, private investigation and more. We serve the entire Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Delaware. Inquire about our state-of-the-art home security systems and create a haven where your family can feel at ease.