Save Money by Improving Your Home Security
Burglary is always a concern for anyone who owns a home and valuables. While career criminals are responsible for a small percentage of break-ins, many people are unaware that the majority of home
burglaries are attempted by amateurs. It is true that stopping a professional thief is a challenging endeavour, but many things can be done to thwart amateur burglars, who are responsible for the
vast majority of residential break-ins. If basic security measures are utilized on a consistent basis, a homeowner can significantly reduce his or her risk of being robbed.
It is recommended by many experts that one refrain from leaving a spare key on his or her property. This includes under a flower pot, rock, or welcome mat, as well as over the door frame. These are the
first places that a would-be thief will search for a key, and many burglars enter a person’s home in just this manner.
Additionally, many thieves simply walk in through a person’s unlocked front door. It is a good policy to lock all the doors of a home, regardless of how soon the homeowner expects to return. It only
takes a few moments for a burglar to enter a home and leave with an assortment of valuables.
Making the home appear occupied at all times is a good idea, as well. The vast majority of thieves prefer to strike when the home is empty. Hardware shops or home improvement stores typically sell
timers which can be attached to a lamp or other light, turning it on or off at timed intervals. A TV is an excellent choice for an object to turn on and off while the homeowner is not present. Burglars are
aware that many people leave lights on when they are away, but a glowing television instantly creates the feeling of an occupied home.
The best time to review the safety and security of a home is immediately upon taking up residence. Locks should be changed without exception, and windows should be checked for broken or missing
locks. If keys are lost, the locks should be changed again. Sometimes individuals are unaware that their keys were actually stolen, and only appeared to be lost. Joining a neighbourhood watch
program is also an excellent way in which to ensure there will always be someone observing the home.
Installing a motion sensor light on the property is a strong deterrent for any thief, professional or amateur. While this cannot physically stop the perpetrator, it is common knowledge that most
burglars do not wish to work under a spotlight. Once the floodlight is activated, a thief will usually move on to a darker looking home. Motion detectors within the home should automatically set off
an alarm, although persons dwelling in the home should refrain from accidentally setting them off. When this happens too frequently, neighbours have a tendency to ignore the sound, which can result
in a negative outcome in the unfortunate event of a robbery.
Alarm systems that provide the best protection are those in which wiring is concealed. A professional burglar knows how to deactivate and disconnect a variety of security systems, however, he or she
cannot disable what cannot be seen. Some alarm companies offer yearly or monthly contracts, which provide extra services, such as notification to the police station in the event the alarm becomes
activated. While nothing is entirely fool proof, those who utilize these tips are making a significant step toward a safer home and property.
Author:
Al writes articles on home and personal finance. Improving the security of you property can lower you home insurance cover costs.
