No one likes to think that their home will be targeted by burglars, but it happens more commonly than you might think. There are approximately 230,000 burglaries reported to the police each year, and the fallout can be significant. While most people focus on the value of the stolen goods, being the victim of this type of crime can also have a big psychological impact. It’s simply not nice to think of someone entering your private space, especially if you have a family.
There’s no way to completely prevent a burglar from targeting your property. With that said, there are plenty of ways to decrease the chances. From visual deterrents to simply making your property more difficult to access, making a few key adjustments can have a huge impact. Here’s what you need to know.
Don’t Show What’s On Display
A burglar is less likely to enter a property if they don’t know whether it’ll be worth their time. Ultimately, they’re only looking to extract as much value as possible from the break-in. If they’re unsure about whether there are any valuable goods inside, then they’ll likely think twice. Homeowners can go a long way towards protecting their homes by concealing any valuable items. Using blinds and curtains and keeping valuable possessions out of sight can help.
Secure Entry Access Points
Thieves have to get into your property somewhere, and it’s rarely through the front door. They’re also less likely to smash a window due to the noise that it makes. Instead, they focus on the access points that homeowners often overlook. To you, a broken garage door might be an inconvenience. To a burglar, it’s an opportunity. If your garage door has an issue, then get in touch with a company that offers garage door repairs as soon as possible. Even living with a broken garage door for a few nights can put your home at risk. It’s also important to be mindful of shutting all windows during the summer months at night or when you’re not at home, even the windows on the upper floors.
Add Sensor Lighting
Burglars dress in dark clothing for a reason. They don’t want to be seen. Wouldn’t it be handy if you could automatically shine a line on thieves attempting to enter your property? Well, you can — it’s called sensor lighting. Installing movement-triggered lighting at your home is a highly effective, highly affordable way to deter would-be criminals.
Invest in a Good Burglary Alarm
Burglars don’t like light, but they hate sounds, especially sounds that essentially communicate “there is a burglar here.” Investing in a good burglary alarm and — here’s the important part — remembering to sit when you leave the home or when you’re sleeping offers a vital last line of defence against burglar intrusions. Even if a burglar has managed to make their way into your home, they’ll likely quickly pack up and scamper off once they hear an alarm going off. Criminals can be stupid, but they’re not that stupid.