Home Security Tips and Information
There are some very surprising tidbits of information concerning burglary and home invasion.
For instance, most burglars are never caught and most stolen property is never recovered.
Another interesting fact is that most burglaries happen because the homeowner gave the burglar an opportunity.
What sort of opportunities do homeowners regularly give these criminals?You may be surprise by the number of common practices that can give a burglar the green light to invade your home.
Let's start with some of the most obvious.
Not installing an alarm system is one of the biggest reasons that home are broken into.
Additionally, homes without an alarm system frequently have other safety concerns.
Unlocked doors and windows (even those on a second floor!) can be a welcoming entry point for any burglar.
Unlit outdoor areas, such as driveways, walkways and entry areas are all opportunities for criminals to gain access to your home.
In addition, overgrown shrubbery around a home or yard can provide great concealment for someone intent on breaking into your home.
Other areas for concern are older trees near a home.
These trees often have spreading limbs that can provide an easy means of getting into your home through an upper floor window.
Obvious signs that the home is not occupied are also one of the things that burglars look for in a choice home.
With no one home, a criminal is much more likely to break in.
A lack of home security signs and stickers in and around the home (even if you don't have one) is another indicator that your home may be ripe for a burglary.
Security system signs and stickers are almost as effective as a home security system itself.
Most crooks will simply leave if they spot these around your yard or in the windows of your home.
In order for these to be effective, though, they must be well maintained and replaced when they begin to fade.
Most home invasions are not planned; they are crimes of convenience.
It usually takes an average burglar just two minutes to get into an unprotected home.
If the homeowner can deter a burglar through security measures even a few minutes, most of them will give up and move on to easier prey.
Forming a neighborhood watch is another good way to deter crime around your home and neighborhood in general.
Another item of note for homeowners: shooting a burglar is actually a bad idea.
Many homeowners have been sued for this action and the criminal has won the court case!Prevention through other methods is much more effective than a firearm.
Of course, the single most effective method of deterring a break in to your home is by installing a professionally monitored security systemBesides deterring bad guys, these can be used to monitor your home for many other risks and safety hazards, such as integrated smoke detectors, fire alarms, water sensors, carbon monoxide sensors and panic buttons for those who may have physical problems limiting mobility.
For instance, most burglars are never caught and most stolen property is never recovered.
Another interesting fact is that most burglaries happen because the homeowner gave the burglar an opportunity.
What sort of opportunities do homeowners regularly give these criminals?You may be surprise by the number of common practices that can give a burglar the green light to invade your home.
Let's start with some of the most obvious.
Not installing an alarm system is one of the biggest reasons that home are broken into.
Additionally, homes without an alarm system frequently have other safety concerns.
Unlocked doors and windows (even those on a second floor!) can be a welcoming entry point for any burglar.
Unlit outdoor areas, such as driveways, walkways and entry areas are all opportunities for criminals to gain access to your home.
In addition, overgrown shrubbery around a home or yard can provide great concealment for someone intent on breaking into your home.
Other areas for concern are older trees near a home.
These trees often have spreading limbs that can provide an easy means of getting into your home through an upper floor window.
Obvious signs that the home is not occupied are also one of the things that burglars look for in a choice home.
With no one home, a criminal is much more likely to break in.
A lack of home security signs and stickers in and around the home (even if you don't have one) is another indicator that your home may be ripe for a burglary.
Security system signs and stickers are almost as effective as a home security system itself.
Most crooks will simply leave if they spot these around your yard or in the windows of your home.
In order for these to be effective, though, they must be well maintained and replaced when they begin to fade.
Most home invasions are not planned; they are crimes of convenience.
It usually takes an average burglar just two minutes to get into an unprotected home.
If the homeowner can deter a burglar through security measures even a few minutes, most of them will give up and move on to easier prey.
Forming a neighborhood watch is another good way to deter crime around your home and neighborhood in general.
Another item of note for homeowners: shooting a burglar is actually a bad idea.
Many homeowners have been sued for this action and the criminal has won the court case!Prevention through other methods is much more effective than a firearm.
Of course, the single most effective method of deterring a break in to your home is by installing a professionally monitored security systemBesides deterring bad guys, these can be used to monitor your home for many other risks and safety hazards, such as integrated smoke detectors, fire alarms, water sensors, carbon monoxide sensors and panic buttons for those who may have physical problems limiting mobility.
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