How to Make a Home Less Attractive to Burglars

Protect your family--safeguard your house.

Your home is your refuge and shelter for your family and most priced possessions; you want to keep it safe and secure from thieves and other undesirable individuals. Unfortunately, some homes are more attractive to burglars than others based on appearances, security systems, and homeowner behavior. Keep the robbers away by following these tips.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Alarm system
• Warning signs
• Locks and deadbolts
• Automatic timers
• Curtains, blinds or shades
• Trusted neighbor or reliable house sitter
• Presence of mind

Secure the house.

1. Blend in. Conform to your neighborhood's house and landscaping profile. Looking like the most expensive and elaborately designed home will call attention to burglars.

2. Install motion-sensor lights.

   Put up visible deterrents. Post warning signs like "Beware of Dog" or "This Property Protected by XYZ Security System." Install storm windows that are double-paned and difficult to break. Place lights, preferably motion-sensor types, in strategic corners around the house.

3. Get an alarm system. The monthly subscription is well worth the peace of mind.

4. Install good deadbolt locks.

   Install sturdy locks and deadbolts, and use them. Remember to check if all the doors and windows are secure and properly locked. Pay close attention to bathroom windows, backdoors, cellar doors and garage access doors.

5. Use automatic timers to turn lights and radios on and off when you're not home. This gives the impression that someone is home and deters intruders from breaking in.

6. Draw curtains at nightfall.

   Draw curtains, blinds or shades at nightfall; when it's dark outside and the indoor lights are on, passersby (and thieves) can see inside and notice your expensive items and possessions.

Secure your family and valuables.

1. Don't talk to strangers about your family schedules, whereabouts and planned vacations. Delivery persons, sales people and service crews may be acquainted with burglars; details about your family should not be available to them.

2. Don't leave notes on the door about your timetables and locations.

3. Allow only invited guests into your doors. Open-house parties are "open season" to burglars. Thieves could steal something during the party or discover ways to break in at a later time for a major haul.

4. Be wary of door-to-door special offers or unsolicited phone calls that ask about the best time to visit you. They could be interested only in the best time to rob you.

5. When bringing home new and expensive appliances and electronics, unload them inside a closed garage. Tear down the boxes and dispose of them discreetly. You never know, a burglar could be watching your home, taking note of your latest acquisitions.

6. When going on vacation, ask the help of a trusted neighbor to gather your newspaper and mail. Nothing says "nobody's home" more than an overflowing mailbox and a pile of newspapers on the porch. Better yet, enlist a reliable house sitter.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace hollow doors with solid wood or reinforced steel, and install professional-grade door locks and deadbolts. Make your doors the toughest ones to kick in.

• Install several automatic timers in different rooms set at different hours to simulate the times you turn your lights on and off during the night. You can use them even when you're at home.

• Never confront a burglar. Run! Hide! Call 911!

Resources

• National Crime Prevention Council
• Types of Thieves and Burglars
• Home Security: Burglary Prevention Advice