How to Protect Your House from a Thief

When away, entrust a neighbor to note strange activity at your house.

Although it's difficult to deter seasoned criminals, you can protect your house against thieves. Your home may not be burglar proof, but implementing certain mechanisms can deter thieves from choosing your house. What it costs in dollars and your time to better protect your home may be well worth it for peace of mind and your added protection.

Instructions

1. Install a burglar alarm system. You can contract with a company that installs systems and provides monitoring services when the alarm sounds. Many systems instantly call the police upon the alarm being tripped. Alarm systems include electronic monitoring, motion detectors and cameras.

2. Make your house less accessible for thieves. Place bright lighting on your front lawn and porch, especially if you do not have streetlights. Install motion detector lights that shine when there is movement.

   Lock gates and cars and close your garage at night. The brighter your home is in the dark and the more work the thief must use to break in, the better protected your home is from crime.

3. Get a large dog with a loud bark. Consider getting more than one dog or rescuing a dog that needs a home. Dogs generally have remarkable hearing and can alert you at the first sign something is amiss.

   A dog exhibiting a territorial nature is more likely to bark at passersby. The dog may startle or scare the thief away. Not only can barking dogs deter a thief from breaking into your home, but you have a new pet to join your family.

4. Fix all broken locks, screens, doors and windows. If you have any of openings that do not work or are visually loose, you are giving thieves easy access to your home. Depending on the safety of your neighborhood, do not leave blinds, first floor or basement windows wide open. Do not leave valuables such as jewelry, laptops or money in plain view through windows or doors.

5. Organize a neighborhood watch patrol. If break-ins have become a problem in your neighborhood, gather your neighbors and take turns patrolling the neighborhood in the evening on foot and by car. Get to know your neighbors' cars and work schedules so you can monitor each other's homes when away or working.

References

• TMJ4; Protecting Your Home from Thieves; Karen Stiles; June 2011
• Security World News; How to Protect Your Home from Thieves; Ralph Winn; May 2010
• Home Security Buff; Burglar Alarm Systems; Protect Your Home from Thieves and Crime