How to Stop Home Burglary

Burglars often look for valuables in the master bedroom.

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary. Unfortunately, it may also be a target for burglars trying to score a quick buck. Walk around your home, inside and outside, and imagine that you are a burglar. Locate possible points of entry and improve the security around those points. Make your home a less desirable target. Keep valuables out of sight of the windows or keep the curtains drawn. Consider getting a new pet; a barking dog is often an effective deterrent against thieves.

Things You'll Need

• Alarm
• Lights
• Exterior doors
• Deadbolts
• Peephole
• Radio

Instructions

1. Install an alarm system. Some alarm system companies directly call the local police if your system reports a break-in. Alternatively, obtain a sign from an alarm company and place it on your property, but do not sign up for the service. This is a less expensive method of deterrence.

2. Install exterior lights that have a motion sensor. Place them high enough so that a burglar cannot reach the bulb and unscrew it. Locate them at the corners of your home to make it more difficult for someone to approach it undetected.

3. Trim back shrubs and trees around your exterior doors and ground-floor windows. This helps prevent a burglar from concealing himself while breaking in. Remove climbable trees next to upper floor windows.

4. Check the strength of your exterior doors. Replace any that a burglar might easily kick in. Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, including your garage door. Keep your roll-up garage door closed.

5. Install a peephole on your front door. Look through the peephole before answering any knock or doorbell and teach your family members to do the same. Many homeowners become victims of a home invasion after opening the door to a burglar delivering flowers or asking for help with car trouble, according to Crime Doctor.

6. Keep all exterior doors and windows locked, especially when your home is vacant. Teach your family members to make it a habit to check all doors and windows before leaving home.

7. Ask a neighbor or friend to pick up your mail and newspaper while you are out of town. Most thieves prefer to target vacant homes.

8. Leave a radio playing during the day while you are gone, or leave a light on if you are gone at night, so that it appears that someone is home.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all tools and stepladders locked away. Some burglars may use your own ladders or tools to break into your home.

References

• MSN: 8 Easy (And Cheap) Ways to Prevent Home Theft
• Crime Doctor: Home Invasion Robbery
• Corporate Travel Safety: Avoiding Home Burglary

Resources

• Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: Burglary Prevention