- According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2007 61.1 percent of burglaries involved forcible entry, and the total property loss due to burglaries was $4.3 billion. Most burglaries in 2007 were of residential properties, but by implementing some home security tips, you can help protect your home and valuables.
- The Home Safety Council recommends all outside doors be equipped with locks. If you recently moved into your home, immediately replace all door locks to prevent previous residents from entering your home. Police departments recommend using solid wood or metal outer doors and installing deadbolt locks. Police departments also recommend placing a dowel or broom handle into the track of a sliding door.
- Police departments say all windows should be equipped with working locks. If you install bars on your windows, only use bars that comply with fire code requirements so you do not unintentionally trap yourself inside during a fire.
- The outside of your house can also affect your home's security. The Home Safety Council warns to keep your bushes trimmed to hinder a burglar who is trying to stay hidden. Also, never leave a spare house key outside your home, even in a shed or hide-a-key box. Experienced burglars know to look in these hiding places.
- Install adequate outdoor lighting, especially to areas that would be accessible to burglars, such as doors and low windows. Police departments suggest you turn off your porch light during the day, because that's an indication that nobody is in the home. They also advise you install timers to turn your interior lights on and off throughout the night if you will not be home.
- For added protection, purchase a home security system. Some systems are monitored and automatically notify your local police department in the event of a break-in. If a glass-break sensor is installed, the alarm will activate by the sound of a window breaking. These can be more effective than a window sensor alone, which only activates the alarm if the window is actually opened.
