It is just a fact that one out of every six homes will be burglarized on average every year. There is some anecdotal evidence that with the deteriorating economy home burglars are busier than ever. It is one crime that seems to be rising when so many other areas of crime are on the decline.
There are a couple of reasons for that. Homeowners make it very easy to get into their home. Police tell us that 90% of all home burglaries can be prevented and that over 70% of home burglars enter through an unlocked door or window. The other factors are that penalties for home burglary are laughable. And that is assuming do you get caught, which is highly unlikely.
So for people who are in the home burglary business, a.k.a. "petty thieves" it is a low risk crime with a high payoff. The average value of goods taken from a home a few years ago was $1800. The average damage done to the home by a burglar is slightly north of that at $1900.
A testament to how big the home security industry has become is it is a $60 billion a year business for home security. Monitored alarm systems, video cameras, electrified fences and other preventive ideas all work but they all cost a lot of money.
Here are some things you can do that are free or at very low-cost.
1. Start by keeping your windows and doors locked even when you're at home.
2. Remove excess shrubs that may provide hiding spaces along lower level windows and doors.
3. Start or join a neighborhood watch program. It has been proven to be extremely effective. The idea is your neighbors watch out for you and you watch out for your neighbors. You can get one going by talking to your local sheriff's Department.
And if you think burglars just pick a house at random think again. Start with the premise that they don't want to get caught. So they do what they call 'casing a neighborhood.' That involves simple observations by the bad guys. If you follow the three tips above you will more than likely stay off their hit list.
1. If you happen to go on vacation do the obvious things.
2. Stop delivery of your newspaper so they don't accumulate on your front yard
3. Stop delivery of your mail so it doesn't accumulate in your mailbox.
4. Have someone mow your lawn.
5. And don't telegraph your absence by social media. Crooks may not be the sharpest knives in the drawer but they know how to read.
6. And if you're gone, consider leaving the radio on or better yet a TV that will cast shadows at night.
Burglars do not like noise or light. So, consider installing some very loud Home Security Devices. You can get several of them in the $10-$15.00 range.ADT offers 24-hour monitoring by trained professionals and easy-to-use security systems.Fast alarm response is provided by ADT as well as great local service.Low monthly monitoring fees will give you the peace and comfort that you deserve.
Do the free things first then get some low cost door and window alarms to improve your home security.
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