The best way to stop burglars from targeting your home is to make sure it is not an attractive target.
Don’t give potential burglars the perception that you have valuables in your home (e.g. leaving boxes for new electronics outside).
You should also have security measures that make burglars think twice about breaking into your home.
Burglars are, understandably, in a hurry to get their illegal business over with while attracting as little attention as possible. That’s why dogs, cameras and dead bolts work really well to prevent burglary.
Here are some more tips on how to stop burglars from targeting your home.
Do not advertise your valuables
When burglars break into a home, they are often sure they are going to find something of value.
This can be simply because of the kind of neighbourhood or house they are targeting. But it could also be because you told them you have valuables inside your house.
Something as simple as leaving the box to your new TV or computer outside tells burglars there is something of value to steal.
Also don’t leave your blinds open when you are no home.
Get a dog
Most burglars will not target a home with a dog. The barking will attract too much attention.
Get a large dog that won’t only bark but also attack a potential burglar. Rottweilers and German Shepherds are excellent guard dog breeds.
Install security cameras
Security cameras are some of the most effective deterrents. Most burglars won’t target house with a visible CCTV camera.
But this could go two ways.
Some burglars see a camera as a sign that there are valuables in the house. They will find a way to avoid exposing their face.
So don’t use a camera on its own. Make sure you have secured the doors and windows properly and if possible, get a dog as well.
It’s also a good idea to have multiple cameras covering different areas and entrances, including the inside of the house. This leaves no blind spots for a burglar to exploit.
Don’t make it obvious you are on vacation
Burglary goes up during the holiday season as criminals target empty homes.
If you are going on vacation, don’t let the burglars know. Closed blinds, no lights and no sound are obvious signs that there is no one home.
Leave some lights and the radio or TV on. But an observant burglar might catch on to your ruse after sometime when the lights and TV stay on all the time.
This is where smart lights and a smart TV or music system are handy. You can control them remotely from your phone, turning them off and on to make it seem like there is someone at home.
Secure your windows and door
Installing a dead bolt and a security bar on the door will prevent forced entry. Most burglars will also avoid homes with barred windows.
Look for weak points
Assess your home’s security from the viewpoint of a burglar. You can even stand on the street and try to see your home as they would.
Look for any weak spots such as a low window, a door hidden by a bush or an unsecure outdoor shed.
One weak spot that most people don’t think about is the garage door. Even if you have a heavy-duty garage door, there are many techniques burglars can use to open it.
A common one is to use a coat hanger to release the emergency level on the inside. They can also spoof your remote control signal and use it to open the door when you drive away.
A garage door lock is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent forced entry. Most locks are drilled into the concrete in the ground.
Final thoughts
It is impossible to completely prevent burglary. But basic security measures like the ones we’ve mentioned above are enough to deter and stop 99% of potential burglars.
