by Jeff Parsons

Created on: August 14, 2010   Last Updated: August 15, 2010

Most potential burglaries actually never happen. The experienced thief will scope out your neighborhood, your house’s defenses and your patterns of behavior. Most of the time, your house will be bypassed – there’s just some element of risk involved that doesn’t make it a good target. The following ideas are ways to minimize the chance of a burglary occurring in your household.

> Install a home alarm system. Preferably, one that is actively monitored by a security company. Post the company’s sign in an easy-to-see location.  If you setup your own system, use video cameras and loud alarms. Post one camera conspicuously. Hide the rest. Again, post a sign where it’s easy to see.

> Install good lighting around your house. Flood lights connected to motion sensors are a quite effective. Make sure the settings aren’t too sensitive or else you’ll set off the lights every time a bird flies by.

> All entrances into your house should have locks. Entry doors should also have deadbolts. Horizontal sliding windows or patio doors should also have a wooden dowel or metal rod that fits within the sliding track. This simple idea prevents the window or door from opening.

> Windows should have blinds to prevent anyone from looking inside your house. Also, if you have a garage, open it only when necessary. Never leave anything you value in plain sight.

> Be careful who you let into your house. Apart from friends, only let in people who have a valid need to be there, such as the cable guy, who you know is supposed to visit that day. Check their identification. Always look outside the front door before you open it. If you’ve hired someone to work on your property, like lawn care people, make sure they work for a reputable company. You can check a tradesman’s license online in most states.

> While you’re at home, try to not have a completely predictable schedule. Most houses are watched long before anything happens. They’ll know your pattern of behavior soon enough if you don’t mix it up once in awhile. Don’t hide your keys under the doormat, above the door or under a fake rock. Chances are, if you’re being watched, they’ll see what you’re doing. Within reason, always assume that you’re being watched.

> If you spot anyone in your neighborhood who looks suspicious, call the police and ask them to send a patrol car to come on out. You can also ask them to send out a routine patrol if you’re away on vacation or business.

> If you’re away for a while, use several timers to turn on lights, the television or radio, just to give the appearance that someone is home. Also, have a family member, friend or neighbors watch the house – one of the best things they can do is to remove newspapers from your driveway. Keep the lawn mowed and bushes trimmed to give the obvious impression that the house is inhabited. 

All of these tasks can help dissuade potential burglars from ransacking your house.  Sometimes, just the appearance of a well-kept house can turn them away. Back that up with real protection and you’ll definitely be safe.  

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