10 Ways To Prevent Home Break-In

So how can you prevent, or at least minimize the chances of falling victim to a home invasion event? Don’t be paranoid just be prepared. At times, however, the best preparation still isn’t enough to prevent a home break-in from occurring. You open the door and you’re overpowered, or there’s a violent crash from a window and suddenly you’re at the mercy of armed thugs. So how do you handle a situation where you’re virtually a prisoner in your own residence?

Lock Doors and Windows

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Elementary as this might seem, a lot of residents don’t think to do this. There are numerous criminals who, instead of casing a house, just go door-to-door, checking the locks. This is one line of defense that anyone can do. And if you have glass by your door, use a double deadbolt, so that the thief cannot break the glass and unbolt the lock.

Close Your Garage Door

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Leaving it open, even during the day, puts the contents, even your car, on full display. It can also provide a convenient place for a burglar or robber to hide and lie in wait.

Destroy Product Boxes

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Leaving a discarded box at the end of your driveway gives a would-be thief the opportunity to see firsthand that you’ve just bought something, whether a TV, a computer, a microwave, etc. Don’t give them a reason to break in.

Light Your Home Well

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A home that is well-lighted can serve as a solid deterrent since criminals of this type like to operate in the dark. This is especially vital for the entrance points. Good, strong floodlights work best.

Keep a Large Dog as a Pet

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Nobody likes to come face to face with a large barking or growling dog. The idea can be terrifying to many otherwise “tough guys.” It doesn’t have to be a professionally trained guard dog, just one that’s imposing enough to get their attention.

Install an Alarm System

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Alarms provide an excellent warning system, particularly at night when you are asleep. Most emit a piercing sound that gives a clear indication of something being wrong. This is usually enough to chase away an intruder who is looking for easy prey. These systems are hooked up to the alarm monitoring company who typically alerts the police within seconds of an incident.

Cut Tall Shrubs That Can Conceal Robbers

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This is especially true for those located near windows that are vulnerable to break-in. On the other hand, you could plant thorny bushes to keep burglars away as well.

Remove Hidden Keys from Your Outside Premises

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Criminals are wily; they’ve seen it all. One of the first things they look for is a hidden key under the mat, in a flower pot, buried in the garden or camouflaged in the leaves. If you have to have a spare key, keep it with a trusted neighbor.

Form Neighborhood Watch Groups

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There is strength in numbers. Even if you don’t have the time or the enthusiasm to create a formal group, enlist your closest neighbors to be part of a mutual “watch” team, so that everyone is looking out for each other. Get to know the neighbors around you so that you recognize whom you can really trust.

Know Your Vulnerabilities

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It doesn’t hurt to put yourself in the mind of a criminal for a moment. Ask yourself how you would invade your home and then take the proper steps to fix the problem. Remember, bad guys may not be nice, but they’re also not stupid. Never underestimate their ability to find a way into your home. If you do, your family could be at risk.