Protect your home from burglars

[Hum]

#1 - Secured Doors and Windows

In approximately one-third of home burglaries the burglar comes in through an unlocked door or window, according to the "Burglary of Single Family Houses"guide, published by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).

"The first line of defense in your home's security is having solid core exterior doors with high quality grade 1 or 2 deadbolt locks," Miller states. "French doors can be secured with a quality deadbolt lock and a slide bolt penetrating the upper or lower doorframe."

Miller notes that sliding glass doors are especially vulnerable if they do not have proper locks, so check with the manufacturer for the right ones.

"A snug-fitting dowel (a piece of cylindrical wood - similar to a broom handle) in the lower track of the door will also prevent it from being opened." Miller also recommends installing eyebolts in the frames of sliding windows to allow for ventilation without leaving enough room for an intruder.

#2 - A Loud Dog

Dogs are not only "man's best friend." They can also be a burglar's worst enemy.

In fact, COPS reports that most burglars avoid houses with dogs. "Burglars don't want to be seen or caught; they also want to avoid pain," agrees Miller, who adds that dogs that bark - even small, noisy dogs - can be an effective deterrent.

And while you might feel safer with a large dog that could do bodily harm, like a German Shepherd, Miller says the most important aspect is having a dog that sounds an alarm with its bark.

#3 - A Home Security System

If you want something that not only makes noise when there's an intruder, but also calls for help, consider installing a home security system. Home security systems detect when someone enters your house uninvited, sets off an alarm, and also notifies authorities of an invasion.

"If you have valuables that need protection, rampant burglaries in your area, and are away from home for long stretches, a home security system could be a good option for you," says Miller.

She recommends doing some online research and checking with local alarm system companies to find the best system for your needs.

#4 - Motion Sensor Lights

Installing sensor lights (which turn on when they detect motion) is a great way to illuminate portions of your property only when needed - like when someone enters the area.

Sensor lights will come on as soon as someone enters under cover of darkness - as a burglar would.

"Outside lighting is one of the cheapest and most effective deterrents to crime," states Miller, who adds that "motion sensor lights give you the ease of having lights come on automatically."

#5 - Surveillance Cameras

A video surveillance system can be a bit costly, but it could help you sleep better at night.

"Installing a video security system can give you peace of mind and act as a deterrent to burglars, especially when you're on vacation," Millers states.

However, if you don't want to go the full route of installing a system, think about putting up a "dummy" camera or two to give the illusion of protection. And while Miller agrees installing a "dummy" camera could intimidate a burglar, she says the downside is it can't provide evidence if a burglary occurs.

#6 - Protection Warning Signs

Got a dog or a home security system? Share that information with signage on your fence, door, or window. Much like putting up security cameras, letting a burglar know you are well protected makes you less of a target.

"It's important to look at your home from a burglar's point of view," shares Miller. "Burglars who think they might be seen or caught will think twice before targeting your house."

Miller cautions that while having this kind of signage can be to your advantage, it could also make burglars wonder what you have that's worth protecting.

#7 - A Trimmed and Tidy Yard

Untrimmed trees and shrubs provide good hiding places for burglars and can obscure their entry into your home.

To get a better sense of what she means, Miller suggests the following: "Stand out on your front sidewalk and take an objective look at your house. Do you have trees or shrubs providing hiding places for someone?" If so, Miller recommends trimming tree branches up to six feet from the ground and shrubs down to below window sills.

A shaggy lawn - especially one that's usually trimmed - can also indicate to a burglar that you're likely on vacation, or simply away on business for a prolonged period of time. Consider hiring someone to mow your lawn if you're going to be out of town for more than a week.

#8 - The Appearance that Someone is Home

Burglars know your routine, and when there's a break in that routine - like when you're on vacation - it's a signal that your home is clear for a break-in.

With that in mind, Miller says that "the goal when you're gone is for your home to appear lived in."

To accomplish this, Miller suggests using motion-sensor lights and timers on your radio and TV to simulate occupancy and create the illusion that you're home.

Corvallis, Oregon home insurance professional, Bonnie Lundy, agrees: "Anything you can do to make your home look occupied while you're away is a good thing - and timed electronics are great for that."

She does caution, however, that burglars are aware people use timers, and recommends some variation in the pattern.

#9 - Helpful Neighbors

We just talked about making your home look lived in while you're away. And while simulating occupancy can get tricky, the good news is you can enlist help. The best recruits? Your neighbors.

Whenever you're away, Lundy highly recommends asking your neighbors to get your mail and newspapers, and check for any deliveries. Miller also recommends asking them to put garbage bags in your garbage can.

And that's not all. You should also "ask a trusted neighbor to park their vehicle in your driveway occasionally while you're out of town," suggests Miller.

Any sign of activity at your home is enough to deter most burglars - who count on an empty house.

more

[+Xinok Subscriber²]

Nothing is a greater deterrent for burgulars than a couple of large dogs. Then if you go away for an extended period of time, i.e. vacation, invite of a couple of friends or relatives to stay in your place while you're gone. They can care for your dogs while you're gone and you can pay them as an incentive.

Now if you're dead serious: http://www.wimp.com/caucasiandog/ :p

[Rohdekill]

#1 won't prevent anything, just create more damage. If they want in, they are getting in.

[Growled Member]

Dogs are not only "man's best friend." They can also be a burglar's worst enemy.

In fact, COPS reports that most burglars avoid houses with dogs.

Just another reason to have a dog. Having a good dog is probably your best defense.

[redvamp128]

I actually used to nail in carpet

In the window ledges - I lived up high so no one could just look in -- they go to lift themselves up and boom-- by by hand-- also nailed on trialing edge a razor blade. near the lock..(since I never opened my windows)

[Sandor]

I prefer to live in a low crime area. The sort of area where I could leave my door open for the whole weekend, go away on a trip, and come back to find everything as it should be.

Winning, Ontario Style.

[Hum]

^ Unless Bigfoot pays a visit. :shifty:

[techbeck]

I always leave a light one if I am going to be away for a day or more.

[compl3x]

#1 won't prevent anything, just create more damage. If they want in, they are getting in.

Disagree. Burglars don't want to create lots of noise and draw a lot of attention to themselves. Plus, they want to be in and out quickly, they aren't going to go ten minutes with securely locked doors and windows.

I always leave a light one if I am going to be away for a day or more.

Apparently, burglars are pretty much onto that old trick.

[astropheed Veteran]

Funny at first I read "Burgers", I was like why would I want to protect my house from Burgers? Are people throwing Burgers at houses?

[.Blaze]

Funny at first I read "Burgers", I was like why would I want to protect my house from Burgers? Are people throwing Burgers at houses?

What about the hamburglar?

[123456789A]

#10 Gun

Having a gun is great, because if a burglar ignores suggestions #1-#9 and breaks in, you can shoot the burglar.

[exotoxic]

Disagree. Burglars don't want to create lots of noise and draw a lot of attention to themselves. Plus, they want to be in and out quickly, they aren't going to go ten minutes with securely locked doors and windows.

From my experience of an actual burglary attempt this is not true, i fell asleep one evening and it got dark and i was woken up by some really loud banging on the door, it was 2 guys bashing it down with a metal battering ram of some sort (and prizing it with a screw driver). They were at it for at least 5mins before i scared them off, in that time they managed to break 1 of the 3 locks. I don't live in some isolated place either, i have more neighbors than most. Had i not been home they would have been in and away with a bunch of expensive stuff.

[Hum]

^ That's why you need a double set of doors. ;)

[Growled Member]

From my experience of an actual burglary attempt this is not true, i fell asleep one evening and it got dark and i was woken up by some really loud banging on the door, it was 2 guys bashing it down with a metal battering ram of some sort (and prizing it with a screw driver). They were at it for at least 5mins before i scared them off, in that time they managed to break 1 of the 3 locks. I don't live in some isolated place either, i have more neighbors than most. Had i not been home they would have been in and away with a bunch of expensive stuff.

I don't think robbers are like we think they are. A lot of them aren't worried about making noise and whatever. Some of them don't even care if anyone is home or not. Burglaries have changed as the times have changed and thieves are a lot bolder today.

Glad you are okay.

[Hum]

^ That's why you need to be ready with a fire extinguisher -- or a loaded shotgun. :shifty:

[Growled Member]

I vote for the shotgun.

[compl3x]

From my experience of an actual burglary attempt this is not true, i fell asleep one evening and it got dark and i was woken up by some really loud banging on the door, it was 2 guys bashing it down with a metal battering ram of some sort (and prizing it with a screw driver). They were at it for at least 5mins before i scared them off, in that time they managed to break 1 of the 3 locks. I don't live in some isolated place either, i have more neighbors than most. Had i not been home they would have been in and away with a bunch of expensive stuff.

I didn't say it never happens, I said burglars don't want to. Sometimes you might get a desperate crack-head kicking away at a door or if a thief knows for certain there are expensive items inside because they've been in the house before or stupid people put empty T.V./receiver/Blu-Ray etc. boxes outside for trash collection then they might take the risk.

[BeerFan]

I have a German Shepherd with a pretty damned intimidating bark. And, motion-detecting cameras point at my front and back doors. I also have a home security system which i use fairly regularly, but i really think it's almost worth getting rid of. Real crooks aren't worried about a basic security system.... they're in and out fast.

Side note: My front door camera recently picked up a video of a woman thief taking some of my outgoing mail (with checks inside for bills). I sent the video to a local news channel and they interviewed me for a story on mail theft. Thankfully, because of the camera's motion detection and email alert features, I realized my mail had been stolen and i went to the bank and transferred all of my $$ to a new account.

Edit: I like the suggestion of the Beware of Dog signs on my exterior. So even before a potential thief tries something, they know that they might have a problem. Could be discouraging.