Let’s face it—none of us wants to come home to a jimmied window or a busted door. Thankfully, you can avoid that! Here’s a look at a few of the biggest mistakes that people make in their homes and why they make things easy for burglars. Learn from these mistakes.
Featured Image Credit: MalkovKosta /Depositphotos.com.
Unlocked Windows and Doors
Yes, it sounds like a no-brainer but an unlocked window or door is a welcome sign for a burglar. It’s worth checking every night to make sure everything is locked up tight, especially since these guys don’t want to smash any windows. They prefer a silent & easy entry—so why give it to them?
Poor Outdoor Lighting
A dark property is like rolling down the red carpet for thieves because shadows are how they do their job. Light up your yard! Motion-sensor lights will make anyone lurking around think twice and they’ll also help you walk to the door without tripping over. Just get them installed and you can rest easily.
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Overflowing Mailbox
While you might think that a mailbox stuffed to the brim is just messy, it’s also a dead giveaway that you’re not around. It tells any would-be robbers that you’re on vacation and is practically an invitation for them to walk in. You’re better off asking a neighbor to grab your mail if you’re away or put it on hold at the post office. Do you really want to be robbed simply because you forget your mail?
Frequent Absences
Speaking of absence, if you travel a lot for work then your house is more tempting to burglars. Fake them out with timers on your lights or TV and have someone check on your place. You should also arrange for lawn care and someone to remove the snow when you’re not there. Don’t forget to get your neighbors involved—ask them to park in your driveway now and again.
No Security System
Not having some kind of security system today is just as bad as leaving your front door open because even a simple camera can make a burglar think twice. They prefer houses where they won’t be recorded. If you’ve got a system, flaunt it with stickers & signs to scare off thieves. They’ll be too frightened to even touch your doorknob!
High Privacy Fences
Even though high fences keep nosy neighbors out, they also keep their helpful eyes out, and thieves love the privacy. After all, they can take their sweet time breaking in without anyone noticing. You might want to mix it up with some lower, see-through sections. Better yet, keep your gates locked and add some lighting around the fence.
Valuables in View
There’s really no reason good enough to leave your fancy gadgets or pricey bling in clear view of windows. As such, close your curtains to stop your living room window from being a thief’s catalog. You should get some blinds that make it difficult to look inside after dark, then put your most valuable items in less obvious places. Perhaps try getting a safe that’s bolted down.
Isolated Location
If you’re living off the beaten path, your privacy & great views might come with the downside of less surveillance. A security system is an absolute must and a dog is also a good idea—each one will give you some extra noise & protection. Also, make sure you stay in your closest neighbors’ good books so they’ll keep an eye on things. Having guests over to make the place look lively doesn’t hurt, either.
Untrimmed Shrubs and Overgrown Trees
Thick bushes and tall trees are also potential hideouts for thieves, which is why you should keep them trimmed. It’s a lot harder for someone to sneak around unseen that way! If that isn’t enough, regular pruning will also improve your plants’ health and make your yard less appealing. You want to replace some of the thicker foliage with lower ground cover plants.
Lack of Neighborhood Watch
Never underestimate the power of a neighborhood watch. These groups are great for keeping an eye out and reporting anything odd while also meeting the neighbors. If your area doesn’t have one, why not start one? You’ll also create a sense of community with all those regular meetings, which makes it harder for thieves to go unnoticed.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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