Moving into a home for the first time? Take a look at our home security basics below -- Home Security 101 for first-time home owners!
Burglars are criminals of opportunity, with so many targets to choose from, they will almost always select the path of least resistance, which for them, is houses that are easy to get in and out of undetected. They will usually choose a neighborhood, then narrow their options to a couple of streets in that neighborhood, and finally, to a smaller number of homes to target. Follow a few easy steps to make sure that your house isn't going to be one that they select as an easy target.
Assume that you're a burglar taking a look at your own home. From the street, are there any ways to get into and out of your home that are hidden from view? If so, make sure that any shrubs or bushes are well-trimmed, allowing a line of sight from the street to all entrances, and that all are well-lit at night.
Next, consider whether or not it appears than anyone is home? Burglars prefer empty houses, and signs of empty houses include mail spilling out of a mailbox, a pile of newspapers on the front porch, lights that are always off, and a lawn that appears unkempt. Simply making sure that the mail is taken in, lawn is kept in good condition, and lights are on from time to time will send the message that people are home. If you're away for an extended period of time, hire a trusted neighborhood kid to mow the lawn and collect your mail.
Does your new home display evidence of an alarm system? This is one of the most effective ways to deter thieves from trying to break into your home. Home security systems mean that break-ins will result in a lot of noise, and the quick arrival of police, which burglars are not interested in. Most home security companies like ADT will provide clients with clear signage for yards and window stickers for houses, indicating that the property is monitored.
Make sure that your home does not exhibit signs of neglect or disrepair. Broken windows, dilapidated door frames, and antiquated locks not only advertise easy ways into your home; they are signs that you're not paying attention to home security. Someone who hasn't bothered to fix a broken window is unlikely to have adequate home security measures in other parts of a home, like a home alarm system, guard dog, or secure doors. Make sure your doors and door frames are sturdy, with hinge pins on the inside of the doors, and windows are of good quality and properly secured. Pay special attention to basement doors and windows, and do not leave second floor windows open (burglars have ladders too!).
Lastly, keep in mind what sort of valuables are on display at your home. You do not want to tempt burglars into trying to break in, so excessively expensive electronic equipment, jewelry, or other valuables should be out of sight from the street. A 72-inch flat screen television in a window is a sign to thieves that there is a bounty to be had. Curtains and blinds should allow you to restrict visual access to the house, and the use of common sense when deciding what is visible from the street can help you avoid enticing thieves into testing your home security.
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