Practical ways to Burglar Proof your home
Statistics dealing with crime are frightening, but, there are some easy steps you can take to ensure you don't become a part of them. Consult this list of practical ways to burglar proof your home, and take the appropriate measures to protect your home and family from crime.
- Remove your name from the mailbox. Protect your identity from those who might seek to do you harm. Keeping your name private will prevent would-be thieves from using 411 or other services to obtain your phone number. This is important because many times phone calls will be placed to help determine your routines, and when or if you might be away.
- Be aware of what you throw away. Around the holidays, or anytime you've made a large purchase such as a new television or other expensive electronics, it's important not to simply place the empty boxes at the curb to be picked up. Whenever possible, break down boxes and actually place them inside your outdoor trash receptacle so they won't be a visible enticement to burglars.
- Silence your telephone. Many times burglars will haunt neighborhoods and listen for ringing phones left unattended as a means of determining absent homeowners. If you're planning on being away from home for a length of time, take care to unplug, or reduce the volume of the ringer, on your telephones.
- Keep bushes and trees trimmed. Decorative hedges and trees around the home are lovely, and a must for many homeowners. However, if they're not kept trimmed and neat, they can provide the perfect place for burglars to hide, and possibly duck into your home as you're leaving to walk the dog, or go for a run.
- Install a burglar alarm. Burglar alarms are one of the best ways to protect your home and family, and they aren't necessarily expensive. Research options with a reputable company to determine the right system for your personal needs and budget.
- Always lock-up. It should go without saying that all doors and windows need to be locked when you're leaving your home, but, also make sure to keep them locked when you're at home. Another hint - it's best to never open ground floor windows, as thieves look for homes that display obvious weaknesses. If they never see an open window it creates an impression of your being impenetrable, and they stand no chance of gaining entry.
- Don't leave your plans on voicemail. It might seem like a quick and simple way of letting loved ones know when you're going to be away from home, but, you're also informing those who might be interested in burglary that the house will be empty.
- Put your mail and newspaper deliveries on hold. If you're going to be away for more than just a couple of days, it's wise to pause these services so that they don't pile up and alert criminals that your home is empty, and therefore an easy target.