Times are hard, leading people to take desperate measures to make ends meet. However, the means do not justify the end so there is no excuse for resorting to victimizing honest citizens with burglary. That doesn't stop the thieves though, who are looking for a fast way to make money; therefore, it is up to us to make a stand and not be a target of these crimes.
Favorite targets of robbers are homes where they can loot homeowners of thousands worth of belongings. To avoid becoming a victim in your own home, follow these tips:
€ When planning to be away for a long period of time, leave some lights on especially when heading out at night. If you intend to be away for more than a few hours or more than a day, connect your lights or even your TV to timers that you can program to turn off and on during certain periods of the day.
€ Lock all your windows, and doors when leaving the house or going to bed. Check your locks if they are in good condition or vulnerable. Take note that sliding doors and push-button locks are easy to break-in. Call your local locksmith for more secure alternatives or opt to have alarm systems and other security devices installed as a backup.
€ Never leave your grass overgrown, shrubs untrimmed or lawn full of debris. A yard that looks unattended may signal robbers that homeowners are unable to tend to their surroundings because they are away or constantly out of the house. Untrimmed shrubs can make excellent hideouts while tree branches leaning in too close to your home can be used by intruders to enter through a window or a balcony. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed and garden or yard to be attended while you are away.
€ Don't allow newspapers, subscriptions or mail to pile up in your doorstep while you are away. Arrange for the postman or delivery guy to hold your mail or to drop it off at an alternate address. You can also ask a neighbor or a friend to pick them up and keep them while you are away. Additionally, never put up signs or notes saying you are on vacation or have gone shopping. Instead inform a trusted neighbor or call whoever you may be expecting to drop by that you won't be home.
These are just a few tips that you can apply to protect yourself. Homeowners only have to be smart about their decisions and on the safe side when it comes to deterring burglars. Always be a step ahead and think like a thief and you'll never have to worry about any intruders.
Favorite targets of robbers are homes where they can loot homeowners of thousands worth of belongings. To avoid becoming a victim in your own home, follow these tips:
€ When planning to be away for a long period of time, leave some lights on especially when heading out at night. If you intend to be away for more than a few hours or more than a day, connect your lights or even your TV to timers that you can program to turn off and on during certain periods of the day.
€ Lock all your windows, and doors when leaving the house or going to bed. Check your locks if they are in good condition or vulnerable. Take note that sliding doors and push-button locks are easy to break-in. Call your local locksmith for more secure alternatives or opt to have alarm systems and other security devices installed as a backup.
€ Never leave your grass overgrown, shrubs untrimmed or lawn full of debris. A yard that looks unattended may signal robbers that homeowners are unable to tend to their surroundings because they are away or constantly out of the house. Untrimmed shrubs can make excellent hideouts while tree branches leaning in too close to your home can be used by intruders to enter through a window or a balcony. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed and garden or yard to be attended while you are away.
€ Don't allow newspapers, subscriptions or mail to pile up in your doorstep while you are away. Arrange for the postman or delivery guy to hold your mail or to drop it off at an alternate address. You can also ask a neighbor or a friend to pick them up and keep them while you are away. Additionally, never put up signs or notes saying you are on vacation or have gone shopping. Instead inform a trusted neighbor or call whoever you may be expecting to drop by that you won't be home.
These are just a few tips that you can apply to protect yourself. Homeowners only have to be smart about their decisions and on the safe side when it comes to deterring burglars. Always be a step ahead and think like a thief and you'll never have to worry about any intruders.