Burglars don’t usually pick their homes totally at random. The risk of being caught is simply too great to go into a home with a robust alarm system and an attack dog. Robbers look for vulnerable properties. Protecting your home from thieves means getting into the mind of a burglar so you know what to avoid. Here are eight things that a burglar will look for in an easier target:

1. Easy Entry

Struggling with difficult locks and evading motion sensor alarms is simply more work than walking through an unlocked back door. Install a DIY security system, or at least throw a burglar off the scent with fake home security signs. Making your home look harder to get into could send a thief in the opposite direction. 

2. A Hidden Entry Point

A window conveniently shrouded by trees and bushes gives a burglar time to gain entry without being seen by neighbors. Cut back the shrubs and dead tree branches near your property all year round. Motion activated flood lights also make it harder for robbers to work in secret. 

3. Visible Valuables

Burglars are more likely to be attracted to a property where they know they can get some expensive loot. Avoid leaving the empty box for your new flat screen TV out by the trash for several days, and close the blinds when you’re at work. 

4. Signs of an Empty Home

One of the best home security tips is to make it appear that people are at home as often as possible. If you go away on vacation, have a neighbor collect your newspaper and have the post office hold your mail. Overgrown grass and a dark house after sunset are other ways you can inadvertently signal to a burglar that the home is empty for the taking.

5. Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners on lower floors also leave an unintentional opening for a burglar. If you must use AC on a ground floor window, reinforce your home with motion activated audible alarms and other preventative measures. 

6. Avoid Pet Doors 

Pet doors are convenient for your pooch, but a burglar can send a child inside to unlock your doors or even climb in themselves. Consider using a trusted dog walker instead, or use a doggie door only activated by a magnet in your pet’s collar. 

7. A Hidden Spare Key

Robbers are onto the whole key under a fake rock routine. Spare keys should be well hidden in locked boxes or given to a trusted neighbor instead of kept under a mat or in an obvious place. A burglar loves nothing more than a key to get in the front door without any hassle. 

8. Easy to Access Backyard

An unfettered backyard could also attract a thief. Even if you don’t use a fence to keep your yard contained, there are other ways to make your yard less attractive. Set up floodlights and motion activated cameras. If you choose a model with a microphone, you can talk to burglars remotely from anywhere and tell them to get lost. 

You may not be able to keep all burglars from trying to break into your home, but these

simple home security safety tips give you a good shot. The bottom line is that if you make a thief question whether they’ll be caught red-handed, you increase the likelihood they will move on. Check out our outdoor security cameras for sale and motion-activated lights to get started. If you still have questions, call The Home Security Superstore today.