“Home surveillance systems have become the fastest growing trend in home security.” So says part of an article on Home Burglaries entitled “Burglaries And Theft Behind Boom In Home Surveillance.”
The article makes the point that many people wait until after they’ve been burglarized to get a surveillance system. Isn’t that like closing the barn door after the horse got away?
Home burglary is one of the easiest crimes to commit because homeowners are careless and often leave windows and doors unlocked which makes for idiot-proof access. For burglars, as a bonus, there is very little chance of getting caught. Historically, law enforcement closes less than 15% of all home burglary cases.
One reason this crime is so attractive to criminals is because the average value of goods taken in a home burglary is $2,000 or more. Those goods are almost always easy to pawn resulting in quick cash for the bad guys. Examples are jewelry, and handguns, small collectibles collections such as stamps or coins and of course cash.
Doesn’t it make more sense to develop a home security strategy to prevent burglary in the first place? We thought you might agree with that. So here are some ideas that you may want to try before you go out and spend a bundle of money on a surveillance system.
Take a look at your home from street level as a burglar would and see if there any glaring deficiencies in the home’s security. Or in the alternative see what would attract a burglar to your home in the first place.
For example, are there hiding places around lower-level doors and windows, so a burglar could conceal himself from prying eyes of neighbors? Are there any signs warning of a vicious guard dog or a security system in place? Can you see any open doors or windows? “Over 60% of all home burglaries happen through unlocked doors and windows.”
Many police departments offer a free home security survey, if you ask and if they have the time and the personnel available to do it. If you can get your local police department to do this survey for you on your home, we can assure you that they will find pitfalls that you never thought of.
Is there any sign that there’s a National Neighborhood Watch program in place? The National Neighborhood Watch program has been proven to be one of the most effective deterrents against home burglary for over 30 years.
All of those things can be done for free, all it requires is little bit of effort on your part and you will have taken a giant leap towards improving your home security.
If you insist on spending some money, and you should because you’re trying to protect a huge investment-close to $250,000 worth-from being burglarized. Consider getting some alarms for all your doors and windows. They not only can frighten a burglar away with a loud 120 dB alarm but that noise can actually alert neighbors to trouble going on in your house when you’re not there.
Then get some fake security cameras. Burglars can’t tell the difference between the real thing and A Cheap Dummy Security Camera but you will know because they’re one fifth of the cost of the real thing.
If you follow these tips and do the free things first, followed up by a minimum investment in window and door alarms and fake security cameras you will have come a long ways towards fortifying your house to protect it from home burglary.
Has your home or apartment ever been burglarized? What steps you take to prevent burglary? Feedback on these posts is appreciated. Please share your experience. We want to hear your thoughts.