Avoid homeowner’s insurance claims for theft by improving your home’s security.

Tip #1

This tip is the most important, the cheapest and least time consuming of them all. Realize that there is no such thing as a burglar-proof home. Secondly, realize that the biggest enemies of burglars (after police)  are time and attention. A burglar wants to get in and out of your home quickly without attracting any attention.

The longer they are there and the more noise they make increase the likelihood of them being seen and caught or reported.

Now, how do you use this information to improve your home’s security?

Start out by pretending you are a burglar and take a walk around your property. What would be the easiest entry to your house? If you look in the windows, are a lot of your valuables visible? Are purses, wallets, expensive electronics or artwork visible? Is it easy to open a door or window?  Do bushes or obstructions give hiding places and screen entry points from neighbors?

If it is easy for you to see valuables and remain hidden from view, it is also easy for burglars. Many thieves walk or drive through neighborhoods and look for open doors and windows. They casually stroll up to the entry and turn the doorknob and walk in.

Start your home security upgrade by focusing on the obvious and easy. Minor changes make a big difference and make your home a more difficulty “mark.”

Tip #2

This may seem obvious but it generally ranks amongst the most common mistake leading to burglaries and auto thefts. Lock up your home, even if you are home or will only be gone a a few moments.

Burglars and thieves look for easy marks. Very few burglars are the professional burglars immortalized in movies and TV shows. Most are petty thieves and drug addicts looking for some quick cash or valuables they can quickly sell.

If they turn the knob or push on the window and it opens, they are in. If entry is a struggle, there is a greater likelihood they will move along to an easier target.

Regarding locks, you will want to take a look at yours. It is helpful to have more than one lock per door or window. A normal door should have the handle lock and deadbolt (if you are in an apartment you will want to check with the landlord to see what types they permit and what fire and safety codes allow). Window stops should be added to your first floor and basement windows. In a future article, we’ll cover locks in more depth.

The key point to remember is that no home is burglar-proof. Many of the most secure buildings in the world are robbed. While you can’t totally prevent a burglary, you can make it less likely.