Burglar Proof Your Home

Easy Ways to Burglar Proof Your Home
Theft makes up more than three-quarters of all reported crime. According to U.S. Department of Justice, an American home is burglarized every 8 seconds. In the next two decades, it is estimated that three out of four American homes will be burglarized.
Burglars enter homes through the following locations:
81 percent enter through the first floor
34 percent of burglars enter through the front door
23 percent enter through a first-floor window
22 percent enter through the back door
9 percent enter through the garage
4 percent enter through the basement
4 percent enter through an unlocked entrance
2 percent enter through a storage area
· 2 percent enter anywhere on the second floor
Doors should be made of steel or solid-core wood construction. Hollow-core wood doors are more easily broken than heavy, solid-core doors.
Doors should be protected by quality deadbolt locks. Chain locks are not adequate substitutes for deadbolt locks, although chain locks may be used as additional protection.
If a door is equipped with glass panes, they should be installed far from the lock. Otherwise, burglars can smash the glass and reach through the door to unlock the door.
A peephole can be installed in doors so homeowners can see who is on their doorstep before they open the door.
Pet doors can be used by burglars to enter homes. Some burglars have reached through pet doors in order to unlock the door. It is advisable to not have a pet door, but if one is necessary, it should be as small as possible and installed far from the lock. Electronic pet doors are available that open only when the pet, equipped with a signaling device in their collar, approaches the door. These doors are designed to keep stray animals out of the home, and may provide protection against burglars, as well.

All windows should be composed of strong glass, such as laminated glass, and be in good operating order.
Sliding glass doors should be equipped with locks on their tops and bottoms. All windows should lock.
A cut-off broom handle, or a similar device, can be laid into the door track to prevent it from being opened.
Windows and doors should not be able to be lifted from their frames.
Lights should be installed on the exterior of all four sides of the house. Burglars prefer darkness so they cannot be seen by neighbors or passersby.
When building occupants are not home, a few lights should be left on.
It is helpful to install exterior lights that are activated by motion sensors. Burglars that are suddenly illuminated may flee.
· Suggest that someone is home by using electric timers to turn on the radio and house lights at certain hours. Vary the lights that you turn on.
· The lawn should be cut regularly. Uncut grass is a clue that no one is home.
When on vacation, tell a trusted friend where you'll be and how to reach you in an emergency. Ask them to pick up your mail and newspapers, hand bills, litter, packages, or anything else that would signal a burglar that you're not home.
Dogs are excellent burglar deterrents. If you cannot own dogs, place "beware of dog" signs around the yard for nearly the same effect.

Your garden can also be an attractive opportunity for thieves, and is often easier for them to access. Make sure you lock up valuables in a good quality shed - don't forget your garden tools and ladders as these can also be used to break in to homes.
Never leave your garage door opener in an unlocked car. To do so could give thieves access to your garage. If you have an attached garage, you could also be giving thieves access to your home.

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0 down programs
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