Uninviting Burglars - Making Your Home Less Attractive to Burglars Part 2
“Uninviting Burglars” Part 2
Burglars, thieves, and muggers are opportunists. They’re always watching for little details that will lead them to an easy victim. Part 1 discussed physical improvements you could make to create a less attractive target for burglars. Part 2 deals with things you should be aware of to keep your home and family less vulnerable to criminals.
Your home should appear occupied at all times. When you are leaving the house, make sure all your windows and doors are secure. Keep a light or two turned on or a radio on or put them on a timer. Turn your answering machine volume down. Never leave a note for delivery persons on your door. If you have an alarm system, remember to turn it on! If you have a babysitter, make sure they know how to arm/disarm the alarm system. At night, close your curtains or pull your shades. Never leave a key outside under a welcome mat, above a doorway, etc. Those are the first places burglars will look. When you arrive back home, if you suspect someone is inside your garage or house, don’t go in! Get away quickly and go to a neighbor’s house and call the police.
When you are on vacation, make your house look lived in. Ask a neighbor or friend to pick up your papers, mail, and flyers. Have someone take care of your lawn and/or snow shoveling. Leave a key with a friend or neighbor so they can occasionally change drapery positions. Have someone park their car in your driveway. Put two or more light timers in separate rooms set at different times (this indicates movement).
When someone comes to your door, use your peep hole/viewer. Never rely on a chain lock. Have the deadbolt lock engaged until you can verify the identity of the person on the other side of the door. Utility employees carry ID cards. Don’t hesitate to call the company to verify information. NEVER - UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES let someone in to “just use the phone“. Offer to make the call for them. Make sure your children and babysitters understand they should never let anyone in the house without your permission. Have them call you if there is any question. Should someone come to your door late at night, answer the door. No need to let someone inside, but you’re showing a potential thief someone is home. Don’t hesitate to mention that you are not alone and “a friend or relative is sleeping in the other room”.
Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are supposed to be happy times, but they can also cause unintended problems. If you leave the empty TV, VCR, computer, or other boxes or packaging from expensive gifts on the curb, you are displaying some of a burglar’s favorite items. If they won’t fit in the recycling container, consider taking large boxes to a recycler yourself.
You should have telephones in more than one room. When you set up your answering machine or voicemail, never leave a message saying “We’re not home“. Instead, just say “We’re busy” or “We’re unavailable”. Use “we” instead of “I”. Don’t give your full or last name in the message. Either give your number (“This is 555-1212”) or give only your first names (“This is John & Jane“). Single women may wish to have a male friend leave the message (men’s voices still have an effect). You can also use the machine’s pre-recorded message. Make sure children and babysitters never tell a caller they are alone. Have them say “My parents can’t come to the phone right now”. Never volunteer any information to unknown callers. Never give your name, address, or any bank or credit card numbers to someone calling you unless you know them personally. If your unsure, Just don‘t!
About the Author
Jim began selling home security devices over 30 years ago. He currently manages www.whfsecurity.com, a website devoted to home security.
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