When it comes to keeping your home safe from crime, one of the most effective ways is to make your property less attractive to intruders. Criminals often look for easy targets, and the more you can do to deter them, the better your chances of keeping your home secure. If you believe that your property was the target of a break-and-enter or violent home invasion, it is best to tell the police the possible motive(s) and who you believe are the suspect(s). In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 ways to make your home less attractive to intruders and help you create a safer, more secure environment for you and your family.
- Install a Home Security System
- Secure Your Doors and Windows
- Use Motion-Activated Lighting
- Trim Back Overgrown Shrubs and Trees
- Use Timers for Lights and Electronics
- Secure Your Garage and Shed
- Get to Know Your Neighbors
- Avoid Advertising Vacations on Social Media
- Install a Solid Fence or Gate
- Use Neighborhood Apps and Surveillance Networks
- Conclusion
Install a Home Security System
One of the best ways to keep your home safe from crime is to install a reliable home security system. A visible security system, including signage, cameras and an alarm system, can be a significant deterrent to potential intruders. Criminals are less likely to target homes that have visible security measures in place, as the risk of getting caught increases.
Choose a system that suits your needs. Modern home security systems offer a range of options, including motion detectors, door and window sensors, and 24/7 monitoring services. Some systems also integrate with your smartphone, so you can keep an eye on your home even when you’re not there.
Why It’s Effective
The presence of security cameras or an alarm system can make intruders think twice. A high-tech security system with visible cameras and sensors can be enough to send a would-be intruder running.
Why It’s Ineffective
The presence of a security system may not deter some criminals. Firstly, intruders can use a disguise to prevent themselves from being identified on camera.
They are also aware that the police response to an alarm activation may be delayed as it will likely be determined by the nature, demand, priorities and resources available at the time of the request for service. To reduce responses to false burglar alarm events and use resources in a more effective manner, certain police agencies require that an alarm activation is verified by the respective central monitoring station prior to a police response. For example, the Toronto Police Service will only respond to burglar alarms that are verified to confirm an unwanted intrusion using one of the following methods: audio device; video device; multiple zone activations; or an eye witness (i.e. private security or person at scene). This verification process does not apply to any type of panic alarm.
Lastly, professional burglars may have devices to disable certain parts of a home security system. For instance, some burglars are using Wi-Fi signal jamming devices to temporarily disable Wi-Fi security cameras while they commit a break-and-enter.
Secure Your Doors and Windows
One of the most common entry points for burglars is through doors and windows. Make sure all exterior doors are made of solid wood or steel and are equipped with sturdy deadbolt locks. Sliding glass doors are particularly vulnerable, so ensure they have additional security measures such as a secondary lock or a metal rod that prevents them from being easily opened.
Windows should also be secured with reliable locks, and consider reinforcing vulnerable windows with security film or bars. If you have windows that are easily accessible, like on the ground floor or at the back of your house, make sure they’re securely locked when you’re not home.
Why It’s Effective
Intruders often look for easy access points, so reinforcing your doors and windows reduces the likelihood of them being able to break into your home without much effort.
Use Motion-Activated Lighting
Lighting plays a critical role in keeping your home safe from crime. Intruders prefer to operate in the dark, where they can hide their movements and avoid detection. Installing motion-activated lighting around your home’s exterior, especially near entry points like doors, windows, and dark corners, can make your home much less appealing to criminals.
These lights will automatically turn on when movement is detected, potentially startling an intruder and drawing attention to their presence. It’s also a good idea to keep your front yard and driveway well-lit to avoid creating any shadowy areas that could provide cover for burglars.
Why It’s Effective
Motion-activated lights eliminate hiding spots for intruders, making it much harder for them to sneak around undetected. The sudden illumination can also draw attention from neighbors or passersby, increasing the likelihood of a potential burglar being caught.
Trim Back Overgrown Shrubs and Trees
Overgrown trees and shrubs can provide ideal hiding spots for burglars. If an intruder is trying to break into your home, they may use these areas to stay out of sight while they work. Make sure to regularly trim your bushes and trees, especially around windows and doors, so that they don’t provide cover for unwanted visitors.
Additionally, consider landscaping your yard in a way that keeps plants low and open, creating clear sight lines from the street and neighbors’ homes. This will make it harder for criminals to hide while trying to break into your home.
Why It’s Effective
By trimming overgrown vegetation, you eliminate the ability for intruders to hide and move around your property undetected. An open and visible exterior will make your home much less attractive to criminals.
Use Timers for Lights and Electronics
When you’re away from home, it can be obvious to intruders that your house is vacant if no lights are on or electronics are running. To avoid making your absence known, use timers to automatically turn on and off lights, TVs, and radios. This creates the illusion that someone is home, even when you’re not.
Timers are easy to install and can be programmed to mimic your daily routine. Set lights to turn on and off at certain times, and vary the schedule periodically to create a more natural and unpredictable pattern.
Why It’s Effective
Burglars often look for empty houses, and an unoccupied house with no lights or activity is a prime target. Timers can make your home appear occupied, which can be a strong deterrent for potential criminals.
Secure Your Garage and Shed
Many burglars target garages and sheds, as they often contain valuable items like tools, bicycles, and even spare keys. Make sure your garage doors are securely locked, and if you have an interior door leading into your house, ensure it’s as secure as your front door, with a deadbolt or additional locking mechanism.
If you have a shed or outdoor storage area, consider installing a strong lock on the door and securing valuable items inside with heavy-duty chains or cables. Additionally, if you have a garage door opener, ensure that the remote is always stored safely inside the house to prevent it from being stolen and used by criminals to access your garage.
Why It’s Effective
Securing your garage and shed ensures that burglars can’t gain easy access to your home or steal items that could help them break in. By reinforcing these areas, you minimize the chances of an intruder gaining access to your property.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
One of the most effective ways to keep your home safe from crime is to be part of a community watch program. Strong neighborhoods are less likely to be targeted by criminals because there is more vigilance and interaction between residents. By getting to know your neighbors and staying in regular contact, you can help create a support system that watches out for one another’s safety.
Make an effort to establish relationships with your neighbors, exchange contact information, and keep an eye out for suspicious activity. If you’re going away for an extended period, let a trusted neighbor know so they can keep an eye on your home and collect mail and packages.
As a police officer who regularly conducts surveillance in different neighbourhoods, it is quite evident when there is a strong bond between the residents in a particular area. After some time, multiple people will typically peer out their respective window at your stationary vehicle, confront you directly, and/or report your suspicious vehicle to police.
Why It’s Effective
Neighbors who communicate with one another and work together to prevent crime are much less likely to be targeted by intruders. Criminals tend to avoid areas where there’s a sense of community, as it increases the chances of getting caught.
Avoid Advertising Vacations on Social Media
While social media is a great way to stay connected with friends and family, it can also alert potential burglars to the fact that you’re away from home. Posting vacation photos or status updates in real-time can signal to criminals that your house is empty and vulnerable.
Instead, consider waiting until you return home to post pictures or updates about your trip. Additionally, avoid sharing too many details about your whereabouts or schedule on social media, especially prior to and during your trip.
Why It’s Effective
Intruders often research their targets online, and if they know you’re away, they may take the opportunity to break into your home. Keeping your vacation plans off social media eliminates this risk.
Install a Solid Fence or Gate
A solid fence or gate can help keep intruders from easily accessing your property. If you have a fence, ensure it’s tall enough to prevent easy climbing and that it’s made from durable materials like wood or metal. Adding a lock or latch to gates provides an additional layer of security, particularly for side or back entrances.
Having a physical barrier around your home also reduces the visibility of your property, making it harder for intruders to scope out your home from the outside.
Why It’s Effective
Fences and gates help to create a physical deterrent that makes it more difficult for criminals to access your property. The added barrier also makes it harder for them to survey your home from the outside, which can prevent them from finding easy entry points.
Use Neighborhood Apps and Surveillance Networks
In today’s digital age, there are many apps and neighborhood watch networks that can help keep your home safe from crime. Apps like Ring, Nextdoor, and others allow residents to share information about suspicious activity, recent crimes, or safety concerns in the area. By participating in these platforms, you can stay informed about what’s happening in your neighborhood and help others do the same.
Additionally, some neighborhoods have surveillance networks where residents can share footage from their security cameras. By participating in these networks, you can increase the collective security of your community.
Why It’s Effective
Being proactive and involved in local surveillance and crime prevention initiatives can help make your home safer. Criminals are less likely to target areas with active community involvement and shared surveillance.
Conclusion
By implementing these top 10 strategies to make your home less attractive to intruders, you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. From installing a home security system to reinforcing doors and windows, and engaging with your neighborhood, there are many practical steps you can take to protect your home. Remember, keeping your home safe from crime is an ongoing process, and the more effort you put into securing your property, the safer you and your family will be. Stay vigilant and proactive in making your home a secure place to live.
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