Protecting Your Home Against Burglaries

Burglary, also known as breaking and entering, or housebreaking, is legally defined as the unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime. It is not necesary that the burglar use force to enter the building, nor is it required that a theft take place. Still, the dangers posed by leaving your home unprotected against this type of crime is enough to keep you tossing and turning at night. Loss of valuable property and harm to yourself or loved ones are just two possible outcomes that can occur when an uninvited stranger enters your home. It's unsettling to know that, according to the FBI, a burglary takes place every 15 seconds in the U.S., amounting to over 2 million burglaries a year.

Luckily, burglary is one of the easiest crimes to prevent. Here are some home security tips to help you minimize the risk of becoming part of the statistics and allow you to sleep better at night:

1. Make your home an unappealing target. Burglars look for easily accessible homes with low visibility. Eliminate places for burglars to hide by installing ample lighting in the area where you park your car. Also, remove large bushes or shrubs around the house.

2. Since a vacant home is a prime target for burglars, make your home seem occupied even when you're not there. You can do this by using automatic lights with timers, lowering the volume on your phone so it can't be heard from outside, and never leaving notes on your door that could alert someone to your absence.

3. Keep valuable belongings, such as money, jewelry, and expensive electronics, away from windows and out-of-sight of passersby on the street.

4. Invest in a quality home security system. There are many inexpensive options available for the homeowner on a budget. Consult an insurance agent or your local police department for a list of security companies to call for a price quote.

5. Check your house for the most accessible entry points. Choose the windows and doors that are most susceptible to break-ins to be hooked up to your home alarm. Opt for the 24-hour monitoring feature that accompanies most home alarm systems for a monthly fee.

6. Maximize the effectiveness of your security system by making sure that you activate your alarm during the day, as well as at night. A lot of people don't realize that more than fifty percent of residential burglaries occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., while the owners are out of the house.

7. Display a decal for your alarm system prominently in your window. Discourage burglars by letting them know that they won't be able to enter without drawing attention from the neighbors and police.

8. Use common sense. Always shut and lock your doors and windows when you leave the house. Leave a key for emergencies with a trusted friend instead of hiding it in the yard, mailbox, or on the stoop. Identify visitors through a peephole before letting them in. Don't invite strangers into your home or share details with them about your daily routines or travel plans.

9. Get to know your neighbors and help each other out by keeping an eye on each other's home when the other is away.

When choosing an alarm system, go with America's #1 home security company. ADT home alarms come with 24/7 monitoring and can save you money on your homeowner's insurance.