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We all work hard to buy the things we need and want to have in our homes, so it’s natural to want to protect those things from theft. Here are eight ways to outsmart would-be thieves and keep your belongings safe.
Table of Contents
1- Lock Your Doors and Windows
A surprising number of people do not consistently lock their doors. They may find it inconvenient, or they may just be forgetful. Don’t let this be you. A locked entry point is the first and best deterrent to burglars. Make sure that everything is locked before leaving your home.
2- Get Some Light on the Subject
Thieves prefer to work under cover of darkness, so take some steps to eliminate that advantage. Not only is it helpful to have the exterior of your home illuminated (with some brighter fixtures on a motion detector), but you can also benefit from leaving some lights on inside your home. Use timers or smart devices to randomize the on/off schedule inside to make it more realistic when you’re gone.
3- Make Access Difficult
There is always a battle between making it hard for thieves to get in without making it hard for your family to escape a fire or other emergency. Bulky (and thorny) landscape plants can limit access through windows, and movement can be slowed by storm windows or screens. Remember, the more time and noise it takes to get into your house, the less likely an intruder is to continue.
4- Work With Your Neighbors
If trusted neighbors know you are out of town, one of them will probably report that mysterious van in your driveway. They’ll also be vigilant for people peeking in windows, repeatedly driving by, and performing other “casing” maneuvers.
5- Shield Your Valuables
Before entering your home, burglars typically look in windows to see what they can quickly grab after entering. Don’t make this process easy for them! Try to position valuables out of view, and never leave cash, credit cards, checks, or other financial assets out in the open.
6- Forget the Hidden Keys
It’s always convenient to hide a key for company, repair people, or forgetful family members. However, burglars know every common hiding place, from the flowerpot to the fake rock in the landscape. It usually doesn’t take them long to track down even the best hidden key.
7- Skip the Dog
Guard dogs sound good in theory, but they present a huge legal liability and may attack people who are on the property for legitimate purposes. Forget about a security dog and avoid the vet bills and expensive personalized dog food.
8- Install a Home Security System
There’s no more powerful tool to protect your home than a quality home security system. The audible alarms, monitoring service, and remote access to video will make it nearly impossible for a thief to get in. The system may also qualify you for an insurance discount. With a diversified plan centered on a quality security system, you’ll be able to keep your home and belongings safe and sound.
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