26 Feb 6 Things Burglars Look For When They Canvas Your Home
Whether you have been recently burgled or you are simply concerned about a potential break-in, it is wise to consider the appearance of your home to a potential burglar. Your home is a place of peace and solace; you don’t have to put up with intruders. Making a few changes to your home will make it less inviting and even deter crime. In this post, we will give you the list of 6 things burglars look for when they canvas your home.
Here are a few things burglars look for when they canvas your home:
1. A Weak Door
It makes sense that your entryway is the first place a burglar will look at. Signs that your door is weak or falling apart welcome an intruder. You may need to replace your door, but in some cases a deep clean and fresh coat of paint can give a criminal a different impression.
2. Darkness
Could a robber break into your home at night thanks to the cover of darkness? If so, it could be time to put some new lights outside. Motion-activated lights are an excellent choice. Intruders do not want to be caught in the act, and flood lights can put them on display. Consider putting lights in the backyard, near all entryways, and on walkways. Vulnerable windows may also benefit from small lamps. Make sure large bushes are cut back so they do not create places to hide also.
3. Evidence that Owners Are Gone
When you go on vacation, what does your home look like? Are there newspapers lining the driveway, and mail spilling out of the box? Are lights left off 24/7, leaving your home dark and inviting? If so, it’s important that you hire a house sitter or at least ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the place. Turning on the TV and some lights can make your house look lived in. In fact, some smartphone apps make it possible to control these things even if you aren’t home. (ADT Pulse is the best one, but there are also others) Otherwise, you may come home to find that somebody else has been getting comfortable with your home–and your belongings. You can also ask the post office to hold your mail until you come back. Leaving a car parked in the driveway can also be a good idea.
4. Lack of an Alarm System
If a burglar knows that you do not have an alarm system, they are more likely to feel that your house is free game. If you have an ADT security system, you should place stickers on the windows or a sign in the front yard. (Extra points if you have a solar yard sign light) This deters potential thieves from thinking they can get away with barging in. Lastly, remember to arm the system when you leave. An alarm system only works when you tell it to.
5. Dogs (Or Signs That Dogs Exist)
Robbers don’t want to tangle with a dog for a number of reasons. For starters, they bark and attract attention. Second, they are territorial and may attack an intruder. Of course, getting a new pet is not an option for everybody, especially if you don’t have a big yard. Even if you do not have a dog, you may want to put up a “Beware of Dog” sign if you live somewhere that you may be a target.
6. Expensive Purchases
Did you recently buy a big TV or laptop? Make sure to keep your boxes out of sight (and out of mind). Somebody who sees all those boxes outside now knows what valuables you have inside. Instead of putting those boxes outside early, consider waiting for pickup day. You may also want to bag up the boxes, preventing anybody from seeing what you bought.
Are you looking for more ways to protect your home? Contact us to learn more about the security options available. An ADT system could be the perfect choice to keep your home comfortable and yet unappealing to criminals.
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