Home Security is important. I’m not an alarmist (get it?…alarm), but the safety of my family, friends, and clients is top priority. According to the FIB, North Carolina experienced 62,290 burglaries in 2018. That’s nearly 600 burglaries per 100,000 people living in NC. Another way of saying it – that’s one burglary in NC every 8.4 minutes.
What many people don’t realize is that 65% of break-ins happen between 6:00am and 6:00pm. Yes, you read that right, nearly two-thirds of break-ins occur during the day. It’s because most people are at work and school during those hours. Fewer neighbors could also be around to see them. They’re looking for an easy target, much less be confronted by their homeowner. The more people around, the more difficult it will be to go unnoticed.
Okay, time for some good news. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to keep your home (and everyone in it) safe. Follow these few simple guidelines, and you’ll make your home less of a target.
First Step of Home Security: Change Your Locks
I always advise this when my clients move into their new home. Yes, you should have received all the keys at closing. But who knows who else the previous owners forgot they copied keys for. Dog-walkers, house-sitters, neighbors, and friends could still have access if you keep the old locks. This is a relatively inexpensive upgrade since most homes only have 2 or 3 outside doors. If you’re not sure how to change your locks, check out our guide, complete with pictures!
Home Security Alarm System
Thieves really don’t like seeing alarm systems. In fact, homes without systems are 300% more likely to have a break-in. You don’t have to splurge for a top-of-the-line system to be effective. Make sure to place any cameras in obvious, and out of reach, locations. This will make sure a potential burglar knows they’re being watched, even before they try to get in.
As for your security code, make sure nobody will be able to guess it. With plenty of information on social media (yes, potential burglars will scope you out there), I recommend against birthdays, anniversaries, and definitely don’t use your street number. If your system’s keypad includes letters on the keypad, go with a word instead. Just make sure the resulting number combination doesn’t spell out something obvious.
Lights are Great Deterrents
Outside lights, like flood lights
Timed lights, both inside and out, are another great way to make it seem like someone is home. Remember, thieves don’t like that. On the exterior, a bright light will attract the attention of your neighbors when they think, “why’d that turn on?” It also shows a burglar and their ill-intentions for everyone to see.
Inside, timed lights are another trick to make the home appear occupied. A few simple timers in the living room and master bedroom are all you need. Set them to mimic your usual routine at home. If you can program your TV, do that for a couple of hours in the evening if you’re out. It might be an illusion, but it’s also an upper hand in the mental game.
Shrubs and Fences Make Great Hiding Spots
Keep shrubs and bushes well-trimmed and tidy. Overgrowth, or large bushes near your home make for great hiding places. They can bide their time to find that unlocked window. The same goes for privacy fences. There’s a reason they’re called privacy fences, but keep in mind they’ll also hide someone who isn’t supposed to be there.
If you really love the look of large plants near your home, pick something thorny like roses or holly. They’re a great deterrent to get close to that part of your house.
Don’t Advertise Your Firearms
A gun is stolen about every 2 minutes in the United States. Stickers on the back of your car doesn’t keep thieves at bay, it’s more likely to make your home a target. When you leave, make sure firearms are safely locked away for your time on the range, or out hunting.
Keep Family Information Out of View
Family calendars are fantastic for keeping the crew organized. But make sure they can’t be spotted through a window. An away soccer game that that whole family is going to tells burglars exactly when you won’t be home.
Similarly, stick figures and various bumper sticker collections are a fun way to take pride in your family. They also tell burglars how many people live in a home. Combine this with a visible family calendar, and anyone keeping a close eye will know if you’re home or away.
A Combination of Home Security Choices
Thinking about security isn’t the fun part of home ownership, but it’s a necessary one. Each of these tips on their own will help reduce the chance your home is targeted for a break-in. Taken together, they make your home a significantly less desirable target.
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