Four Ways to Protect Your Home from Burglars

Burglary Protection

Don't forget, protecting your property is not only about safeguarding your valuables. It's also about protecting you and your loved ones. Not every intruder is going to run away if caught in the act. Aggravated burglary and home invasions can be pretty nasty affairs and ones you need to avoid at all costs. Fortunately for my wife and me, we were not home when our break-ins took place. If we were, I think that would have added to the trauma, even if the trespasser came and went as we were sleeping. The world is not as safe as it once was. I wished I didn't have to say that, but it's true nonetheless. This is why burglary protection is something we should all take very seriously.

The four ways to better protect your home include:

1. Fitting burglar alarms to the property
2. Installing CCTV (closed-circuit television)
3. Increasing occupancy indicators
4. Improving visibility
5. Neighborhood Watch (NW) programs

There are other, more extreme measures, but these are the most obvious and effective.  Let's take a look at each one in turn.

#1: The Burglar Alarm Systems

These have gotten better and more sophisticated with each passing year. The price of these systems has come down considerably too, which is good news for those on a tight budget. Most opportunistic burglars will avoid homes with visible alarm systems in place. If the majority of residences in a neighborhood have alarms fitted, then the area is less likely to fall victim to common house thieves. I certainly feel more secure setting the alarm when I leave my property than I did before I had it installed.

#2: Installing CCTV (Closed-Circuit TV)

CCTV cameras can play a part, though they may not be useful in all situations. Some cynics of CCTV state that they don't prevent crime, they just record it. I'm a bit on the fence with this one. I know they're effective for commercial properties and the surrounding areas. Most house burglars would probably just make sure they are well-disguised before committing the crime. A CCTV setup and a burglar alarm would be a better deterrent than just CCTV on its own. Installing just CCTV is still better than having no security precautions at all. It's certainly a deterrent against the novice burglar, and there's no shortage of those.

#3: Increasing Occupancy Indicators

This is perhaps one of the oldest and most cost-effective burglar deterrents of them all. The idea is to give the impression that someone is home when you're out or away. This approach will ward off all but the most desperate of opportunistic burglars.

The kinds of things you can implement include some of the following:

• Automatic timer-switches that turn on lights, and perhaps a radio, after dark
• Ask a neighbor or family member to stop by and draw your curtains after dark
• Make sure someone opens your curtains in the mornings too

Tip: If you feel particularly vulnerable, invite someone to house sit while you're away.

If you're going away on vacation, be sure to include all of the above and also:

• Cancel regular deliveries if you have any, like milk and/or newspapers
• Ask the postal service to store your mail for you until you return
• If the above is not an option, have someone clear your mail for you daily
• Ask a friend, neighbor or other family member to park their vehicle at your home
• Don't publicize your vacation plans on social networks

#4: Improving Visibility

Over the years more and more people have been installing security lights outside their properties. I have to admit I find these distracting because there are lights going on and off all over the place. They switch on when people walk by with their dogs or as kids run around playing.  Be that as it may, I still think they're a great investment. A bit of annoyance is a small price to pay when you consider the peace of mind security lighting can give you. If there's one thing a burglar hates, it's a well-lit property.  

Other ways to make your home more visible include:

• Trim back tall trees and large shrubs
• Modify fencing so it doesn't shield intruders that enter the premises
• Remove other large obstructions that could help a burglar sneak up to the property