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The FBI reports that every 15 seconds a home burglary occurs somewhere in the United States. While most people believe that the only thing a burglar takes is material items, the truth is that they are stealing far more than that. For someone like myself who has been in thehome security industry for over 25 years, it is clear that what these victims are truly being robbed of is their peace of mind. After a break in occurs the victims are left with a psychological effect that lasts for months. The family often struggles with feelings that they are vulnerable and that it is about to happen again. Nothing you say can ease the sense of being violated and the insecurity that proceeds an actual break in. It still marvels me when I hear someone say to me that they really don't care about being broken into as long as they are not home when it occurs. They say this because they have never experienced the lasting effects of having someone break into their home. While the FBI reports this seemingly hopeless statistic of homes being burglarized every 15 seconds, they along with all other law enforcement agencies also report that there are certain measures you can take to significantly reduce your chances of being a victim. The remainder of this post is intended to give practical tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Tip #1 Better Locks
One of the most practical things you can do to make your home safer is installing better locks on your doors and gates. When considering which locks to get for your home it serves to think like a thief. Most people install a single dead bolt lock on their front door. This means that on the outside it requires a key to unlock and on the inside it just requires a turn of a latch to unlock. The problem with this kind of lock is that if someone breaks into your home thru a window then you are making it possible for them to walk right out your front door. So imagine a burglar coming in your bedroom window and then grabbing your laptop computer and waltzing out the front door like he was simply visiting your home. Even if a neighbor saw him going out your front door holding your laptop in hand, they would think nothing of it. However, on the other hand if that same neighbor saw a man going back out a window with your laptop, they would immediately call the police. The same goes for gate locks. Many homes have gates that lead into the backyard. These gates should always be closed with locks requiring a key to open. This avoids any burglar from simply exiting your home through a gate by walking out. placing a lock on your gates requires a burglar to have to jump over the gate and that creates a lot of attention.
Tip #2 Outdoor Lighting
Another great way to not be a victim is to install better outdoor lighting around your home. A burglars worst enemy is light. Everything they do they prefer to do in the dark. Most people think that burglaries occur only inside your home. The truth is that there are more reports of crime from burglars breaking into cars outside your home and also into tool sheds or other areas around your home. Good lighting is the best way to not become a victim. If you are concerned about having a huge electric bill because of installing outdoor lights all around your home, there is a solution. By simply installing motion sensor outdoor lights you can save big on your electric bill. These outdoor lights only turn on when they sense movement around the area and turn off at a preset time. This way you have the benefit of great lighting without the cost of a high electric bill. Indoor lighting integrated with timers can also serve as a great deterrent against anyone breaking into your home.
Tip #3 Trimmed Landscaping
One of the greatest ways to keep from becoming a victim of home burglary is to cut back on overgrown landscaping. A burglar wants to be undetected at all times and one of the things they look for is overgrown landscaping to hide behind. By cutting back overgrown landscaping you significantly reduce the chances of someone breaking into your home. While we all enjoy beautiful landscaping in our homes, there is a limit to how far we should allow it to grow. Only you can determine what that fine line is in your own home. Just put yourself in the burglars shoes and ask yourself is your front or back yard would be an inviting place to proceed in breaking in?
Tip #4 Security Cameras
It is a well known fact that one of the greatest home security tips is installing home security cameras. Something as simple as a security camera outside your home can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a burglary victim. Burglars want to stay undetected at al times when attempting to break into a home. A security camera system not only detects a person entering your home, it actually records the entire event. Many CCTV security camera systems today actually have a motion sensing feature that can even send you an email upon activating the motion sensing feature. This is an amazing benefit because this kind of protection alerts you even before a burglar has entered your home.
Tip #5 Home Alarm System
The number one home security tip recommended by law enforcement authorities everywhere is installing a home security system. No other one thing helps reduce your chances of becoming a victim than installing a home security alarm system. A monitored home security system alerts the burglar and your neighbors that the home security system has sounded off and the police have been dispatched. This makes for the best possible deterrent against someone entering your home.
If you would like more information on how a monitored home security system can help you not become a victim, the simply call us today at (786)325-7867 or (305)233-6044.
You can also visit us at www.miamifloridahomesecurity.com and go to the contact page.
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