9 Things Burglars Don't Want You to Know

To burglars, stealing is a business with its secrets that they don’t want to be known. The secrets in these cases are the home security mistakes that homeowners make. Security mistakes create gaps that burglars are quick to notice and utilize to break into your home and steal your valuables. They are the things that homeowners might fail to take seriously or classify as simple and harmless. They include;

Leaving ladders outside

Ladders are regularly used by homeowners to perform many outdoor tasks like cleaning gutters and washing windows. It is common for homeowners to leave their ladders and gardening tools outside because they believe that their backyards are safe. On contrary, backyards are often the first checkpoint for burglars. They use ladders to gain access to second-story windows that are in most cases left open. Leaving your ladder outside could give burglars easy access to your home.

Trash

Burglars look in on neighborhoods to identify easy targets. One of the things they scrutinize is your trash. It is common to throw away packing boxes and wrappers after unpacking your new electronics. Unfortunately, when you set the labeled boxes outside at your trash area, they are visible to all passing by. A burglar will immediately know that you have a new electronic, what kind it is and it’s size. Advertising new items like this can entice potential burglars and give them important information that will allow them to be better prepared for a quick getaway. Always break down packing boxes and conceal them inside trash bins.

Untrimmed bushes and trees

Untrimmed trees and bushes close to your house or garage offer perfect hiding spots for thieves. Always keep bushes and trees trimmed especially near windows and doors to make entry points visible from a distance.

Easy to break doors

Plain wood panel doors are easy to break into with just one kick. Consider reinforcing your doors with deadbolts. It is also advisable to invest in steel-wrapped exterior doors for all major entry points. Simply ensuring that your doors and windows are locked when you are not around is also an easy way to deter a quick entry point.


Don’t show that you are away

When you are going on vacation or a long business trip, it is important to stop or hold your newspaper and mail delivery so uncollected items don’t pile up and show you aren’t home. Today you can quickly and easily request those stops online. You might also need to arrange for someone to mow your lawn if you will be gone for an extended time. Try to avoid having your home look like no one is there.


Social media updates

The thrill of finally going on a dream vacation cannot be underestimated. You will be tempted to post pictures on social media to show your excitement. But you never who is viewing your social media page and what they can do. So, think carefully before you post. It’s best to avoid letting people know that you are away. Wait and post your great vacation pictures when you return.

Geo-tagging apps

These are apps that always broadcast your location to almost everyone. A burglar can use them to track your movements and break into your home when they are sure you are miles away. Take a few minutes and look through your settings on apps that track where you are and change those before you embark on your next adventure.

Lighting

A dark house is a definite sign that people are not home. Scheduling lights to turn on and off at different times will help to give a lived-in look even while you are away. There are many products these days that will allow you to schedule interior and exterior lights to turn on and off at different times. These products have become much more cost-effective and simple to install and use.

Set your burglar alarm

If you have a security system, set your alarm when you leave. This is the best way to protect your home from an unwanted intruder. It’s also a good idea to alert your alarm company of travel times and possibly change alarm instructions. You might opt to change your call list and have someone that will be around get the call if an alarm is tripped or just have the police dispatched first. When you return, remember to call and have your regular instructions put back in place.

Conclusion

It is always a good idea to pay attention to everyday things that will help to keep your home safe. Thieves always come up with new ways of breaking in, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on how to block the break-ins.