|  It
may sound like common sense, but many people do not routinely
lock their doors. A recent Realty Times article explores burglary
statistics and looks at other ways to stay safe.
Believe it or not, many people do not lock their
doors on a routine basis. Some may just be gone for a short time,
so they don’t bother. Some think that their neighborhood
is safe enough. According to a recent Realty Times article, locking
your doors is always a good idea, regardless of whether you’re
going to be gone for 10 minutes or if you’re going to be
home all day.
According to the FBI, a home is burglarized in the
U.S. every 14 seconds. Additionally, the home is occupied during
60 percent of those burglaries. The peak times for burglaries
are July and August, according to Chris E. McGoey, a professional
security consultant. February is the low month.
Most crime specialists say that burglars are typically
looking for the easiest way to break into your home. An unlocked
door or window is the ideal opportunity. Surprisingly, the highest
percentage of break-ins occurs through unlocked front doors during
daylight hours. President of Pioneer Security Services, Inc.,
Howard Feldman, advises “Don’t be complacent. The
thought of having a break-in in the house…is so unpleasant
to think about that people just don’t think about it and
therefore they believe by putting their heads in the sand, it’s
not going to happen.” In fact, Feldman says that there is
a 75 percent chance that your home will be broken into at least
once over the next 20 years.
A security system can definitely deter burglars,
but the physical security of your home is still important, since
a security system only alerts you to an intruder, and does not
stop one. It is still prudent, however, to install a system. Often
the signs that security companies put on or around your home serve
as a large deterrent to criminals. Remember that not only first
story windows and doors need to be locked. An open second story
window can also provide burglars with a way to access your home.
Also keep in mind these other important safety tips
include:
- Again, lock all doors and
windows when you leave your home or when you go to bed at night.
For ultimate security, lock all first floor doors and windows
when you are at home.
- Use a good, secure deadbolt for all doors.
You can also choose to install locking security screen doors.
For sliding doors, be sure to use a block device, such as a
wooden dowel on the track, in addition to the lock.
- Use an alarm system. Keep your subscription
current and always activate the system when appropriate. Also,
use the decals the security company provides you. Put them in
obvious places, such as first floor windows. Place security
signs prominently by entryways.
- Know your neighbors. Although you don’t
have to start a neighborhood watch, it’s a good idea to
exchange phone numbers in case of an emergency.
- When you go on vacation, don’t let
mail or newspapers pile up. This is a clear sign to criminals
that your home is vacant.
- Use light timers for lights inside your
house. These are great for making the house look occupied when
you go on vacation or are out for an evening.
- Install motion-detecting lights outside.
These can also save you money on electricity, since they will
not be on for the whole night.
- Keep landscaping neatly trimmed. Large
bushes and trees that block windows and doors provide ideal
cover for burglars.
- Use through-the-frame pins to completely
secure windows.
Most importantly, educate your family about
safety. Make sure that everyone understands the importance of
locking doors, not answering the door to strangers and activating
the alarm system consistently. You will find it much easier to
take preventive measures now than to pick up the pieces after
a devastating burglary.
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