Avoiding Break-Ins
Burglary & Break-Ins
Have you recently moved into a new home? While there is a lot to do after purchasing a new home it is important to replace the locks in your new home to prevent problems in the future. Previous home owners are required to give up all keys to the new owners; however, many have multiple sets of keys and not all keys may be accounted for. New home owners should take preventative measures and purchase new set of locks for their home to ensure no neighbors, existing homeowners, or strangers have a key to access your home. When replacing your locks don’t forget doors that may go unused, such as a garage entrance or basement; those are susceptible spots for a home burglary.
The legal dictionary defines home burglary as:
The crime of breaking and entering into a structure for the purpose of committing a crime. No great force is needed (pushing open a door or slipping through an open window is sufficient) if the entry is unauthorized. Contrary to common belief, a burglary is not necessarily for theft. It can apply to any crime, such as assault or sexual harassment, whether the intended criminal act is committed or not.
An article posted by the Crime Doctor states, “According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds” and the average burglar enters and leaves a home within six minutes, or less. While burglary can have multiple outcomes, the result is a feeling of insecurity and discomfort that a stranger has entered your home without permission.
Beyond the Deadbolt
We have collected a few tips to ensure the safety of your family in your home:
1. Lock all Doors and Windows
Having secure locks doesn’t mean much if you forgot to use them. We’ve all gone to bed with a door open or a first floor window ajar, however 23% of break-ins occur through first floor windows. Ensuring your house is secured will prevent easy entry.
2.Get a Dog
A dog is one of the best alarm systems on the market and can be affordable through adoption; that said, only bring home a dog if you’re willing to care for it. Dogs are great protectors because they are vocal, have the ability to bite and will even attack a burglar.
3. Utilize your Gardening to Guard
There are a few simple gardening tricks to ward off burglars, for instance choose thorny or prickly bushes under windows or opt for gravel pathways to alert you or your dog of an unwanted visitor. It is also important to have a well-lit yard.
4. Hide your Valuables
Make sure to strategically place your valuable items away from windows and doors, to ensure passer-byers cannot see your items.
5. Be Smart about Status Updates
When going on vacation do not post on your social media sites that you will be out of town; if you must, post a status once you have returned.
We hope you have found these tips helpful, after all we have seen our fair share of home invasions and want to give our customers some of the information we have acquired through experience. Remember if you have any questions or concerns about your locks, contact Accurate Safe & Lock by phone or visit our website.
Sources:
http://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-prevent-home-burglary-house-break-in http://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-prevent-home-burglary-house-break-in