Did you ever wonder what a burglar looks for in a target? What factors do they weigh in deciding what house to break into?
While some of the motives are different, most burglars are looking for a target that will be easy for them to access, with a minimum risk of getting caught and a likelihood of scoring valuable items.
The key to a successful burglary starts with not getting caught! This means avoiding detection before, during and after the crime.
The more that you can do to ensure that anybody who approaches your home or business is seen, the greater the chance that they will not risk committing a crime there. That means keeping landscaping trimmed so it doesn’t obscure the view of you property and especially access points.
Create the appearance that somebody is home or at least could be home by leaving blinds adjusted so that somebody could see out. Having blinds and curtains closed ensures that if you are inside, you will not see anybody lurking where they shouldn’t be.
At night, exterior lighting is key. A combination of constant lighting and motion activated lights will help to deter somebody from approaching undiscovered.
An alarm system may also be effective however it is often the threat of an alarm that has a greater effect. Signs and window stickers announcing the presence of an alarm can deter a would be burglar from trying to get into your home. If you don’t post these warnings, it may be too late before the burglar realizes that you have an alarm. If they break a window or door to get inside, and are surprised by the alarm, they may leave or may try to quickly take what they can find anyway and try for a quick escape.
Your last line of defense is a system of door and window locks. Most burglars are looking for the easiest way in and out. They may check for an unlocked door or window before forcing entry or moving on to another easier target. Doors should be deadbolted so that the latch can’t be easily slipped or pried. Windows should be locked unless you are home and want them open.
You want to make it as likely as possible that a would be burglar will be seen when they try to get into your home or business as well as making it as difficult as possible to do so. By making it more likely they will be caught and more difficult and time consuming to get in and out, you increase the chance that you will not be the target of a burglar.
