By definition, the crime of breaking and entering is a non-confrontational crime against property that occurs when we are not at home. However, becoming the victim of a robbery can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated. That’s a big reason for it to take place and make your home less attractive to burglars. An FBI statistic is that there is a home burglary every 15.4 seconds somewhere in the United States. Most burglaries occur during the day, when the occupants are away. They are always looking for small items that are easily converted into cash, such as jewelry, electronics, watches, and medicines.
An overgrown lawn with untrimmed hedges is an easy opportunity for thieves; this gives them a place to hide while they watch your home. You have to keep the lawn fresh and trim the flowers to give the impression that someone is home. A little gardening could go a long way in providing a little extra protection to your home while you’re gone. Most home and apartment burglaries occur during the day when most people are at work or school.
Here are some tips that people can follow to prevent theft:
– Mow the grass, be sure to rake and sweep up clippings.
– Water your followers and set up any sprinkler system if available.
– Tim tree branches near the house and rake up dead leaves.
– In case of having fruit trees, collect the fallen fruits.
– Make sure perimeter lighting is working.
– Keep stairs away.
Try to have several large evergreen trees if your house is on the side of the road so that you can block the view of most of the house from the road. Most burglars enter through the front, back, or garage door. They know how to look inside your car for keys and other valuables, so keep it locked even when the car is inside the garage. This will prevent most forced entry through the door.
It is also important to place small gravel next to the house. It will make a noise when stepped on, which will deter thieves. One of the most powerful types of home security is the residence security technique. If a burglar tries to break into your house and realizes that he simply has a security system set up, he will usually start to have second thoughts and eventually change his plans.
Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the only reason for a burglar to select his house. Windows on the ground floor are more likely to break for obvious reasons.
Good neighbors should take care of each other. Get to know your neighbors on each side of your house and all three directly across the street. It is imperative to choose a good neighborhood and carefully select the people you want to be with.
Exterior lighting is very important, although there are more robberies during the day than at night. The last thing a burglar wants to see is the lights, they are worried someone might be home and they don’t want to be exposed to anyone who might be watching. You can implement a motion detection light, it will turn on whenever someone moves within a certain distance of your property.
As you can see, burglary prevention begins on the outside of your home. There are many things you can do inside, but if the outside of your property is not safe, you are inviting trouble. Keep this in mind in your landscaping and you will make your home safer.