What You Should Stop Doing to Prevent Break-Ins

Home is where our heart is – it’s our safe haven, our personal sanctuary. But, how secure is our home really? With the startling statistics of break-ins, it’s high time we reevaluate our home security habits and learn what we should stop doing to prevent break-ins.

Just How Likely Are Break-Ins?

Current data shows that there are an average of 2,740 home break-ins per day in the United States, according to Forbes. The frequency of break-ins is so high that one occurs every 26 seconds, totaling over one million burglaries yearly. Shockingly, 75% of all homes in the country are expected to experience a burglary within a 20-year span.

How Do Robbers Choose Their Victims?

Burglars often select homes that appear easily accessible and less likely to lead to their capture. There are four primary approaches that burglars employ when choosing their targets:

• Targeting vulnerable individuals: This includes the elderly, those living alone, and others who are perceived as easy targets.
• Opportunistic behavior: Some burglaries are carried out with little forethought or planning, as criminals take advantage of immediate opportunities.
• Assessing property desirability: Smarter criminals focus on properties that hold significant value or coveted possessions.
• Casing the property: Before breaking in, burglars often conduct thorough surveillance of the property over the course of days or even weeks.

By understanding these methods, homeowners can take proper precautions to enhance their security and protect their belongings.

Which Houses Do Burglars Avoid?

Burglars are likely to avoid houses that pose a high risk of getting caught. Homes with alarm systems, surveillance cameras, or even a barking dog can deter burglars. They also tend to avoid houses in neighborhoods with a strong sense of community where neighbors look out for each other.

When Do Most Break-Ins Happen?

The majority of break-ins happen during the daytime, particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. According to the Department of Justice, there were 1.7 million home burglaries in 2017, with 25% of them occurring during daylight hours. Thieves often target homes during these times, assuming that homeowners will be absent during typical working hours.

10 Simple Ways to Discourage Break-Ins

1. Install a security system: Visible signs of a security system can deter potential burglars.
2. Keep your property well-lit: Dark areas provide cover for burglars to break in undetected.
3. Secure doors and windows: Always lock your doors and windows when you leave home, and consider reinforcing them for extra security.
4. Don’t advertise your absence: If you’re away, don’t let mail pile up or let your grass grow too long. Use timers to turn lights on and off.
5. Get to know your neighbors: A strong community can be a powerful deterrent for burglars.
6. Avoid showcasing valuable items: Keep expensive items out of sight from windows.
7. Use a safe: Keep valuables and important documents in a home safe.
8. Don’t hide spare keys outside: Burglars know all the common hiding spots.
9. Trim shrubbery near windows and entrances: Overgrown plants can provide cover for burglars.
10. Use privacy film on windows: It prevents potential burglars from seeing inside your house.

Remember, no measure is too small when it comes to securing your home. Let’s not make it easy for burglars to disrupt our peace of mind. Stay safe, everyone!

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.