No homeowner wants to imagine they’re at risk for a break-in. Sadly, however, approximately 3.7 million homes will be burglarized each year.
While there’s no sure-fire way to prevent a robbery from taking place, there are certain things you can to reduce the possibility. Besides installing one of the top-rated home alarm systems at APS Security & Fire, be sure to consider these signs your home might be at risk for a break-in.
#1 Your Routine Is Too Predictable
Let’s face it; there are certain aspects of a person’s routine that are unavoidably predictable. Taking your kids to school and going to work, for example, have to happen at particular times of the day.
Unfortunately, however, your routine could be putting your home at risk of being broken into.
Criminals often spend significant time casing potential targets before they act. They will monitor your every move and learn everything they can about when you’re coming and going throughout the week. This way, they can strike while you’re not home.
To help deter this from happening, you can try things like leaving a TV on while you’re away, leaving a car in the driveway, or programming your indoor lights. Having a sign in your yard or in your windows stating you have a home security system can also deter potential thieves.
#2 You Don’t Know Your Neighbors
Sometimes homeowners aren’t interested in getting to know their neighbors. While this might not seem like a big deal, it can actually put your home at a greater risk of being broken into.
Let’s say you and your family decide to go on vacation; it’s helpful to have someone you can rely on to look after your home while you’re gone. Neighbors can also help you identify when someone might be casing your home.
#3 Your Home Doesn’t Have A Doorbell Camera
With porch burglaries on the rise and more criminals than ever following along behind delivery trucks, your home is at a far greater risk of having packages stolen from your porch-area.
By installing a quality doorbell camera, burglars will be aware they’re being watched and will leave your items alone.
#4 You Have A Wired Home Alarm System
When it comes to installing home alarm systems in Florida, many homeowners still rely on traditional, wired systems. This might not be the best way, however, to protect your home from burglary.
In speaking with criminals who have a record for home burglary, some often say that a wireless system is a bigger deterrent than the alternative. While wired systems can be cut from the outside, which will prevent signals from being dispatched to control centers, it’s not as easy to interfere with cellular/wireless alarm systems.
#5 Your Home Is Never Locked
While you might imagine thieves crawling in through a window, the reality of the situation is that many of them use doors. Due to this, it’s always a good idea to keep all of the doors around your property locked.
#6 You’ve Been Announcing Your Vacation On Social Media
Along with posting pictures of their food, pets, and hobbies, social media users love to share tons of content about their vacations.
Whether they’re uploading photos from the trip they’re currently on or announcing they’re about to leave, bragging about your vacation is a great way to put your home at risk for a break-in. When announcing your plans to go out of town, you’re giving criminals all of the information they need about the best time to break into your home.
#7 The Yard Is Overgrown
Noticeably taller grass, overgrown shrubs, and unkempt trees provide plenty of hiding spaces for people thinking about breaking into your home. On the contrary, it’s been said that homes with well-maintained lawns are less appealing to criminals.
#8 Empty Boxes Are Sitting Outside Your Home
Sure, getting a new TV is exciting, but there’s no reason to brag about it to the whole world. When you receive new electronics or high-dollar items, look for ways to break down boxes or disguise them, so it’s not easy to tell what’s sitting inside your home.
Learn More About Protecting Your Home From A Break-In
While all of these tips are crucial to protecting your home and family, it’s always a good idea to consider installing one of the high-tech home alarm systems at APS Security & Fire.
Not only is our expertly trained team here to help you install the residential security products you could want and need, but we can also help you figure out how to protect your home. We’ll be there after the installation with our monitoring to ensure your home and family are safe and secure.
