You're unwittingly inviting burglars into your home if you're making any of the common security mistakes that can leave your property and family vulnerable to break-ins. Leaving doors and windows unsecured, hiding keys in plain sight, providing hiding spots for burglars, and poor outdoor lighting all make it easier for intruders to strike. And, surprisingly, advertising your absence on social media can also put your home at risk. By recognizing and avoiding these mistakes, you can substantially reduce the risk of a break-in. Now, take the next step to securing your home and discover the simple changes that can make a big difference.
Leaving Doors and Windows Unsecured
When you leave your doors and windows unsecured or open, you're practically inviting burglars, as a staggering 30% of them enter homes through these very points of entry.
This is an open invitation to potential thieves, making it easy for them to break in. Most burglars look for easy targets, and unfastened doors and windows are often the first point of entry.
To avoid making your home a target, make sure to secure all doors and windows when leaving the house or going to bed. Consider investing in a smart home security system, which allows you to control your locks remotely, eliminating the need for spare keys and reducing the risk of break-ins.
Hiding Keys in Plain Sight
While securing your doors and windows is a vital step in home security, you may be undermining this effort by hiding spare keys in obvious spots, making it easy for burglars to find them.
You're not alone in this common mistake. Many homeowners think they're being clever by hiding a spare key outside, but they're actually creating an open invitation for intruders.
Don't fall into this trap. Avoid hiding keys in common spots like under the doormat, in a planter, or on a hook near the front door. These are the first places burglars will look.
Instead, consider investing in security devices like key safes or smart locks that can be accessed with a code or biometric authentication.
Remember, locking your doors is only effective if you're not leaving a spare key out in the open. Take a walk around the house and identify potential hiding spots that could be exploited by thieves.
Providing Hiding Spots for Burglars
Overgrown shrubs and trees can become unwitting accomplices to burglary, providing hiding spots for intruders to lurk and observe your home without being seen.
By neglecting to maintain your outdoor space, you're inadvertently making it easier for burglars to approach your home undetected.
To avoid this common mistake, make sure to:
Keep plants trimmed and well-maintained to prevent hiding spots and make it more difficult for burglars to approach your home undetected.
Install outdoor lighting, such as motion-activated floodlights, to expose dark areas and prevent hiding spots for burglars.
Consider installing security cameras with night vision to monitor your home's exterior and prevent burglars from hiding in the shadows.
Regularly inspect your outdoor space to identify and eliminate potential hiding spots.
Poor Outdoor Lighting Invites Intruders
Failing to illuminate your home's exterior can be a beacon to burglars, as a dark front or back yard provides a hiding spot for intruders, making your home a more appealing target. Poor outdoor lighting is a common security mistake that can invite intruders, and it's crucial to address it to safeguard your home's safety.
Installing motion-activated floodlights around your property can deter burglars, as they illuminate potential hiding spots and make it difficult for them to approach your home undetected.
In fact, according to the National Institute of Justice, outdoor lighting is an effective crime deterrent, reducing the likelihood of a burglary by 39%.
Additionally, smart security cameras with floodlights, such as the Ring Floodlight Cam, can provide an extra layer of protection by capturing video footage of potential intruders and alerting you to suspicious activity.
A well-lit exterior can prevent break-ins, as burglars are less likely to target a home that's well-lit and visible from the street.
Advertising Your Absence
When you post about your vacation or weekend getaway on social media, you're inadvertently advertising your absence to potential burglars, making your home a more appealing target. Think twice before sharing your travel plans online, as this can be a neon sign to criminals that your house is empty and vulnerable.
Avoid posting about your trip until you return, or set your social media accounts to private.
Don't announce your departure on your front door or mailbox, as this can be a clear indicator that you're away.
Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you're away, and consider investing in a smart doorbell with a camera to monitor any activity.
Double-check your locks before you leave the house, making sure every door and window is securely locked to prevent unwanted visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Houses Do Burglars Avoid?
You'll be relieved to know that burglars tend to avoid houses with visible security cameras, smart doorbells, and motion-sensitive outdoor lighting, as these features increase the risk of being caught and identified.
How to Stop Burglars From Targeting Your Home?
To stop burglars from targeting your home, you should prioritize locking doors and windows, trimming bushes, and avoiding social media posts that reveal your absence.
What Are the Weak Spots in Home Security?
You need to identify your home's weak spots, which often include unsecured doors and windows, hidden spare keys, and ineffective security devices, making it easy for burglars to exploit these vulnerabilities and break in.
How to Make Your Home Burglar Proof?
To make your home burglar-proof, you'll want to combine multiple security measures, such as installing cameras and smart locks, keeping landscaping trimmed, and posting security signs, to create a robust defense system that deters potential intruders.
