Having one’s home penetrated by uninvited and unwanted intruders is a valid concern for many of us. We all want to believe our home is safe from burglars and other people with bad intentions, but people who have actually had this unpleasant experience often say that it is far worse than what one might expect.
The first emotion they feel is a sudden awareness that their home was not as well protected as they thought. They are distraught that someone would violate the sanctity of their home. They thought they were safe in their home and suddenly discovered that they underestimated the probability that their home could be, or would be burglarized. This sudden insecurity is akin to feeling betrayed. Once past that point, they also face the reality of loss. This is especially painful when the intruders damage the property and abscond with valuables, cherished keepsakes, and often cash.
In this digital age, vast amounts of information about your property appear on Google Earth Street View and real estate websites such as Zillow and Realtor.com, often accompanied by detailed photos of the inside of the house. This is almost like handing bank robbers the blueprints to the vault as a great deal of information can be obtained by those planning illicit entry into a property. Photos of the inside of the house can indicate what kind of security system the house has, as well as the presence of deadbolts on the doors, locks on the windows, and the location of cameras. Exterior photos on Google Earth can point out the most vulnerable place for a criminal to enter your house without being seen.
Some people, as illustrated in this video, take steps to have the image of their house blurred out on Street View.
While effective at concealing the home’s exterior, this step comes with some disadvantages. It may attract attention. A would-be burglar doing online research on your neighborhood might believe the owner has something significant to hide. Once blurred on Google Earth, it can never be changed—even if the house is sold. It does not stop Realtor.com or Zillow from displaying a high-definition picture of your residence online.
So, what can you do to make it more difficult for someone to invade your space? Discouraging burglars involves a combination of physical security measures, smart technology, and strategic behaviors to make your home less appealing as a target. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
1. Strengthen Physical Security
- Secure Doors and Windows:
- Install deadbolts on doors and locks on windows.
- Use reinforced door frames and shatter-resistant film on glass.
- Install Security Bars or Grilles:
- Particularly useful for basement or ground-level windows.
2. Use Outdoor Lighting
- Motion-Activated Lights:
- Install motion-sensor lights near entry points and around your property to startle intruders.
- Maintain General Illumination:
- Keep your home’s exterior well-lit to reduce hiding spots.
3. Invest in a Home Security System
- Alarm System:
- Use a monitored alarm system that alerts authorities or your phone.
- Security Cameras:
- Place visible cameras around entry points; surveillance often deters burglars. Use a security system app to monitor when you are away from home.
- Video Doorbells:
- Allows you to monitor and communicate with visitors, even when away.
4. Maintain a Lived-In Appearance
- Timers for Lights and Electronics:
- Use timers to simulate activity when you’re away.
- Collect Mail and Packages:
- Arrange for someone to pick up deliveries or hold your mail to avoid signs of an unoccupied home.
5. Use Warning Signs
- Security Signs:
- Display signs or stickers indicating that your home is monitored, even if you don’t have an active system.
- Beware of Dog Signs:
- Even without a dog, these signs can make burglars think twice.
6. Build Relationships with Neighbors
- Neighborhood Watch:
- Join or start a local watch group.
- Watchful Neighbors:
- Build trust so neighbors can keep an eye on your property when you’re away.
7. Secure Valuables
- Keep Valuables Hidden:
- Avoid leaving expensive items visible from windows.
- Use a Safe:
- Store cash, jewelry, and important documents in a bolted-down safe.
By combining these strategies, you can create layers of security that significantly reduce the likelihood of a burglary.
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