In “Protecting Your Home From Burglars Part One” I addressed simple ways you could protect yourself from thieves. Most of them dealt with the installation of locks and other safety devices. This blog will offer ways to discourage burglars from choosing your home as their next target. Sure, sturdy doors and expensive locks will help keep burglars out, but ideally you don’t want them to even get that far.
Here are some ideas:
· Maintain your trees and shrubs. Trim any shrubbery that blocks doors or windows. Also, cut tree limbs that could help a thief climb into windows.
· At night illuminate porches, entrances and yards. You may want to consider timers that turn on outside lights, or install motion detectors.
· Store ladders and tools inside your locked garage, basement, or storage shed when you’re not using them. There is nothing more heartbreaking than to find that a thief used your ladder to break into your home.
· Make sure your house number is clearly displayed on your home or mailbox so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
· Put lights, radios, or TVs on timers to create the illusion that someone is at home when you are out. Also, leave shades, blinds and curtains in normal positions.
Remember, burglars can take more than just your property. Things may go from bad to worse if you walk in on a thief. If you have been gone from home for an extended period of time, prior to entering your home take a quick walk around your property. If you see a screen that has been cut, a broken window, or a door that’s been left open, don’t go in. Call the police from a neighbor’s house or your cell phone. Likewise, if you hear a noise that sounds like someone breaking in or moving around, call the police from outside. If you are already inside and you can leave safely, do so.