What Professional Burglars Don’t Want You to Know
Did you know that home burglaries occur every 20 seconds in the United States? Almost all home burglars have patterns, so they know how to look for an easy target and rob as fast as possible. Learn from the pros to keep you and your home safe.
Tip #1 - Nighttime Burglaries Are For The Weak
The very last thing that a burglar wants is to run into someone at the home they are breaking into. This is why burglars typically break into homes during the day. And more-so, during weekdays when children are at school and parents are at work. The most popular times that break-ins happen are between the hours of 12:30pm-2:30pm.
Tip #2 - Thanks A Lot Social Media
Criminals are known to scout the internet for public social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you are away from your home or on vacation, wait to share any photos and check-ins until you are back at home. Social media has made finding anyone’s address and information extremely easy. According to a survey conducted in an RIS Media article, “more than 10 percent of convicted burglars say they used social media to determine who was out of town.”
Just one more note…even if all of your accounts are private, that neighbor down the block or someone you may be friends with could be a potential burglar. Never post when you will be out of the house.
Tip #3 - Burglars Hate Your Security Practices
We might be stating the obvious with this one, but burglars really dislike home security and alarm systems. RIS Media states, “Homes without a security system are almost 300 percent more likely to be targeted for a break-in.” If you do plan on purchasing a system, use a strong code that one could not easily guess. AKA, no birthdays, house numbers, etc. And if the numbers start to wear and get dirty, consider this your warning to invest in a new one.
If you are unsure whether you want to purchase an alarm system, try using tricks that make it look like you are home. Keeping the lights on, getting motion sensor lighting, timed lighting, keeping TVs on, and even keeping the car parked in the driveway are all fairly inexpensive ways to avoid a break-in.
Tip #4 - Landscaping Is A Great Hiding Spot
Bushes, trees, and other big landscaping plants can be the perfect spot for a burglar to hide. If you want these types of plants, keep them trimmed and plant them near the windows. Choosing cactus, roses, or other thorny plants are ideal since they will detract a robber. Also, double-check that you really want that big fountain, fences, or other large features. These can give burglars places to hide and time to figure out how they will rob you.
Tip #5 - Stash Your Valuables
Hide your most expensive items far out of site from any windows. Leaving jewelry, electronics, or even a nice car in the garage window will attract robbers. Also, hide those key hooks that have labels on them and place calendars out of window view. You are basically inviting a break-in by detailing where and when you will be out of the house.
We hope these tips can help you and your family protect your property from break-ins. If you have any questions or more tips to add to this list, please reach out and let us know!
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