Doing a Burglar Walk-Around

Part of making sure that your home is safe from a home invasion is choosing a good home security system. With the right home security system installed, any potential burglar in his right mind is going to approach your home and then just move on to the next one. Burglars don’t want to have to overcome a home security system; they want to get in and get out fast.

If you want to make sure your home is fully protected, you need to think a little bit like a burglar. Take a walk around and through your home, with the following things in mind:

• Look for places to hide. Can a burglar stand on your front stoop and be hidden from the road? That’s not a good thing. Consider changing some of your landscaping around to allow for a clear view of doors and windows.
• Look for things to steal. Can burglars see into that big picture window in your living room and tell that you’ve got thousands of dollars in high-end stereo equipment? Consider moving valuables away from view, or keeping the curtains closed.
• Test your doors and windows. Are the doors and windows stable? If a burglar can easily kick your door in, a deadbolt doesn’t do you much good. Consider prying gently on your windows and doors using a screwdriver. Don’t do it too hard; you’re just feeling to see if they have any give at all. If so, identify and fix those weak spots.
• Walk down your street. Compare your house and yard with those of your neighbors. Are there things that would entice a burglar? Are there things in your neighbors’ yards that will cause the burglar to pass by? Do everything you can to make your home unattractive to a burglar (without making it unattractive overall, of course).
• Look for visible signs of your security system. While a sticker in the window that says your home is protected doesn’t necessarily keep out burglars, it doesn’t hurt. As a matter of fact, having visible security systems in place will reduce some of those crimes of opportunity. Don’t rely on fake cameras or stickers, but do make sure the burglar knows he’s being watched.

At HSS Net, Madison Parker has been researching and evaluating home security companies and their products as well as analyzing hundreds of videos and documents from actual robberies. Her advice and findings are a great way to understand the ways in which you can improve the safety of your home.