A Tale of Two Houses: Securing a Safe Home

A TALE OF TWO HOUSES SECURING A SAFE HOME Protecting your home is a critical investment. There are over two million burglaries every year in the U.S., and many of the victims fall prey to the same mistakes. How can you crime-proof your home? Take a look at this side-by-side comparison of two houses: one secure and the other burglar-friendly. 2/3: Reported U.S. burglaries involving forced entry (breaking windows, doors, etc.) 1/3: Unforced entry (unlocked doors/windows) #2: Burglary is the second most common serious 10 AM- 3 PM: The most common time frame for home burglaries to occur. (breaking windows, doors, etc.) crime in the U.S. BURGLAR FRIENDLY OPEN WINDOWS NO BLINDS OR CURTAINS PROVIDES CLEAR VIEW WELCOME SIGN FOR BURGLARS, ESPECIALLY IN CONCEALED SPOTS OF VALUABLES AND OCCUPANCY. OVERGROWN SHRUBBERY PROVIDES HIDING PLACES FOR BURGLARS. KEEP DOORS AND WINDOWS VISIBLE. NEWSPAPERS & FLYERS PILED UP TELL-TALE SIGN THAT YOU ARE ON LADDER VACATION. CAN BE USED TO CLIMB SPARE KEY UNDER FLOWER POT INTO SECOND STORY. BURGLARS KNOW COMMON HIDING SPOTS. GIVE SPARE TO A TRUSTED NEIGHBOR UNLOCKED MAIL BOX STOLEN MAIL IS COMMON CAUSE OF IDENTITY THEFT. UNLOCKED GARAGE DOOR PROVIDES ENTRY POINT TO HOUSE. OLD GATE EASY ACCESS FOR BURGLARS TO GET INTO YARD. TALL GRASS ANOTHER TELL-TALE SIGN THAT YOU ARE OUT OF TOWN. CRIME-PROOFED EXTERIOR LIGHTING KEEP DRIVEWAY, WALKWAYS, AND PERIMETER OF HOUSE WELL-LIT. HOME SECURITY SYSTEM DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS 93% OF BURGLARS SAY MORE DIFFICULT TO THEY AVOID HOUSES WITH VISIBLE SECURITY/ BREAK OR PRY OPEN. SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS. DOWEL RODS WARNING SIGNS FIT A WOODEN OR METAL ROD INTO THE TRACK OF A SLIDING MOTION SENSOR LIGHTS PROMINENT NEIGHBOR- HOOD WATCH, BEWARE OF DOG, AND SECURITY SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS DOOR OR WINDOW. DRAW ATTENTION TO MOVEMENT. BOTH INTERIOR AND SYSTEM SIGNS. EXTERIOR HD CAMERAS ARE MAJOR DETERRENT TO BURGLARS. TV LIGHT FAKETV SIMULATES THE FLICKERING LIGHT AND MOVEMENT OFA TV. LIGHTS ON TIMERS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT WHEN ON VACATION AND DURING SHORT WINTER DAYS. SINGLE- CYLINDER DEADBOLTS ENSURE ALL DOORS ARE EQUIPPED WITH DEADBOLT LOCKS. GRAVEL DRIVEWAY NOISE DRAWS ATTENTION TO PRESENCE SAFE OF VISITORS. MANICURED LANDSCAPING PROTECT JEWELRY AND DOGS VALUABLES IN A MAKES IT CLEAR BURGLARY-RATED SAFE. MAN'S BEST FRIEND IS EQUAL TO A HUMAN PRESENCE IN THE EYES OF WOULD-BE BURGLARS. SOMEONE IS HOME AND CARING FOR PROPERTY OTHER TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND • Have a trusted neighbor: They can keep your spare keys, check your mail, and keep an eye on your house when you're out of town. • Don't broadcast on social media: Posting about vacations and events opens a window of opportunity for burglars to strike. Keep doors and windows locked: Seems like common sense, but the average burglary only takes 8-12 minutes. Even a trip to the store is enough time for a burglar to get in and out. By avoiding common security mistakes and taking steps to crime-proof your home, you'll have peace of mind and ensure that your safe place remains safe. Sources http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/property-crime/burglarymain http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/e07021611.pdf http://www.businessinsider.com/crime-proofing-tips-2012-7# http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/safety/10-ways-to-crime-proof-your-house.htm#page=0 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/9628512/How-to-burglar-proof-your-home-tips-from-an-ex-thief.html?frame=2376915 http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/10/31/confessions-of-a-reformed-burglar-how-to-keep-your-house-safe/ Qsee .......