POLICE BEAT--A HOME BURGLARY OCCURS EVERY 15 SECONDS--Here are some safety tips!

 

Did you know that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States? 

Be proactive--and don't wish you had done something after the fact. Many burglaries occur in neighborhoods, and in the daytime.

There are quick, simple steps you can take to make your home more secure right away including these easy home security tips you can use to make your home more secure.

The biggest deterrents to home invasions are as simple as locking doors and windows and installing a home security system. Although we often feel safe in our communities it is still important to be cautious and secure all possible entrances. 

--More than three quarters of burglars use social media to identify potential targets.

--Wifi networks must always be password protected to prevent outsiders from accessing private information and connected home security devices.

--You can protect your most valuable possessions by hiding brand and product names from boxes you put on the curb. Better yet, breakdown your boxes and recycle them. That keeps them out of sight of burglars. 

--Secure garages and sheds and use a safe for valuables.

--Install motion detector lighting, it can deter burglars. 

--Some research has shown that motion detectors deter burglars thanks to their sudden onset and possibility of alerting neighbors to suspicious activity, especially when those neighbors know you’re away and wouldn’t be triggering the lights yourself. Motion detector lights are easy to install and extremely affordable (as low as $10-$15), so we think they’re worth installing to add an extra layer of safety to your home’s exterior areas.

--Picking your locks is something most burglars will know how to do. To be extra secure add a deadbolt protector which slides a lock over your deadbolt to prevent it from turning. You can find them at most hardware stores.

--Sliding doors on patios and decks are more vulnerable than your main front door. The locks are easier to pick, and even just an extra hard pull can get through many locks. It’s best to add some extra security to your sliding doors. This can be as simple as laying a bar, broomstick, or piece of plywood in the door track, but many homeowners prefer a more sophisticated method. In that case, you can buy locks that fit onto the bottom or top of the door to add extra protection.

--Home security cameras are a great idea. Cameras can deter burglars. Many homeowners also enjoy the added day-to-day feeling of security that home cameras can provide. Products like the Ring and Google Nest Cam allow homeowners to check on their home while away and see a clear picture of visitors who knock on the front door before opening it.

--Where would you look to find someone's spare key? Under the mat, the mailbox, under a stone or flowerpot close to the door? These hiding places, so to speak, invite burglars to come on in! If you need to leave a key out, use a lockbox so no one else can access it. 

--Oversharing on social media makes your home more vulnerable. By posting photos of your home with the address plaque visible or sharing details of your upcoming extended vacation are invitations for burglars and increasing the risk of home invasion--78 % of buglers use Facebook and Twitter. Use caution when posting. If you want to share your vacation adventures, make a special group of trusted family and friends on Facebook and only post there. 

Be safe, keep your home safe and protect your possessions by following these simple suggestions.