According to the Burglary Prevention Council, summertime is peak season for house thefts. A home burglary occurs approximately every 15 seconds in the United States with $1,600 being the average amount of dollar loss. Almost 66% of all burglaries are residential with 62% occur between 9 am and 3 pm when no one is home. There’s a breakdown to where break-ins most often happen with 34% of break-ins occurring at the front door. The best step to take is the installation of a solid, pick-resistant deadbolt lock on solid wood or metal door. Make sure it’s always locked, even when you’re home and keep an entry light on a timer to throw thieves off as to when you’re home and when you’re not. Next, 23% happen through first-floor windows. Sash locks are great, but add a security system for more protection. 22% are side-entry break-ins. Sliding glass doors need to have a solid metal jammer that folds up when it’s not being used to prevent from being lifted off the tracks. 9% of break-ins occur through the garage. For extra protection install a side-mounted indoor lock. This will add extra protection if a burglar bypasses your electronic-garage-door opener. 4% of break-ins are through basements so use motion-activated security lights around ground-level windows or entrance because lights make it hard for thieves to hide. Finally, 2% of break-ins occur on the-second floor. Don’t forget about the higher windows, they’re harder to get in unseen but should still have sash locks.
Tips to Prevent Break-Ins & Deter Burglars
1. Keep drapes closed to make sure thieves don’t take an inventory of your belongings and figure out how your home is laid out.
2. Don’t make access into your home easier by storing ladders, tools and any other objects to make it easier Keep these items in a locked shed or in the garage.
3. Don’t leave your garage door open unless it needs to be and make sure the door release cord is kept away from any windows.
4. If the keypads on entry pads are showing wear and tear, replace them. The uneven wear might allow criminals to figure out the code or change the codes periodically to prevent wear.
5. Do not discuss vacation plans in public. This allows criminals to know you’ll be away.
6. Keep all your important papers in a lock box and keep it stored in a hidden area of the home. Basements reduce the risk of heat damage from a fire.
7. Use a secure wireless network at home. Cyber criminals will use information to access personal information.
8. Papers need to be shredded before they are thrown out and destroy hard drives when you’re done with them.
9. Breakdown boxes of high end purchases. These boxes let thieves know you’ve just made a big purchase.
10. If you have pet doors make sure they have locks on them to prevent an entry point for thieves.
Home Locksmith Security Services & More in Killeen, Austin, San Antonio, Round Rock, San Marcos, Frisco, New Braunfels & Houston Texas
Private homes with high security locks and other measures are less likely to be broken into. Home security systems are a great way to deter criminals with noise or an automatic signal to the police. Contact Texan Lock & Key for lots of ways to keep your home safe from break-ins. Give us a call today!
