Identify Home Security Risks

Burglars are after high value items that are easy to remove from the home. Computers, cash, jewelry, cameras are all favorites. Avoid having items like this visible from the outside of your home, don't leave them in view and when you are not home get in the habit of closing the blinds or drapes when you leave the house. As the old saying goes "out of sight - out of mind". If you have not had your home broken into, consider yourself fortunate. The statistics are not in your favor. If you have had your home broken into you are fully aware of the feeling of being violated, it makes you literally sick to your stomach. Either way, it doesn't have to happen wither once or again. You can create a plan to better guard your home, even though no security system is foolproof, if you take sufficient precautions you can at least dissuade all but the most determined criminal.

 Most home break in's are done by amateurs simply taking advantage of easy pickings. Your first step in guarding your property is to know it well. Survey your property looking for the obvious risks or those that stand out. Look for things like a broken window or windows that are easy to enter and have been left unlocked. Have a good hard look outside your home. Are there areas in which a person can hide, especially near the windows? When a potential thief has time to break in he often can, regardless of the home security system you have. If you have areas like this then either trim the foliage or put additional security measures in place such as a window grille.

Fencing your yard will help in deterring a criminal, however a privacy fence gives just as much privacy to the burglar as it does to you. There are neighborhoods, no matter how nice, that are more prone to break in's than others. If your home backs on to a woods or a ravine or is close to a subway station, you are an easier target. Having a corner lot is riskier than having a lot with only one frontage as there is more space for the thief to escape. Being aware of your surroundings is often the best security. Get to know your neighbors, get involved with a neighborhood watch and call a recognized home alarm company to assist you with your analysis.