Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Home Break-In

Feb 25, 2012
Mary King

How Can You Protect Your Home Against Intruders When You Can't Afford a Home Security Service? - Alan_Light

Despite the availability of home security systems, the number of home invasions is on the rise. Follow these homeowner tips to help prevent a home robbery.

The number of home robberies is still on the rise despite the availability and wide price range of home alarm systems. Desperate times call for desperate measures, meaning thieves aren't attracted only to cash, jewelry and typical valuables anymore. At a time when so many people have lost jobs, homes and savings, the new "valuables" could be anything from expensive electronics to pets, food, clothing, and even toys. Aside from investing in a costly alarm system, there are steps a homeowner can take to protect his home, family and property against a break-in.

How Can a Homeowner Protect Home and Property Against Thieves?

No home alarm system is completely full-proof, but those who can afford electronic security systems do rest easier and are less likely to become burglary victims. They feel secure knowing the authorities have automatically been alerted to the crime. As for their valuables, it's not likely a thief will get away with much, especially if he's foolish enough to enter the house with the alarm blaring and the cops on the way.

However, the same bad economy that forced some people to steal to survive and provide for their families has also prevented many homeowners from purchasing state-of-the-art protection, no matter how affordable it may be. When a paid home security company is out of the question, there are still some things that a homeowner can do to make his home less attractive to thieves:

Invest in door and window alarms purchased from a hardware or department store. Some models work by numeric code while others use a key to turn the alarm on and off. Prices range from twelve to twenty dollars, respectively. These alarms do make a loud shrill noise; they might scare off a burglar, but may not be loud enough to alert a neighbor.
Place a sturdy piece of wood against a sliding patio door frame so that the door won't open even when unlocked.
Make it hard for a thief to get into your house. Install quality dead-bolt locks that are resistant to "lock bumping" (Read more on this below). Use security window locks on all windows (in addition to the locks that came with the window). You can also choose a key-less entry system. (Good for family members who tend to lose their house key.)
Keep valuables away from windows where they can easily be seen or grabbed. Regardless of an alarm or lock, a thief needs only a few seconds to break a window and snatch a laptop, high-definition television or other valuable that's within easy reach.
Install a motion detector outside and/or inside your home. Outdoor types include floodlights that turn on when someone is detected close to the house. The only drawback is that larger animals (dogs, possums and raccoons) tend to set off the lights, too. They don't cost much, but an inside motion detector might be enough to scare off an intruder.
Keep garage doors closed, storage and work sheds locked. Thieves can sell power tools, gardening equipment, riding mowers and other such property.
Keep your cell phone charged and with you. Even if you have a bedside extension phone, it won't help you if a thief rips out the phone line to the main handset.
Keep trash confined, especially during the holidays and any gift-giving occasions. Boxes for expensive electronics, and wrappings for valuables that are left outside in full view, can tell a thief a lot about the home occupants.
Keep pets licensed and invest in a microchip that will help locate your beloved dog or cat should someone steal and try to sell him.

What is Lock Bumping?

Lock bumping is a method thieves use to get past a standard dead-bolt lock. How is lock bumping done? According to the website of the Kwikset lock company, "Lock Bumping uses the basic principles of physics by inserting a specially cut “bump-key” (also referred to as a 999 key) into the lock, then by using any type of object the key is then struck or “bumped”. The energy transferred from the impact forces the pins within the lock up above the shear line for a fraction of a second enabling the lock to be opened."

A few common-sense guidelines could keep you, your family and your property safe from a home break-in. Thieves don't always look for the classic valuables to steal; in fact, it's much easier to sell expensive plants, fancy patio furniture and brand-name lawn care equipment. Secure your home as best you can, even if you can only afford simple alarm devices. The action you take to thwart a home intruder could save your life or the life of someone you love.