The media in cooperation with public authorities have identified the biggest threat against a home to be that of a burglar. The authorities tell us that every 15 seconds a burglary occurs. By definition a burglary IS A “NON-CONFRONTATIONAL PROPERTY CRIME THAT OCCURS WHEN WE ARE NOT HOME”. Those that are victims of this “non-confrontational assault” are left feeling vulnerable and violated. All of us should avoid becoming a statistic.
The majority of burglaries occur when people are not at home. The majority of items that are stolen are small and easily converted to cash. Favorite items are jewelry, guns, lap top computers, DVD players and other small electronic devices. Statistics tell us that 70% of burglars use little force to gain entrance to a dwelling. Most burglars prefer to break into places that have easy access through the front door.
While these burglaries seem random they actually involve a selection process that includes the easiest access with the best escape routes. To protect yourself you should harden the possibilities of entrance into your home and access to your valuables. If your home looks difficult the burglar will most likely pass it up for the next guy.
Most burglars enter through the front door. Using high grade locks and security doors will deter a burglar from entering your home. The most common way to gain access through the front door is to kick it open. The weakest point is always the lock strike plate. The average door strike is secured only by a soft wood door jamb. These construction flaws make no sense.
To arm yourself against the strike of a burglar you should install a solidly constructed security door that consists of an enforced strike plate. This one preventive step will deter and possibly prevent most through the front door forced entries.
Additional security measures that will help assist in deterring a burglar are to lock your windows, properly secure all sliding doors, install proper lighting, utilize an alarm system, purchase a home safe, mark your possessions with clearly marked permanent identification and photograph and record serial numbers of all valuables.
While nothing will guarantee 100% that a burglar will not attempt to strike your home these vital but simple procedures and safety measures will greatly reduce the chance that you and your family will be a victim of a burglar.