What Are Your Home’s Security Vulnerabilities? 

Most of us consider our home as a respite from the rest of the world. A place where we are safe and secure from all the craziness that the world has to offer. Sadly, all too often, this is not the reality that many of us live in. 

According to statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation there are 2.5 million burglaries annually in the United States! Every 15 seconds a home burglary occurs in the United States and the vast majority of them include forcible entry. In 2019, the FBI reported a total of 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, compared with 379.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people.  

Even more startling statistic is that ​​homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into and burglarized. 

Thankfully, there are some ways that homeowners can reduce the level of vulnerability that their home and property has. Investing in a home security system is one such tactic, but here are a few more that can make your home more secure. 

Hiding Spare Keys

Homeowners should do everything in their power to deter a burglar from entering their property. 

This includes NOT hiding the key in an obvious location such as under a planter, the front entryway mat or in a key hider. These locations are all on the top of the burglars list of places to look when they want to gain access to your property. 

In fact, if a criminal really wants to find these hide-a-key locations, all they need to do is watch your family a time or two get into the home. Your actions will show them exactly where to look. 

Instead of using a key hider, consider smart home technology that uses other methods such as a smart lock or a keypad with an easily changeable key sequence. 

Lack of Lighting 

Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. The cover of darkness is one of a burglar’s favorite times to attempt an entry into a home. Not only do the lights inside give an indication as to whether a family is home, but the lack of lighting outdoors can give a perfect cover for someone who is attempting a break-in. 

Well-placed lighting is the obvious solution to illuminate your yard and the interior of your home. Instead of choosing timer lights or outdoor lighting that is static, choose motion sensor lights that come on when they sense a person is entering the area. Motion sensors may be able to surprise a prowler and bring attention to an area. 

Pet Doors & Garage Doors

New technology that allows your pet to come and go as he/she pleases is great for convenience sake. However, if someone with malicious intent is able to gain access to your dog’s collar, they may also be able to use your doggy door to gain access to your home. 

The same thing goes for garage doors. If you leave your garage door opener in your unlocked car, you are basically inviting a prowler to enter your garage. Not many homeowners think to lock the door in the garage that allows entrance to the home if the garage door is already down. 

Window Vulnerability 

As we are heading toward warmer weather when windows and doors may be kept open throughout the day, be sure to realize that these access points to your home should be closed when you are not home. 

Additionally, take some time this spring to trim down those shrubs and bushes that may be blocking your windows and giving a burglar a good cover for an access point. 

For more ideas on how to make your home less attractive to criminals check out our recent blogs giving detailed tips to safeguard your home and business.