While it may be an uncomfortable topic to broach, all homeowners should be aware of and understand the risks of burglary in their neighborhood. To be sure, burglary is relatively common in the state of Texas, with over 30,000 reported burglaries taking place statewide in 2014. Sadly, many of these happened in Dallas-Fort Worth and the many surrounding suburbs.
But no matter where you live, there are certain tactics you can employ that will help prevent burglars from entering your home, and that may even make them think twice about even attempting to break in. Consider these three simple things burglars don’t want you to know that will help keep you and your home safe from intruders.
1. Make the House Look Occupied
One of the best ways to deter potential burglars from breaking and entering into your home is by making it look as if it is occupied at all times. In reality, it is unlikely that a burglar would be interested in targeting a home with a family inside; instead, he or she may look for another house that looks uninhabited.
How can you make your home look alive, even when you’re gone? Consider leaving one or two lights on when you leave the house, or utilize an automatic timer that turns on lights when it gets dark. And if you plan on leaving for longer periods of time, have friends or neighbors pick up your mail and newspapers each day, as well.
2. Ditch the Old Locks – and Install a Deadbolt
If a burglar does decide to target your home, one simple way to stop him or her from getting in is by ensuring that all of the doors to the outside can be locked with deadbolts. Many modern burglars are aided by the existence of pushbutton locks on doorknobs; it is much easier to enter a home installed with these, even without a key. By installing a deadbolt on all of your doors, you may, in fact, help the burglar decide that he or she should try elsewhere.
3. Install a Security System
Finally, even the most daring burglars may not turn away from an occupied home with a deadbolt on the door. And in this scenario, it is imperative that you have a security system installed by a skilled locksmith. A number of security systems for your home, including smart home features, video surveillance, and even alarm monitoring, can keep you notified of any illegal entry, and will alert law enforcement as well if your home is being burglarized. This is truly a necessity for those residents who wish to protect the valuables in their house.
By following these few simple tips, you can help ensure that burglars won’t target your home. Contact a professional at A-1 Locksmith today; we are prepared to assist you do everything necessary to protect both your house and your family within.
