7 tips for preventing burglary: the most common threat to our homes

 
Preventing burglary should be a top priority for all of us. According to the FBI, home burglaries are the most common threat to our homes in the U.S. In fact, statistics show that a home burglary occurs every 13 seconds, the majority in July and August when homeowners are on their summer vacations.
Preventing unwanted intruders from breaking into your home does not require that you turn your property into Fort Knox. Just follow these 7 tips to make your home less vulnerable to burglars while you are away:
1. Install dead-bolt window and door locks. They make it more difficult for someone to break in. Use a heavy-duty deadbolt with a one -inch throw bolt.
2. Homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into. Burglars will usually bypass a home that they believe has a sophisticated alarm system. If that doesn’t deter them, an alarm is the best way to alert emergency personal that there’s a problem.
3. Most breaks-ins occur through front or back doors. Keep outside doors locked! In the summer months, windows are the most common point of entry. Make sure you close and lock all windows before leaving for vacation.
4. Keep your computers off and the Internet disconnected. If someone does break in they won’t be able to access your information and cause more damage.
5. Don’t give burglars the tools to break into your home. Put ladders, crowbars and anything else a burglar could use to break a window in a locked shed.
6. Use timers to make your home appear occupied. Put a timer on the TV as well as the lights. Nothing says you’re home like the flickering lights of a TV. Exterior lighting is also important.
7. Install a security camera. Not only will this prevent burglars and help police catch a suspect, but they will add value to your home when you decide to sell. You can also monitor other activity in your home with security cameras from Nanny cams to child and pet surveillance.
I know how important it is to feel safe and by following these simple tips, you’ll be taking major steps toward preventing burglary. Please feel free to call me at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com to discuss your home security system. If you are looking to buy or sell in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of the surrounding communities in Santa Barbara, be sure to check out my website and like me on Facebook.