Is Your Home Being Targeted For Burglary?

Crime Stats, Homeowner Tips

Many burglars are smarter than you’d think. In fact, there are articles that feature career burglars giving homeowners advice to avoid being a target in the future.

While that information is in another article, below will feature ways you can spot when your home has become a target, and what you can do to prevent an intrusion.

 

1. Do you see a questionable car parked near your home that you know doesn’t belong to your neighbors or anyone visiting?

What to do:
  • Use security cameras to keep an eye on traffic near your home to identify patterns and unusual behavior.  Statistics show a criminal will most likely pass up your home if a camera is visible.  They simply don’t want to get caught on video.
  • Take notes:  vehicle description, time of day, etc.
  • Talk to your neighbors.
  • Alert the police.

 

2. Do you notice strangers walking past your home more often?  Do they appear to be lingering or scoping out the house and property?  While not everyone that walk the neighborhood is a potential criminal, strange, unusual behavior could be suspect.

What to do:
  • Use your security cameras to video foot traffic around your home. Again, place cameras where people can see them because they help deter criminals.
  • Talk to your neighbors.

 

3. Do you see strangers going door to door from a “legitimate business or government agency”?  Crafty burglars use this as a way to gain access to the home, discover your habits, ask questions about what systems you have in the house, see if there’s a dog, etc.

What to do:
  • Never let anyone in your house that doesn’t have an appointment that you’ve confirmed previously.  Not only is it a personal safety risk but it gives the stranger a chance to scope out your home for a future break-in.
  • Ask for a business card and references.  Call the business or references to ensure the person is legitimate.
  • You aren’t obligated to open your door to a stranger.  A better solution is to answer the door through your video doorbell.  You can have a full conversation (and video it) from your kitchen or across town.

When it comes to protecting your home and family from danger, it’s always a good idea to be extra careful.  While not every stranger you see is a threat, suspicious behavior can be a cause for concern.  By being vigilant, and maybe a little paranoid, you can help deter potential break-ins.

For maximum protection, install a security system and integrate security cameras.  Learn more here.