Are you worried about becoming a victim of a burglar? That’s a completely valid fear, especially since so many burglaries can escalate and cause far more harm than just property damage. So, how do we protect ourselves and our homes? Well, a former burglar might have an answer…
Yes, you read this right! This article brings you safety tips from Richard Taylor, a reformed burglar. After all, who can give you better tips and insights than someone who has performed these crimes and is trying to make things right? (We can’t ignore what a great service this is, and a good way to make amends).
I happened to stumble upon this video by Anglian Home Improvements by chance, so check it out!
If you don’t have time to watch it, here are the key points plus a couple of tips from us!
Don’t Be An Easy Target
The first thing a burglar will look for is an easy entry point, so make sure to remove those. For example, if you have garbage cans or ladders on the side of your house, the burglar can use them to gain entry to your home. So, move the items out of sight.
Make Entry Points Visible
Hedges that obstruct the view at your front door are good for privacy, but they will also provide cover for a potential burglar. Keep the entry points (front and back door) of your house visible from the street, and it will discourage burglars from entering your home.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to collect mail from your mailbox—piled-up mail could signal to the burglars that the house is unoccupied.
Secure your Windows and Doors
Your Windows and doors should be properly shut and locked. If you have old windows and doors, think of replacing them, if possible. Yes, this can get expensive, but it will give you an additional layer of safety, as older windows and doors are easier to jimmy open.
Bonus tips: have a “Beware of the dog” sign somewhere visible, even if you don’t have a dog. If you’re a woman living alone, put a dirty pair of work boots outside. These little things can be pretty powerful deterrents for predators.
Modernize Your Alarm System
Do you have an alarm system? How old is it? Old and outdated alarm systems aren’t reliable, so make sure to keep your alarm system up to date (and visible). Keep your bill for your security system paid in full so there’s no service interruption.
Rethink Your Privacy Measures
Closed blinds are a great way to protect your privacy, especially at night. However, if you keep them closed too often, it can signal that there is no one at home—which is what burglars look for. Instead, install tinted or frosted glass. You will have the privacy that you need without making your house look abandoned.
Don’t Forget The Back of Your House
The back of the house is less visible and often forgotten…but not by burglars. Make sure that the entry points at the back of your house (gate doors, back doors, etc.) are locked and secured, and install the security lights.
Check Your Doors
Are there any weak spots in your door? Burglars could exploit these weak spots, so make sure to fix them. Instead of regular glass, use shatter-proof glass on your door, as it is obviously much harder to break.
Use Noise-Making Barriers
Is your driveway made of concrete/asphalt or covered in gravel? While concrete is more aesthetically pleasing, gravel has one huge advantage: it makes noise when someone is walking over it. Burglars want to make as little noise as possible, and your gravel driveway will make it hard for them to be covert.
Protect Vulnerable Areas
Finally, are there any other vulnerable areas of your home? For example, unlocked doors, open windows, exposed valuables? Address those vulnerabilities and keep your valuables out of sight. Do a walkthrough of your home using the eyes of a predator, look for areas of concern. Then take action to avoid becoming a statistic.
Also, if you live alone, these 9 tips will keep you safe from burglaries and other intrusions.
Be aware, and stay safe!
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