Protecting Your Home
By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when you are not at home. However, becoming a burglary victim can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated. To avoid becoming a burglary victim, it is important to first gain an understanding of who commits this crime and why.
The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. Burglaries are committed most often by young males under 25 years of age looking for items that are small, expensive and can easily be converted to cash. Favorite items are cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, VCRs, video players, CDs and other small electronic devices.
About 64 percent of all burglaries require forcing a door or window to gain entry, but their preference is to gain easy access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars and small hammers are most often used by burglars.
Most houses and apartments are protected by simple and relatively ineffective door and window locks. Modern hardware is available for these locks which will stop the amateur and slow up the experienced burglar. In communities of every size, the number of burglaries and the financial loss to the victims point to the continued need for vigilance.
Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process. The burglar's selection process is simple - choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover and with the best escape routes. Target hardening, or protecting vulnerable areas of your home and property by means of physical security devices, is an excellent starting point for reducing the likelihood that your house or apartment will be burglarized.
Learn more about how you can minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.
No Cost Security Survey
A Crime Prevention Specialist will come to your business, home or apartment to conduct a security survey at no cost. Areas covered include lighting, landscaping, locks, alarms, and much more. The Crime Prevention Specialist can then offer valuable suggestions on how to decrease your chances of becoming a victim of burglary or robbery. Schedule your survey today by calling 864-467-5147.