Burglars tend not to just burgle any property. Their targets are often carefully chosen – security weaknesses and evidence of valuables to steal are often two things that burglars look out for. To make sure that you’re not advertising your home to burglars, here are five things that you may want to fix.
Valuables on display
Showing off your valuables is likely to attract burglars. Make sure that passers-by aren’t able to peek into your home. Blinds or net curtains could be a way of distorting the view through windows, while still allowing you to let light into your home. This could be essential for ground floor windows – especially those at the front of your home.
On top of valuable inside your home, make sure that there aren’t any valuables on display outside your home. You don’t want a burglar peeking over a fence and seeing that you’ve got an expensive barbecue or lawnmower on display.
Visibly worn windows/doors
A burglar may try to break in through any windows or doors that are visibly old or damaged. Consider whether you could benefit from upgrading any of your window frames or doors. Being able to lock a window or door from the inside could be a useful feature.
No exterior lighting
Exterior lighting can help to illuminate your home at night when someone approaches. This can alert you of when a stranger is near and could also make it hard for a burglar to break in after dark without being seen. A Lepro LED security light could be one option to consider. Installing a light that is motion-sensing will save your money compared to a light that is permanently on at night.
High hedges
High hedges at the front of your home could allow a burglar to break in without being seen by neighbours or passers-by. Consider trimming down any high hedges that could provide a hiding place for thieves. You’ll have less privacy, but it will make your home less of a potential target for burglars.
Revealing social media posts
Many burglars are now using social media to help them select their victims. Showing off pictures of your valuables, sharing address details and posting live holiday snaps could put you at risk of getting burgled – you’ve just advertised what loot there is to steal, told burglars your address and told them that you’re away from home.
You’re less likely to get targeted if you change your privacy settings so that only friends can view your content. After this, make sure to only accept friend requests from people you know and trust – don’t accept requests from strangers, as these may be burglars phishing for private information. This Carleton guide to staying secure online could be worth a read.
Have you been victims of burglars in the past? How have you made sure your home is safer?
This is a collaborative post
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