Common Home Security Mistakes
Below are a few things we all do that make your homes and property easy marks for thieves. Make sure you are not guilty of committing any of them. If you are, for your own safety and for the security of your home and property, correct them immediately.
Hide-a-key
Many homeowners, afraid we will lose our keys and lock ourselves out, choose to hide a key somewhere on the property. We think we are being sneaky by placing the key under a rock, under a doormat, in a potted plant, or above the door. Not all burglars are dumb, they absolutely know about all these commonly used hiding places. Under no circumstances should we leave the key to our home where it can be found. If you frequently lose your keys or lock yourself out of the house, consider getting a fingerprint or keypad door lock for your front door.
Broken Locks
Some homeowners neglect to fix broken locks right away, putting the job off for tomorrow (or whenever they feel like it). It is important, however, to make sure all our doors and windows have strong modern locks that are in good repair. Don’t think that just because a window is on a second or third story that a burglar can’t figure out a way to get to it.
Burglar Alarms That Aren’t Turned On
A home security system is only useful when updated and activated. Test your alarm on a regular basis and check for any upgrades to the software. Also, don’t forget to turn it on when you leave home, even if you’re just planning to run an errand. A thief can utterly ransack your house in just a few minutes.
Landscaping
Though you may like the idea of privacy, ultimately your home will be more secure if neighbors can see into your front and back yard. Burglars love to hide behind bushes and shrubbery; don’t give them that save haven. Keep the foliage trimmed, especially around the house, and make sure all the outdoor lights are in good working order (even better, install motion or body heat-sensing outdoor lights).
Unlocked Storage Sheds
If you have a storage shed, make sure you keep it locked at all times. If you don’t, you’re potentially providing the thief free use of all your tools. Tools they can to get into your home. Also, make sure you don’t leave a ladder laying out in your yard anywhere. Someone could use this to gain access to the second-story windows.
Keys in the Car
It’s bad enough if you leave your car unlocked (you shouldn’t, even in the garage), but never leave a set of house keys in the car. If you do, a burglar who gains access to your car will then have access to your home.
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You can also visit us at www.xpressprotection.com for additional safety tips.
