6 Common Mistakes That Make Your House Prone to Burglary
Installing a security system is an effective way to deter burglars from your property. However, it’s not enough to make your house burglar-proof. Despite installing a security system, many people make mistakes that attract burglars like nothing else. Let’s take a look at some common mistakes that you should avoid at any cost if you don’t want to become a target.
1. Hiding Key at Obvious Places
It’s a common practice to hide a key of the front door under a doormat, under a plant pot or at other obvious places. Burglars have become smart and know all the places where homeowners can hide a spare key. You can give the key to trusted neighbors instead of hiding it or get an electronic lock box to keep the spare key of your house.
2. Leaving a Ladder Out
Your house may become the easiest target for burglars if you often leave ladders or other tools in your backyard. If there’s a ladder leaning against the boundary of your house, why won’t a burglar use it to enter the premise? Similarly, if you leave your working tools in the open, burglars can use these to remove hinges of doors and enter your home easily.
3. Leaving Signs That Indicate You’re Away
Never let a burglar know that you’re going away from your house on a vacation. Newspapers piling up near your front door are the telltale signs that no one is home. If you want to go away for a few days, don’t forget to stop the delivery of newspapers. You can also ask your neighbors to pick up newspaper for you.
Not many people are aware of the benefits of programmable light timers. When going away from home, a majority of homeowners turn off the lights, making it easier for intruders to determine whether or not anyone is at home. Some homeowners make the mistake of leaving lights on for days. It allows burglars to easily find their way in.
4. Hidden Entrances
Hidden back doors, vents and basement windows are the major threats for your security. Since these entrances are hidden from neighbors, burglars can easily get into your house without getting caught. Close such hidden entrances to deter burglars. You can install security systems near these entrances to get alert if any intruder tries to enter your house.
5. Overgrown Plants
Overgrown plants provide a great hiding place to burglars. They can case your house without catching attention. Hedges around the garden maintain your privacy. However, they provide the burglars an opportunity to easily break into your house in your absence.
6. Turning Off Burglar Alarms
Never turn off burglar alarm even for a few minutes. All it takes for an intruder to break into your house is a minute or two. Burglars watch a house for a few days to get to know about the activities of occupants. If they find out there’s no one at home, they’ll jump at the opportunity. If the security system isn’t turned on, nothing will stop them from getting hold of expensive items.