Did you know that according to the FBI, the total stolen property value in the U.S. during 2022 was estimated at $463,576,405,747, and most home invasions happened during the day?
After a long day at work, the last thing you want to think about is someone breaking into your house. You get stressed out every time you even hear about a break in, and you can’t stop thinking, what if it had been my house?
Of course, you want to feel safe in your home. Thankfully, Next Generation Security Concepts is here to protect you. We would love to chat with you about the importance of preventing home invasions and show you how to secure your home and keep your family safe.
Types of Common Home Break Ins
Forced Entry
Have you ever heard a loud crash within your home? You grab the nearest item—maybe it’s a hairdryer or candlestick—and tiptoe out of the room. Your heart is racing and you’re about to scream when you realize the cat has knocked a pot off of the counter. You smile and shake your head, realizing how ridiculous you look wielding a hairdryer as a weapon. But what if it had been an intruder? It’s a frightening thought, but forced entry break ins happen more often than you might think.
Burglars often look for homes that have flimsy doors or fragile windows—after all, they’re easy to get into. In fact, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors reports that 34% enter through the front door, and 23% enter through a first-floor window. Thankfully, you can take steps to make your home less appealing. Strengthening your home’s entry points and investing in high-quality locks and deadbolts can help you reduce the risk of being a thief’s next victim.
Unlocked Doors and Windows
If you don’t lock your doors and windows, burglars don’t even have to break in; with nothing to stop them, it’s an open invitation just waiting to be exploited. Remember, even if you’re rushing out the door, it’s still important to take the time to lock up. However, these easy-to-implement security measures frequently slip people’s minds.
From house keys left under a doormat to the unlocked basement windows, those who want to steal from you are always looking for an easy way in. Simply making it a habit to double-check that all your doors and windows are securely locked before leaving the house or going to bed can ensure a burglar moves right along.
Garage Break Ins
Many people overlook how important it is to secure their garage doors. An unlocked garage may make it easier for you to park your car, but it’s also another way to make your home vulnerable. Luckily, you can effectively fortify your garage with a few simple steps, and we can show you how.
First, make sure to keep your garage doors locked. If your garage is attached to your house and has a door leading inside, it’s a good idea to consider using a smart lock on that door. It’s bad enough when a thief gets into your garage, but you want to make absolutely certain they can’t get inside your house. Next, you might want to invest in a reinforced door and install motion-activated lights in your garage. Finally, keep your garage door opener somewhere safe and out of sight.
Installing a Home Security Camera System
Consider preventing home break ins by investing in a good home security camera system. These often use motion detectors to activate video cameras. Just seeing a visible security camera or a sign saying the home is being monitored dissuades most would-be burglars. However, if someone does break in, these systems give you valuable evidence. Designed to protect your home 24 hours a day, cameras can be synched with your cell phone or other wireless devices and let you see who’s standing on your doorstep, whether you’re home or not.
Outdoor Lighting
You can easily boost your home’s security by installing outdoor lighting. This makes it harder for someone to hide in the bushes and less likely to lurk in the shadows because they know it increases the chances that they’ll be spotted. You should also think about getting some motion-activated lights or strategically placing solar-powered lamps around your property to thwart any would-be intruders effectively. Bad actors are likely to panic and run away when they’re suddenly bathed in light!
Your Home’s Security
Just being proactive and learning how to properly secure your home means you’ll be able to sleep soundly, so take charge of your security today! If you have any questions or if you’d like any help protecting your home, we’re happy to help. Contact NGSC today and look forward to a safer lifestyle!
