HOW TO BURGULAR PROOF YOUR HOME

Taking steps to burglar proof your home can put your mind at ease and keep your home and valuables safe.  The experts at SpyPro Security Solutions have some helpful suggestions: 

1. Change the locks – Remember to change all the locks when you move into a new house. You never know who had access to the keys before you moved in. If you lose the keys to your house, you should also replace the locks for maximum home security.
2. Invest in a home security surveillance system – A surveillance system is a good line of defense to view the exterior of your home without actually putting yourself in harm’s way. Be sure to find out which system works best for your home and suits your budget. Keep in mind that they could also help reduce the cost of your home insurance.
3. Disguise your security code or password if it is written down anywhere and never keep it next to, or on the home security system.
4. Display warning signs that are clearly visible and say that your house is protected by a security system.
5. Conceal all wiring – Burglars often look for wiring around the exterior of a house and can cut it to disable a security system. Keep your home security wires hidden.Also, stop intruders from switching off and cutting into your power supplies to your electronic security systems by having a fitted lock on your meter box.
6. Do not hide your house keys outside where it can easily be seen or found. Ensure they are concealed in a safe place.
7. Install deadbolt locks – All exterior doors should have at least one inch thick dead bolt locks. Although more expensive than spring latch locks, dead bolts are much stronger and provide significantly more protection. When installing deadbolts, make sure to leave minimal space between the door and its frame, as a large space provides an opportunity for an intruder to pry the door apart.
8. Protect your windows – Burglars often gain entry into homes through windows. Protect these vulnerable areas with window locks and/or burglar-resistant glass.
9. Lock your windows – Any open windows, particularly at ground level, can encourage an opportunist break-in. You may think that high windows are safe to leave ajar, but don’t underestimate the commitment of the criminal. It’s possible that a flat roof, tree, porch or ledge could be used to gain entry at high access points. If leaving your home, always lock up before you leave.
10. Installing many small panes of glass instead of one large pane of glass is a good option. You can also easily beef up your windows by installing window security film.
11. Use metal bars on sliding doors – Any sliding glass doors, patio doors, or sliding windows should have a metal bar that is placed along the bottom track of the door or window. The metal bar will prevent a burglar from forcing the door or window open. An inexpensive alternative is a closet rod cut to fit into the track.
12. Don’t leave any clues to the treasures inside your home. For example, if you buy a new expensive item – like a laptop, don’t leave the empty packaging in your recycling for all to see. It could be very tempting for a burglar to discover that a new, expensive item is waiting in your home. Equally, don’t leave valuable items or cash in full view of windows and doors.
13. Hide valuables – Don’t leave your computer, cameras and other valuables in plain view. Keep them stored away and/or draw your blinds and drapes when you leave the house. No need to let potential burglars window shop. Best practice is to engrave or mark your valuables for easy identification and record their serial numbers where possible.
14. Keep your landscaping trimmed – Keep your bushes and landscaping trimmed and low around your home’s windows. Overgrown shrubs make great cover for burglars trying to monitor and break into your home.
15. Light up the entrance to your home – A smart way to keep thieves away is to utilise lighting at all entrances. Lighting with a motion sensor automatically turns on when someone is in a specific zone or area.
16. Landscaping lights are also helpful for illuminating your home after dark and can easily be installed.
17. Remove any outside ladders that can be used to access the roof or a second storey window and don’t store them in an unlocked garage or shed.
18. Trim or remove any tree limbs that hang over the roof, and remove lower branches from trees next to the home that can be climbed to access a roof or window.
19. A dog is a good way to move a burglar on to an easier target. It doesn’t have to be a guard dog or a big dog, but a dog that attracts attention to their activities. So a small yappy dog can be just as effective as having a Pitbull in the back garden.

When going away on holiday for an extended period of time:

1. Alert neighbours of your absence – Let a few trusted neighbours know of your travel plans so they can deal with any emergencies. A good neighbour will keep a closer eye out on your home. Perhaps they can park their car in your driveway if possible.
2. Give the appearance that your house is occupied – Professional burglars search neighbourhoods looking for homeowners who are away from their home for an extended period of time. They monitor properties in order to strike when a home is empty.  
3. Buy automatic timers for your lights and program them to turn on and off in different rooms at times that match night and day patterns whilst you’re away.
4. Do not allow uncollected mail to build up. Ask a neighbour or someone you trust to collect it for youon a regular basis, or redirect through Australia Post. Cancel or put a hold to any regular scheduled deliveries you may have.
5. Ask a neighbour to use your rubbish bin from time to time and to put it out and bring it back on bin collection day.
6. Turn down the telephone ringer volume and turn off any alarm clocks so that people outside your home cannot hear them for extended periods of time.
7. If your grass is likely to grow unusually long while you are away, arrange beforehand to have someone mow it in your absence. Check your automated sprinkler system is working if you have one, or consider asking someone to water your garden.
8. Resist the urge to post on social media – Although it may be tempting, posting about your travel plans and holiday on social media can be an easy tip off that your home is empty. Wait to post photos from your trip until you get home.

If our suggestions have identified any security weaknesses, these should be addressed at your earliest convenience. Being vigilant about home security will dramatically reduce your chances of being a victim of burglary. Even if you think you live in a safe neighborhood, we cannot stress enough how important it is to have good home security.

For more advice on home security, please speak to one of our experts on 0477 SPYPRO (779776) or email us at info@spypro.com.au