Mistakes That Invite Burglars to Your Home

You've installed a security system on your home and feel like that's enough to keep your belongings safe. However, you may also make common mistakes that leave you more open to theft than other homes in your neighborhood. Many people make the following mistakes and end up paying dearly for them. Follow this advice to make sure that you aren't one of them.

Leaving Your Blinds Open

Thieves typically case a home out very quickly and often do so in a direct manner: looking through your windows. If thieves immediately see expensive items that would be easy to pick up and carry away, they are likely to consider your house for future robberies. This fact is particularly true if the windows themselves aren't locked or easy to wiggle open.

Close your blinds when you're not at home to avoid this problem. Further complicate this process and install thicker blinds that thieves cannot see through. When the thief cannot tell if you have items worth their time, they'll likely move on to another home.

Assuming Inaccurate Theft Times

Many people assume that burglars primarily work at night to hide their activities. However, a large number of burglars prefer to break in between 12:30 and 2:30 in the afternoon. This time is when most people are still at work and not likely to return until later or at a school to get their kids. And since most thefts last no more than 10 minutes, this period gives them more than enough solo time in your home.

Burglars easily prefer a home with nobody inside as this decreases their chances of an altercation. After all, most robbers are not violent people and want to avoid hurting anybody unless necessary. So try to be home at these times — or have somebody stop by to keep your home occupied — to minimize this risk.

Creating a Predictable Automation Pattern

Although an automation program on your security system helps to make your home seem lived in while you're on vacation, you may create a too-predictable pattern. For example, burglars casing a neighborhood may notice that your lights always turn on and off at the same times and assume that you have an automation system.

Change up your home's automation program to ensure it remains unpredictable. This step includes adjustments for every day while you are gone. Try to make lights come on in different rooms in a way that seems natural and random. In this way, you can confuse burglars and force them to move on to a different home instead.

Forgetting to Secure the Backyard

Many people focus their home security on the front of the home. This step is understandable and often includes elements such as enhanced alarm systems, security cameras, and locks. However, you cannot neglect your backyard in this situation. Many burglars prefer to enter a home through the back because this action decreases their chances of notice.

So make sure that you install a high fence in your yard that thieves cannot overcome. You should also install cameras and other security items in your yard to deter thieves. And if you do not own a dog but are considering it, they act as a secondary form of backyard security. A thief who sees an angry dog barking at them from a backyard will gladly move on to another target.

Get Help Today

If you think you've made any of these security mistakes and are worried about the safety of your home, please don't hesitate to contact us at Phoenix Access Control right away to set up an appointment with our professionals. We work hard to ensure your protection from thieves.