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Crime remains a persistent concern, with news of break-ins and burglaries frequently making headlines. Crime continues despite the concerted efforts of law enforcement, legislators, and local authorities.
A common misconception is that if one hasn’t experienced a crime, they are immune to it. This mindset can lead to a lack of preparation, putting individuals and their families at risk. Statistics show that crime can affect anyone, regardless of their perceived safety. Criminals are becoming more brazen, often targeting properties during daylight hours, when people are typically at work or running errands.
With the pandemic prompting more individuals to work from home, the risk of becoming a victim has increased. This means that a break-in could occur during the day, potentially resulting in physical harm or violence.
When considering home security in Austin, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential risks associated with fire hazards. Given these risks, many are taking steps to secure their homes at night and during the day when they may be home and working. It’s essential to prioritize safety and take precautions to protect oneself and loved ones. Many home fires start from mundane sources. A significant portion begins with home heating appliances, which are used more often during winter lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. About ten percent are due to electrical and lighting sources, while fires from smoking and intentional causes make up another fifteen percent or so. This makes it highly likely to be injured or even killed during even small fires in the home. Taking proactive measures to address these risks can greatly enhance both home security and safety.
Why Preventing Crime is Essential to Your Safety and Well-being
Ensuring your home’s safety is crucial, as it’s the foundation of your overall security. When criminals breach your home, the risks escalate significantly, as their intentions and actions are unpredictable.
Criminals who target homes often resort to violent actions like assault, battery, sexual assault, and even murder. They typically break in to steal valuables such as money, jewelry, and electronics, which they can sell for profit. Some offenders are drug addicts driven to commit theft to support their habits.
To prevent crime, starting with measures outside your home is crucial. Avoid creating an attractive environment for potential criminals by not displaying expensive items like electric scooters or the packaging for new high-definition TVs. Such displays can signal to thieves that you have valuables they might want to steal.
Additionally, ensure no hiding spots outside your home could conceal intruders. Trim hedges, bushes, and trees to remove potential hiding places near windows or entry points.
Consider installing a comprehensive home security system. This includes motion sensors, automatic lighting, digital video recording, and home automation features. A security system deters intruders and can alert authorities in case of a break-in.
How Preventing Crime Benefits You, Your Family, and Your Home’s Security
Crime in your home has numerous benefits for you, your family, and your property. By avoiding the physical, emotional, mental, and financial damages that come with a crime, you can save yourself from the stress and effort of recovering from such an event.
Avoiding physical assault in your home is a significant benefit. Such incidents can have lasting emotional and psychological effects on the victim, often requiring therapy or other forms of trauma processing. If left unaddressed, this trauma can have a long-term impact on mental health.
Financial losses are another concern when it comes to home security. While homeowner’s insurance can provide some coverage, it often has limitations and can lead to increased premiums after a claim. This can be due to the perceived risk of your home being targeted again.
Home Security Tips
We’ve tested and reviewed the most popular doorbell cameras and home security systems, you name it. These systems help deter burglars and home invaders, but there are other home security tips to remember. These security tips and tricks are easy to implement, and you’ll get peace of mind from day one. And it starts with lighting!
Lighting Is Everything:
The first and most crucial deterrent is bright lighting. When criminals are casing potential target locations, they look for dark places that look empty and are challenging to see at dusk or in the dark. A well-lit yard makes your home visible to neighbors and people passing by. So we recommend leaving a few interior lights on while you are gone to create the illusion that someone is home and to keep criminals from targeting your home. Consider looking into a spotlight camera. We recently got hands-on experience with the Ring Spotlight, and that’s always a good choice for surveillance plus lighting.
Avoid an Empty Appearance:
As mentioned above, keeping your home from appearing empty is essential. As well as leaving a light on inside, you should leave a TV on or turn on the radio while you plan to be away. Giving the impression that there is movement inside is a great way to deter burglars and looky-loos.
We also recommend that you have a plan for your mail if you plan on being away from home for an extended period. If it becomes visible that you still need to collect packages or newspapers, your house might become an easy target. Leaving packages on your doorstep will also entice porch pirates or package thieves who are up to no good.
Do Not Showcase Valuables:
Another thing that you need to consider is the visibility or accessibility of your expensive or oversized items. This is especially important to remember when tidying up the yard. Often, expensive items such as a new grill, a parked riding mower, or a nice car near the home will attract burglars. If they see something expensive in the yard or near the house, they will assume that high-ticket items can also be found inside.
Keep Your Keys With You:
Many people think that keeping a hidden key is a safe and handy way of having a spare key in an emergency. Unfortunately, this is not such a great idea. The reality is that criminals know this practice and will often search for a hidden key before attempting another way into your home. It is also common for burglars to watch the activity around the homes they are casing. If they are watching your home to see whether or not it is a house they want to enter, they may notice the key and exactly where you have placed it.
Make Entry Difficult:
This seems like a no-brainer, but many small details make your house appear to be a good target. These can include thin or poorly secured windows, doors with cheap locks, or easily opened garage doors. These things can, however, easily be fixed. You should ensure thick windows with visibly locked latches, new doorknobs and deadbolts (or smart locks), and secured garage doors. If an entry looks like an easy access point, it probably is.
Cover Your Windows:
Closing your blinds and curtains is essential as well. You’ll need to ensure potential intruders do not have a clear view into your house that could expose any of your belongings or hint at the fact that you are away. If a criminal has no incentive to break into your home, they will likely choose a new target.
Eliminate Blind Spots:
Many must consider the importance of keeping their houses visible from the road and neighbors’ yards. If a burglar can easily hide from passers-by behind bushes, appliances, or fences, they may feel confident about targeting your home. If, however, there is nowhere for a burglar to hide, they will be less likely to hang around.
Beef Up Your Doors:
Thick and stately doors can also be a great deterrent. If you have strike plates on your doors and look like they are a challenge to break through, burglars will need more confidence about the speed with which they can enter your home. If it takes a long time to enter your home, they will likely not want to remain visible for a long enough time to break in.
Keep Your Yard Free of Tall Objects:
Objects such as ladders, trees, or large appliances near the house can invite burglars to climb to a high window or the roof to find a better entry point. They can also provide cover behind which a potential intruder could hide. A better idea is to keep tall items locked away and trim trees in a way that would make them difficult to climb. It would help to rid your yard of objects such as large rocks or other heavy items that could easily be thrown into windows.
Keep Your Garage Closed:
This is another no-brainer, but you might be surprised how often people leave their garage doors cracked open, unlocked, or raised. Always ensure there is no possible way for an intruder to enter your garage. If your garage is compromised, it is easy for an intruder to enter it and close the door to remain hidden while figuring out a way to break in. Even if a burglar finds entering your home from the garage challenging, you risk having tools or other expensive items stolen when your garage is unprotected.
Companies Leading the Industry in Home Security
Installing a comprehensive home security system is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime in and around your home. These systems typically include sensors, lights, cameras, and more and can be customized to fit your needs. While some may design and install their system, working with a trusted local security Company is often more practical.
Professional security companies offer consultation services to help determine the best components for your home, as well as complete installation, setup, and 24/7 monitoring. This ensures that your system is effective and installed by licensed and insured professionals. The monitoring services provide additional security, especially when you’re away from home.
If you’re ready to enhance your home security and enjoy peace of mind, consider contacting an industry-leading security services professional today. Remember never to be too cautious when protecting your loved ones and valuables.
FAQs
How can I make my home less attractive to criminals?
Avoid displaying expensive items outside your home, such as electric scooters or the packaging of high-end purchases. Keep your home well-lit and consider installing a security system.
What are some landscaping tips to prevent crime?
Trim hedges, bushes, and trees to eliminate hiding spots near windows, corners, and entry points. Consider planting thorny bushes or installing prickly plants near windows to deter intruders.
What should I do if I notice suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. You can also consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch program.
How can I protect my home when I’m away?
Use timers to turn lights on and off, and ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers. Consider installing security cameras and a smart lock system that allows you to monitor and control your home remotely.
