What Intruders Don’t Want You to Know About Home Security

Installing a state-of-the-art security system is an important step to reduce your risk of a burglary or home invasion. However, experienced criminals look for any opportunity they can find to thwart the system — what might seem like an insignificant detail to you can help a crook decide whether to target your home or move on.

Use the following tips to help you “think like a thief” and decrease the likelihood that you’ll become the next victim of a break-in.

Trim trees and vegetation: When burglars see a home surrounded by trees, bushes and hedges, they may view it as the perfect cover to obscure them from neighbors and passersby on the street. Keeping the vegetation trimmed may detract from your property’s curb appeal and reduce shade, but it can also prevent thieves from targeting your home.
Don’t leave a spare key outside: Some folks think they’re being clever by stashing an extra house key in the ceramic giraffe on the porch or under the doormat. But veteran burglars know all the hiding places. Leave your spare key with a trusted neighbor, or better yet, install door locks you can activate with your mobile device.
Set the alarm during the day: Many homeowners mistakenly believe that burglars only practice their craft under cover of darkness. Therefore, they often neglect to activate the security system before leaving for work in the morning. Thieves are aware of this, which is one reason many burglaries occur in broad daylight. Always set the alarm, even if you’re only leaving the house for a few minutes.
Don’t broadcast your out-of-town trips: We all love to share our traveling and vacation adventures on social media. Enterprising crooks also monitor Facebook and other sites to see when you’re heading out of town, giving them an open invitation to stop by for a “visit” while you’re away. Wait until you get home to share those fabulous photos from your trip!
Watch what you put in the trash: Did you just purchase a new flat screen TV, computer or other expensive electronic gadget or household furnishing? If you place the item’s box with your curbside trash, your friendly neighborhood burglar will also be aware of your purchase. It requires a little extra effort, but breaking or cutting up the box before putting it in the garbage can help keep the thieves away.
Hide your ladder: It’s more convenient to keep the ladder on the side of the house, but a burglar can also use it to gain access to a second-story window. Store the ladder and other “stackable” items inside your (locked) garage when they’re not in use.

Contact Titan Alarm for More Helpful Home Protection Advice

As the leading home security solutions provider in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide additional tips to help you create a burglar-proof home. Contact us for more information and to schedule a no-obligation security consultation today.

Learn More About Stopping Home Intruders

Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.