Keeping your home and belongings safe should be a top priority for most homeowners, yet some of us make foolish mistakes or get into unsafe habits that can make our homes easily accessible to thieves. This article describes 19 common mistakes that could make your home an easy target for burglars and how to keep your home more secure without expensive security systems.
Leaving Spare Keys Hidden Outside
Yes, it’s convenient when you have teenagers or are prone to losing or forgetting your keys, but it’s a well-known habit that burglars can easily exploit. The most obvious spots are under the doormat or underneath a nearby plant pot or rock, but even the most inventive hiding space can be discovered by watchful criminals. Instead, consider a lockbox with a regularly changed code.
Forgetting to Lock Doors and Windows
It should be obvious, but it’s something that many people forget or neglect, and The Zebra says 17.2% of people don’t lock their front doors when they’re at home “despite the front door being the access point for 34% of burglars.” Thieves can enter quickly through unlocked entry points, even windows on the second floor, so keep them securely locked whenever you’re out or in the backyard.
Announcing Your Vacation on Social Media
Most burglaries occur because the homeowner presents the thief with an opportunity and not because they are being directly targeted. Avoid posting about your vacation on social media until you get back, as this can advertise the emptiness of your home to the world. Never post information on when you’ll be away, how long, or the location of your property.
Not Setting Alarms
Security systems are a great deterrent, but only if they are used correctly and consistently. Many homeowners disable their alarms when they’re at home, but this can be a mistake. Ensure your alarm system is functional and that you understand how to use all its features, and always keep it on in parts of your home that you’re not currently using, like the garage or spare room.
Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
An open laptop on the coffee table, expensive jewelry on the windowsill, or electronics stacked by the door are all invitations to a burglar. Keep valuables out of sight, especially when you are away from home. Consider using safes or lockable cabinets for important documents, jewelry, and cash.
Placing Electronics Boxes on the Curb
Leaving empty boxes of expensive electronics on the curb literally screams “Steal me!” to a prospective thief. You don’t want to advertise that you have a new, easily sellable product in your home, so always dispose of the boxes properly, cutting them up into pieces and placing them in opaque bags or taking them to a recycling point or dump immediately.
Poor Lighting
According to Bankrate, it’s crucial to install sufficient outside lighting to illuminate dark porches, walkways, and backyard areas, perfect for burglars to conceal themselves while breaking in. Install motion-sensor lights near entry points and keep your property well-lit at night. This acts as a deterrent and increases the chance that a burglar will be spotted before they enter your home.
Leaving Garage Doors Open
Because garages are used for storage and aren’t decorated, many people forget that they still contain valuable items like expensive tools, lawn equipment, and vehicles! Leaving the garage door open offers a burglar easy access to these desirable items, so develop the habit of closing the garage door and making sure it’s locked whenever you’re not using it.
Weak Door Locks
Not all locks are created equal, and some are cheap, flimsy, and ultimately ineffective. If your home has old or poor-quality locks, invest in modern, high-quality alternatives and have them professionally fitted on every external door. A branded deadbolt on each entry point can also help increase security. Strong locks can make it difficult or impossible for thieves to break in.
Overgrown Windows
Dense landscaping around windows can provide a hiding place for burglars and make it easier for them to hide while they attempt to gain entrance to your property. Trim bushes and trees away from windows to maintain clear lines of sight and deter criminals from attempting entry, and cut down any tree branches that could be climbed to enter second-floor windows.
Not Keeping Up With Home Maintenance
Don’t let things slide when it comes to taking care of your home properly. A house that is visibly in disrepair with broken windows, a damaged fence, or a malfunctioning doorbell can send a message to burglars that the property is abandoned or an easy target. Routine maintenance not only makes your house more secure, but it also deters burglars looking for an opportunity.
Leaving Keys with Unreliable People
Sometimes, it’s necessary for other people to have a spare key to your home, but be careful whom you trust. A reputable, long-term neighbor or trusted family member is a good choice, but don’t leave keys with new acquaintances or anyone who associates with criminals. Be aware that, even if they return the key at a later date, they could’ve easily made a copy for themselves or others.
Oversharing on Voicemail
Abco Security Services warns against advertising your absence from home in any way, including on voicemail or answering machine messages. Never record messages that state what time you will be away from home or the dates of any planned trips. Thieves can use this information to discover when your property will be empty, unguarded, and vulnerable to break-ins.
Posting Your Home Address Online
It’s not just before or during vacations that you need to be mindful of what information you post online. Never share photos of your property (inside or outside), street address, or location on public forums or social media profiles. Your home address is a valuable piece of information for burglars, and making it accessible online increases your risk of becoming a target.
Not Telling Neighbors You’ll Be Away
It’s vital that anyone living nearby knows when you’re away from home so they can monitor your home for suspicious activity, like unidentified vehicles parked outside or trespassers. A watchful neighbor who keeps an eye on your property can be a significant deterrent to burglars, especially if they’re willing to question suspicious people or call the police if they suspect a burglary attempt.
Leaving Tools Outside
They might not be the lightest or easiest things to steal, but ladders, hammers, power tools, and lawnmowers are all expensive items that thieves can resell for an attractive profit. Never leave anything valuable, no matter how big, outside. Always place such items in a locked garage or shed, even if you intend to use them again the next day.
Not Upgrading Your Security System
Security systems can quickly become outdated over time as new technologies and break-in methods advance and develop. If you suspect your security system needs updating or even replacing, seek the advice of a professional and get their recommendation on how to keep your home secure. It may just be a matter of downloading and installing the latest software.
Having Predictable Routines
Burglars often target homes based on patterns and routines and may even observe you and your home for several weeks to establish the most opportune time for a break-in. A study in BMC found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in burglaries because people had more unpredictable routines and stayed at home for longer periods of time.
Letting Mail Pile Up
Don’t let mail or advertisements pile up in your mailbox or on your doormat, even if you aren’t on vacation. Excess mail signals that the occupant is either away from home for an extended period or overly relaxed about maintenance and upkeep—both of which can make your property an enticing ‘easy’ target for prospective burglars.
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