According to the police of Tigard, Oregon, burglars tend to target homes where the resident does not appear to be home and their activities cannot be seen by neighbors. They generally do not want a confrontation or to risk being identified. Many burglaries happen during the day when residents are at work or school.
These are their tips for safeguarding your residence:
Make it appear as though someone is home when you’re at work or on vacation.
Improve visibility to your home so neighbors and passerbys can observe activities on your property. That way they can more easily spot suspicious activity if it should occur.
Vegetation, exterior lighting, fencing and other structures can block sightlines. Most importantly, where access points to your home – doors, windows and gate–are concealed, a burglar can break in and no one will be able to see them.
Target harden your home. Install sturdy primary and secondary locks on doors, windows and gates. It can also include removing tools and ladders from your yard so they cannot be used to break in.
Install camera surveillance and alarm systems. The ability to verify an alarm notification through real-time video footage can be a deterrent. The system should be used in addition to and not in lieu of crime prevention strategies.
Hide valuables. If a burglar breaks in, their time in the home is limited and they typically will go to the master bedroom and office for valuables. Choosing places that they won’t think to look can reduce losses.
Check out their Home Security Checklist, which provides many tips on making your home more secure.
Peter Cavicchia II 