Introduction
:wave: Breaking into homes is often the last resort for burglars. They want to get in and out quickly and quietly without homeowners ever finding out their secrets. Understanding how burglars think can empower homeowners to better secure their houses against break-ins. This article will share insider tips from ex-burglars on things they don't want you to know, like which doors they target and what deters them. Knowing these insider secrets can help homeowners identify and fix vulnerabilities in their home's security, making it a far less appealing target for potential burglars. Implementing even a few of these simple but highly effective tips can drastically reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary.
What Doors Burglars Target
Burglars prefer doors that are hidden from view or provide the quickest and easiest entry point into a home. Front doors are often avoided since they are too visible and public. Side doors off driveways or back doors are prime targets for burglars as they offer more privacy and seclusion. Doors with windows, flimsy locks or that provide direct access to garages, basements or upper levels of the home are also desirable entry points. Reinforcing these vulnerable doors and entryways with solid wood or steel doors, high-quality deadbolts like Kwikset or Schlage, alarms and motion-activated lighting can effectively deter burglars.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are a favorite entry point for burglars due to the ease of lifting them off their tracks and their often insecure locks. Placing a wooden dowel or Charlie bar in the door's track when it's not in use is an effective way to block it from sliding open. Installing stronger locks, like pin locks or Charlie bars, can also thwart break-in attempts. Keeping curtains closed at night and using Ring or Arlo motion sensor spotlights outside makes sliding doors far less appealing to burglarize. Security film applied to the glass makes it harder to shatter and slows down entry, buying homeowners valuable time to react.
Garage Doors
Garage doors provide direct access right into the most vulnerable areas of the home, making them sought after access points for burglars. Always keep garage doors fully shut and locked, even when at home. Detached garages are more vulnerable and need high-security hardened locks like Kwikset SmartKey. Upgrading to reinforced steel garage doors with encrypted LiftMaster or Genie automatic openers improves security immensely. Installing Ring floodlights and audible alarms on garage doors helps detect break-in attempts.
Burglar Deterrents
Burglars want to avoid homes that clearly signal someone is present - through lights, sounds, vehicles in the driveway, etc. Visible security measures like Arlo cameras, ADT alarm system signage and beware of dog signs also effectively discourage break-ins. Keeping hedges trimmed low and installing Philips Hue motion-activated lighting eliminates hiding spots around vulnerable doors and windows. Allowing mail and packages to pile up signals no one is home, so use USPS mail holds when away. Dogs are one of the best burglary deterrents due to their loud barking and protection abilities.
Lighting
Outdoor motion sensor lighting like Ring or Philips Hue makes burglars feel uncomfortably exposed and unwilling to linger around a property. Using lamp timers gives the illusion of normal lighting patterns when away. Keeping exterior areas around doors and windows well-lit eliminates shadows for burglars to hide in. Floodlights and spotlights like Arlo Ultra 2 provide full visibility of activities around the home's perimeter and make burglars uneasy about approaching unseen. Smart home bulbs allow remote control of lighting even when not home to further deter intruders.
Alarms and Cameras
Visible security cameras like Arlo and alarm system yard signage from ADT or Brinks warns burglars to stay away or law enforcement will be alerted. Fake cameras can sometimes deter criminals just as well as real ones. Monitoring camera feeds and receiving mobile alerts allows catching break-ins in progress and contacting police immediately. Positioning cameras to cover vulnerable areas like doors, windows, driveways and walkways is key. Audible alarms alert neighbors of intruders and scare off burglars before they can even gain entry.
When Burglars Strike
Burglars prefer striking on weekdays during normal working hours when fewer people are home. They will knock on doors to ensure no one is home before attempting to enter a residence. Burglars prefer ransacking bedrooms and home offices first when looking for quick valuables to grab. Jewelry, cash, small electronics, and firearms are commonly targeted items. Burglars want to make a quick escape, so will avoid getting into heavy safes or stealing bulky items.
Conclusion
Learning insider secrets of how burglars think - like targeting side doors or sliding glass panels - can highlight vulnerable spots in a home's security. Visibly deterring break-ins through lighting, alarms, dogs, eliminating hiding places, and more can make a big difference in protection. Even taking small preventative steps like always keeping the garage door closed and trimmed hedges adds up. Remaining vigilant about home security best practices and implementing these insider tips from reformed burglars can empower homeowners to prevent becoming the victim of avoidable break-ins. Securing your castle starts with knowing your enemy. :closed_lock_with_key:
