Tips to Prevent Home Theft: Your home is your most valuable asset—not just financially, but also because of the memories and sense of security it holds. But have you ever wondered how quickly a seemingly safe area can become a target for thieves? The statistics are shocking—a home is burglarized every 26 seconds, and the average loss each time is $2,799.
The interesting thing is that most burglaries happen in broad daylight, when you are out of the house for work, school or shopping. In such a situation, just thinking that “everything is fine in our area” can land you in big trouble one day. So let’s know some very practical but effective measures by which you can make your home safe.
Always keep all doors and windows locked.
This is the most basic and essential step. Often people leave doors and windows open thinking that they are going out for just a few minutes, but this carelessness becomes a golden opportunity for thieves. Every time you leave home—no matter for how long—make sure every door and window is properly closed and locked.
It is extremely important to use deadbolt locks on external doors, as a regular lock can be easily opened by thieves. Remember, security is non-negotiable.
Install a home security system.
Security equipment is no longer a luxury for the rich these days. There are many affordable and easy-to-use home security systems available in the market now. These can include alarm systems, cameras, and sensors.
Set an alarm whenever you go out of the house or sleep at night. And yes, put up boards or stickers near your lawn or main gate that indicate that your home is equipped with a security system. This in itself creates a big fear and keeps thieves away.
Build good relations with neighbors.
Knowing your neighbors is not just a social necessity but is also very beneficial from a security point of view. When you know the people living nearby, you can catch a stranger in your area immediately.
You can also form a ‘Neighborhood Watch Group’ with the help of your local police station—where everyone keeps an eye on suspicious activities happening around. Collective vigilance is a big threat to thieves.
Don’t hide your house keys outside.
Many people hide their keys under the doormat, in a flower vase, or in fake stones. But believe me, thieves are well aware of all these places.
If you have to keep your keys outside for some reason, use a combination lockbox. And a better option is to give a spare key to a trusted friend or neighbor.
Install motion sensor lights around the house.
Thefts often happen in the dark at night. But if you have motion sensor lights installed around your house—especially near doors—then any movement turns on the bright light.
This light alerts the thief and he runs away in a hurry. Also, people in the neighborhood can also be alerted immediately. This solution is especially useful when you are not at home at night.
Keep the lights and radio on when leaving the house.
Thieves usually target houses that appear empty. If the lights are on in your house or there is sound coming from the radio/TV, it gives the impression that someone is present in the house.
Nowadays smart lighting systems are also available that you can control from anywhere with a mobile app. This measure is especially helpful during holidays.
Keep your car safe too.
If you do not have a garage and you park your car on the driveway or road, always keep it locked. Also, do not leave any valuables in it.
It is worth noting that car thefts can happen not only in low-security areas but also in elite colonies. An open car filled with valuables is like an invitation for thieves.
If you have a safe, connect it to the ground.
Thieves often do not take the time to break the safe but just take it away. If your safe is light and portable, then this risk increases further.
That’s why it’s important to bolt your safe to the ground or wall. This will make it less easy to pick it up and leave it alone if a thief is in a hurry.
Leaving home for a long time? Put mail on hold.
If you’re going on a trip for more than two or three days, use the USPS (U.S. Postal Service) “Hold Mail” option so your letters and parcels don’t accumulate at your address.
Mail piling up outside indicates that the home is vacant—and that’s an open invitation to thieves. You can also book this service online, so your home will keep the image of “active” even when you’re not there.
Don’t forget insurance.
An important part of home security is insurance. The average burglary results in a loss of $2,799. So it’s important to have adequate homeowners or renters insurance to cover the damage to your property.
Along with this, it is also very important to make a home inventory, i.e., a list of your valuables. In this, you should enter the serial number, photo and price of the electronics so that it becomes easy to claim insurance.
Conclusion: Caution is the biggest security.
No matter how busy we are living, it is most important to be alert about our safety. A little attention, a simple lock, and communication with a neighbor—all these together can provide a strong security shield for your home.
No measure alone is enough, but when all these together form a strategy, it becomes very difficult for thieves to enter your house. Remember, “A cautious citizen is a safe citizen.”
