Hot to Trot: 4 Reasons Why Home Break-In Crimes Increase During the Summer Months

Guess what else is in full swing right now besides the dog days of summer? Home break-ins (seriously, we at theBulldog Bar are telling the truth).

That's right... as temperatures rise during this time of year, so do the number of reported home invasions. 

Here are 4 common mistakes homeowners make (which can tempt the "bad guys" to come out of the woodwork and prey on YOUR domicile) when it's warmer outside:

#1. Your windows are slightly ajar or left unlatched. Everyone loves a breath of fresh, warmer air inside their households as the seasons change... which is why we as homeowners begin cracking or unlatching our windows. The problem here is that our windows often remain open, even overnight or when we leave the house. On top of that many of us spend more time outdoors to enjoy the sun and heat, which can sometimes cause carelessness about shutting windows or locking sliding glass doors. Remember: burglary is a crime of opportunity, so you & your family should be especially vigilant during this time of the year to ensure you aren't providing crooks with any easy-access opportunities to break in.

#2. Your garage door is open & unattended.
In certain townships or rural subdivisions it's typical for you and your neighbors to leave garage doors open because we tend to feel safer and far-removed from any criminal encounters. Garage doors, however, are another tempting entrance for thieves. Not only are your nifty tools & expensive home improvement gadgets in PLAIN SIGHT for burglars to steal... but the door from your garage into home entrance is probably unlocked most of the time (yikes!). With that being said, try your best to at least remember closing your garage door when you've come in for the day, especially if you don't plan to leave anytime soon.

#3. Overgrown landscaping.
Hot weather is the perfect climate for the grass and shrubs around your humble abode to grow like weeds. Be sure to keep your landscaping maintained, because a neglected lawn can signal burglars that you may be someone who isn't around much, or someone who is rarely home. Burglars LOVE a house where the landscaping is heavily overgrown because to them, it implies your property may currently be unoccupied and if it is... they just have some really good places to hide before or after invading your space.

#4. Visible piles of trash or accumulated stacks of mail.
Because they constantly have to be on the lookout, many burglars are keenly observant. You know those bothersome door hanger people leave on your front door to promote some sort of discount service or sale on a new product? If these paper door hangers stay on your doorknob for an extended period of time, the "bad guys" may assume no one's on the premises. They also keep an eye on you trash to determine whether the coast is clear for a break-in... Empty or full, leaving your garbage receptacles on the curb for more than 24 hours after Trash Day tells potential criminals two things:

a) what type of fancy new merchandise you recently purchased        that they can target, if your trash container's full
b) you & your family are nowhere around and may not return for a while, if your trash container's empty

If you plan to be out of town for a period of time where you'll miss your weekly garbage pickup, ask one of your neighbors for help taking your receptacles to and away from the curb while you're gone.

Some of the best things homeowners can do to protect themselves from break-ins during warmer weather months (and year round too as a matter of fact) is to keep windows latched, doors locked and your garage closed... especially if you're leaving home. Additionally, keep the bushes & decorative shrubbery around your domain regularly trimmed so none of your windows are blocked (you want people to actually see your windows when driving by. A tall shrub covering any of your windows can make you an easy target for a break-in!

The other best thing homeowners can do is invest in powerful home security from theBulldog Bar . We provide affordable, easy-to-install door protection that can reliably prevent kick-in invasions by burglars. CLICK HERE to visit our official web site and learn more about keeping trespassers out of your home, no matter what the temperatures are outside.

Here's to safe & burglar-free summer!
-- theBulldog Bar Squad

Family Ties: 5 Reasons Why theBulldog Bar is Better Than a Necktie for Father's Day

Have you ever watched your local news one evening and felt disappointed or shocked to hear about the types of crime going happening in your own community? 

We at theBulldog Bar have too, and it can be awfully scary. Recent statistics show that 38% of violent crimes occur at home or at least close to home, which is why it's important to secure your residence effectively in order to avoid becoming a victim of invasions like robbery and/or burglary.

With that being said, here’s a wonderful gift idea for Father’s Day: theBulldog Bar door security device! Not only is this present better than giving him something traditional, Dad could really use this to protect himself as well as the rest of your family. In fact, here are 5 reasons why we think theBulldog Bar is a much better alternative to a necktie for Father's Day this year:

1. It's can be used over and over again without dry cleaning.
Sure, a new tie can be worn repeatedly, but it also means the added expense for Dad to have it dry cleaned as well.  theBulldog Bar , on the other hand, can be a unique Father’s Day present that can also be utilized more than once (and it doesn't have to be washed). Dad will really be surprised about your unconventional (yet practical) choice for his present, and he will certainly appreciate how effective it is for the safety and security of his own home, not to mention family!

2. It's money well-spent.
Not only is theBulldog Bar an affordable gift, it's also a wise investment. Rewarding Dad with a home security device can give him a peace of mind about the family's safety at night, and even while he is out of town on vacation or business.

3. It's hassle-free (headache-free too).
Many Dads are typically "do-it-yourselfers" so it's nice to give them something to exercise their DIY skills, without all the troubles of figuring out just how to it something together. If your ol' man is one of these types of guys, leave the Windsor Knot out of it-- theBulldog Bar is the PERFECT gift for him, because it's very easy to put in place!

4. It's versatile.
Forget matching a necktie to one of Dad's best suits... why not go for something that's just as (or more) versatile? theBulldog Bar isn't just for your front door, it can also be installed on sliding or hinged, metal or solid wood doors. It also comes in several different colors to enhance the existing motif of your interior decor, rather than being an eyesore!

5. It's sturdy & reliable.
If you're looking for something to provide more protection than a well-made necktie, invest in something that's sturdy & reliable. Aside from buying Dad a shotgun for Father's Day, theBulldog Bar is another expertly-engineered, 16-gauge steel piece of protection you can give him... Now your gift can benefit the whole family for when it comes to safety and security at home, for the long-term.

So whether you reside in a single-family dwelling, condo, apartment, duplex, planned community or even a dorm room... everyone deserves to feel safe and sound when you're at home, especially Dad. To browse our selection of easy-to-install door security locks CLICK HERE to visit our web site.

Here's to a Happy (and much safer) Father's Day!
-- theBulldog Bar Squad

'Til Death Do Us... Become Burglary Victims: 5 Tips to Secure Your Home Before Leaving on Your Honeymoon

A blissful honeymoon can be sometimes stressful if you don’t make sure your domain is safe and sound before skipping town. Don’t let this situation happen to you!

Everyone knows to lock up their house, but here are some other tips from theBulldog Bar Squad for keeping your residence safe while you're on your honeymoon:

1. Turn off and unplug appliances.
When leaving town for a trip longer than just a weekend getaway, turning off your appliances (and even unplugging them) is a good way of giving yourself the extra assurance that your home is really safe. While you shouldn't unplug your refrigerator (unless it's completely clean and empty), unplugging all your other appliances will help reduce the risk of electrical fires... and can even save you some money at the end of the month.

2. Hold your mail.
It may sound unnecessary to some, but it's actually a good idea to have someone check your mailbox and pick up your newspapers for you while you're enjoying your romantic nuptial celebration. It can be unsafe for those valuable pieces of mail to be left inside your mailbox or even on your doorstep for too long, because it’s a dead giveaway to burglars that no one's been around lately. Best thing to do? Have the post office hold your mail (they can do this for up to 30 days) until you arrive back from your honeymoon.

3. Make it look as though someone's still at home. 
There many things you can do to keep your humble abode from appearing vacant. First, be sure to leave any exterior lights on, because a completely dark house is what a burglar is looking for. Also, be sure to turn down the volume of your phone ringer for landline phones and turn off any automated alarm clocks you may have permanently set. Lastly, kindly ask your neighbor to bring out your garbage and recycling bins on "trash day" to make your house look lived in. These types of strategies can deter effectively burglars (and better ensure the safety of your possessions while you're away).

4. Wait on social media until you get back.
Although we love talking about our upcoming honeymoon or vacations on Facebook and Twitter, it might not be the best idea to start posting information before you make it back. Burglars have been known to use social media to determine when people are away from their homes. So while it’s tempting to brag to your friends on Facebook about your trip, hold off until after you get back from your honeymoon to show off those amazing pics to your friends.

5. Ask someone you trust to house sit. 
One of the best ways to keep thieves off your property is asking a close friend or family member to house sit for you. Not only can he/she realistically make your house look “lived in” for you, they also do things like make sure your pipes don’t freeze in the winter by running the water, and keep your pets company (so they don’t go crazy without you around).

Along with these great tips for keeping your home and family safe, be sure everyone under your roof follows them and installs reliable door security devices (like theBulldog Bar ) to increase your home security. 

theBulldog Bar provides affordable, easy-to-install door protection that can keep a burglar from kicking in your door and invading your home. VISIT OUR SITE to learn more about keeping trespassers out of your home TODAY.

Here's to having the best home security in place while you're away on your honeymoon!
-- theBulldog Bar Squad

Memorial Day Vacay-SHUN: theBulldog Bar 's 6 Ways to Secure Your Home While You're Away

Don’t let the anticipation of a well-deserved Memorial Day or summer vacation blind you from the risk of leaving your home unprotected. 

Go ahead and plan your beach, camping or Weekend-Shopping-in-the-City holiday... but just be sure to take some precautions before you leave. At theBulldog Bar we still believe in the philosophy, “better safe than sorry,” so review this home safety checklist before you head outta town:

1. Consider Hiring a House or a Pet Sitter.
If you have pets, it would be wise to ask a trusted peer to stay at your house while you're gone. Otherwise, there are several local services you can use for house and/or pet sitting while you're basking in the warmth of the sun on a beach somewhere far away.

2. Hold Your Mail.
If you plan to be out of town for more than a couple of days (lucky you!), consider calling your local post office to stop mail delivery to your residence until you return. Many of us may not be aware of this, but the post office can actually hold your mail for up to 30 days.

3. Temporarily Stop Your Newspaper Delivery.
A pile of yellowing newspapers on your doorstep may just seem like a movie cliché for an empty home, but it's a sure sign to criminals that "the lights are on, but no one's home." Remember to call up your newspaper delivery service to have your subscription briefly suspended until you're back in town.

4. Keep Eyes on Your Property.
Even if you have your newspaper and mail delivery stopped, there are still a few obvious things peddlers can leave at your front door (neighborhood newsletters, coupon flyers for pizza specials, the newest edition of your local phone book, etc.). It never hurts to ask someone like a neighbor or family friend to clear all of these from the main entrance of your household. While they're doing so, they can also scope out the premises to ensure everything looks safe & well-secured.

5. Make Your Home Appear Occupied.
When the cat's away, the mice will play... but not if it looks like the cat's still around. Make your home appear occupied by using automatic timers to switch your lights on and off. Also, request that your neighbor take your garbage out when he/she takes theirs out for weekly pickup. Having assistance with small tasks from your neighbors such as taking out/returning your trash receptacle can go a long way when it comes to securing your turf effectively.

6. Keep Your Landscaping Trimmed.
If you are one of the many diligent homeowners who mows the lawn regularly... when things start to look overgrown and neglected, it could be easy to assume you're not around or haven't been home lately. When planing to be away for an extended period of time, why not hire someone to take care of the landscaping chores in your absence?

So there you have it. In addition to installing theBulldog Bar home security products , a little extra vigilance will help keep your property and belongings safer while you are gone.

To begin implementing better protection against home invaders on your property before departing for your out-of-town travels, CLICK HERE to visit our website NOW.

Here's to vacay-shunning burglars from your humble abode!

-- theBulldog Bar Squad

Do Short Sleeves Mean More Thieves? theBulldog Bar Has the Answer

Home Burglary and warm weather-- Do both increase together? 

The answer is YES... There is actually a parallel between the two. 

In fact, many police departments nationwide concur that, "The hot weather is a definite factor in the increase in burglaries." 

When the warm air sets in, people tend to leave their windows open, during the day or night, making burglary easier and a great temptation. Law enforcement folks have even said when the flowers bloom, the burglars often come out... just like the rest of the insects and animals that come out by springtime.

A County Sheriff's office recently reported that an average of 20 to 30 burglaries will occur in the next 30 days alone in certain neighborhoods where their authorities have been assigned to patrol. 

Because of this, they've also issued a warning statement to local radio and TV stations, informing local residents of the increase in vehicle burglaries (which are mostly a result of cars being left unlocked or valuables being left in sight). Reminders are also being sent out to homeowners to safeguard their homes and vehicles against possible break-ins as temperatures continue to climb.

Because warmer weather means more people will be outside, it also means we are more likely to risk leaving our doors and/or windows, which could lead to so-called "sneak-in-burglaries." 

The police urge people to keep an eye on your belongings, especially the ones inside your garage while it is open. All it takes is a few seconds and all of your belongings could be gone!
Along with these great tips for keeping your home and family safe, be sure everyone under your roof follows them and installs reliable door security devices (like theBulldog Bar ) to increase your home security. 

Our products provide affordable, easy-to-install door protection that can keep a burglar from kicking in your door and invading your home. CLICK HERE to learn more about keeping trespassers out of your home TODAY using theBulldog Bar . 

Here's to following simple tips to ensure the best home security !
-- theBulldog Bar Squad

Perk Up! 3 Big Perks of Giving theBulldog Bar to Mom for Mother's Day

Yes, it's already around the corner... and by "it's" we mean MOTHER'S DAY ... are you prepared to approach Mom with a present to show your appreciation this Sunday?

If you're not, no sweat. We have a special, multifaceted gift idea for you to give-- We're referring to theBulldog Bar , of course!

And to elaborate a bit more on why this is our top choice... Here are 3 big perks of giving Mom theBulldog Bar for Mother's Day this year: 

1) Unlike fresh flowers, this present will last a lifetime.
Sure, a bouquet of botanical blooms can be lovely... but give it a week (or less), and your colorful collection of carnations or roses will end up being thrown out with yesterday's garbage. Wouldn't you rather see your Mother's Day present stick around for a little while longer?

2) Mom will have peace of mind.
Regardless of whether we still live at home with Mom & Dad, we can all admit that we've caused a night or two of unrest (based on our own shenanigans). Giving Mom theBulldog Bar as a present can restore her peace of mind as far as safety & security go... Don't we owe her that?!

3) The dangers of being burglarized at home will be reduced significantly.
Burglaries take place an average one of every 15 seconds in the U.S. and most of those home invasions occur via entry through the front door. Protect Mom with a high-quality home security product like theBulldog Bar this Mother's Day that will prevent doors from being kicked in, and ultimately... keep the bad guys OUT.

To browse our selection of easy-to-install door security locks CLICK HERE to visit our web site.

Here's to a lifetime of safety & peace of mind, Mom!
-- theBulldog Bar Squad

Don't Mess with... theBulldog Bar ! NEW Lone Star Edition NOW AVAILABLE

Cowboys are known for protecting themselves and their homesteads without any fancy technology. 

Now you can protect your home and family with special Texas flair with our Lone Star Edition of theBulldog Bar !

Just like our other designs of theBulldog Bar ... our Lone Star model gives you the same affordable, effective home security you know and love, but this version calls to mind a classic Texas sheriff (or just plain ol' Texan pride) as you secure your front door. 

How?! It's engineered with heavy-duty steel, it can be used in hinge-operated or sliding doors and is very easy to install.

Where other locks and security systems can fail, theBulldog Bar prevents home invasions by means of a kicked-in door. This Lone Star-branded device will remind you and your family that your home is safe from intruders. 

That popular saying, "Don't Mess with Texas" can now apply to potential intruders as opposed to just those who litter the state's highways with trash... and that's because with theBulldog Bar home security system in place, burglars won't be able to mess with your humble abode!

Show your love of Texas and your love for your family by installing The Lone Star Bar in your home right away... And be sure to visit our web site for info about keeping your home secure: theBulldog Bar.com .

Here's to celebrating our pride in The Lone Star State while keeping your family safe!
-- theBulldog Bar Squad