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