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
No comments:
Post a Comment