Tom's Blog
Every 15 seconds, an American home is broken into; leaving that homeowner violated and deprived of their valuables. This is a scary statistic and should be taken seriously. According to the U.S Department of Justice, the average amount of stolen goods/property in one burglary totals about $2,000 but in many cases, is a lot more. The statistics are high, but there are low cost ways to protect your home from burglars.
Helpful Tips to Keep Burglars Out
Home safety is always important but when the economy gets bad, the rate of home intrusions goes up so it’s important to protect your home, family and the valuables in your home.
Lock Your Doors and Windows
This sounds so easy to do, but it’s shocking to know how many people don’t lock their doors or windows. Using high quality deadbolts is highly recommended so don’t skimp! This is actually the best and most simple form of protection there is. Also, never hide a key to your home that could easily be found outside, such as under the doormat or outdoor statue. This will be the first place burglars will look.
Install Outdoor Lighting
If your home is dark, you may be a prime target for burglars. Installing motion-censored lighting or driveway buzzers that are triggered when someone comes onto your property can be a great deterrent to intruders as it may startle them and make them visible, something they don’t wish to happen. It may also provide a visual alert to the homeowners and neighbors.
Utilize Indoor Timers
Use automatic timers that will turn on lights, radios and televisions at random times to make it look like somebody is home. Burglars don’t typically want to run into people at home. They want to make a quick entrance to steal as much as they can as quickly as they can. If your home looks unoccupied, your home could be a prime target for burglary.
Avoid Areas for Burglars to Hide
Tall fences, trees, bushes, and shrubs can give intruders places to hide evidence of break-ins. Not only that, but remember, burglars don’t wish to be seen! If you have tall shrubbery, privacy fences, or trees that could easily hide an intruder, your home may become a target for burglars. Take the time to manicure your yard so that your home is clearly visible to neighbors and passersby.
Stay Tuned for Additional Low Cost Ways to Protect Your Home
Following these tips can help protect your home from burglary, but if your home is burglarized, it is vital that you have the right N.C. homeowners insurance coverage to protect those things in your home and maintain a sense of home security. Contact your local N.C. independent insurance agent today to find out if you have the right insurance coverage for your homeowners needs, should your home be victimized.
