How to Avoid Burglary 2: the Sequel

Being burglarized is a powerfully distressing experience, especially because having your home broken into and your personal property snatched. But, did you know that one-third of all burglary victims are robbed again? Today we’re going to look at some ways to prevent burglary and, if you’ve been burgled, to keep it from happening again.

The prey

Burglary is a high-risk activity, so burglars try to arrive at a time when you’re least likely to be home--between 10 am and 3 pm on weekdays. If they take items directly from you, it is a ‘robbery’ instead of a ‘burglary.’ Remember when towns (groups of buildings) used to be called ‘burgs’? That will help you remember the difference between the two. The other difference? A burglary involves wrestling locks and security. A robbery consists of dealing with a victim.

The mark

How do burglars choose which house to hit? They will often watch a home for a while and scope it out to be sure of the comings and goings of inhabitants. They also make sure it doesn’t have cameras or a security system before they go in. Walking through an unlocked front doors accounts for a third of all burglaries — another 50% enter through the back door or first story window. An unlocked hidden door or window is a burglar’s best friend.

Vulnerability and neglect trigger some cases. An easy target is a home which shows signs of frequent absence, such as newspapers or flyers litter the front yard. 66% of victims know their perpetrator. Don’t we all know someone who would probably rob us if they had the chance?

Burglary 2: the sequel

A burglar is highly likely to return to steal from the same house twice for several reasons. He is hoping the homeowner had insurance to replace the items stolen the first time, meaning he can take the newer, better replacements. Are you going to use the money you got for your expensive laptop on a security system, or are you going to buy another computer? He knows the home probably still doesn’t have security. He knows the layout of the home and where the valuables are, and in some cases, decided to hit the house again when he wasn’t able to get everything he wanted the first time. Instead of being happy when a victim notices the burglar didn’t take both TV’s, he should be nervous. Burglary 2: the sequel may be on its way.

Prevention

Keeping your home safe from burglars involves few but crucial steps. Lock your doors and windows. Use deadbolts. We can help you make sure none of your entries are easy to bump the lock, pick, or kick in.

Have backup--the nosy neighbor or Block Watch, a barking dog, a security camera, or some other means of alerting someone if there is trouble.

Combine a security system with motion lights: a burglar is much more likely to pass on a home with a working security system.

Keep your yard tidy. An unkempt yard is a sign of neglect. The guy who doesn’t trim his bushes probably isn’t home a lot and doesn’t have a security camera hidden behind them and might not lock his back doors or windows.

If you need new locks, want to rekey your existing locks to match, or need a lock repaired, call me.

Kwikpick Lock and Safe offers FREE lockout service for children or pets. If you need locksmith services for your Surprise, El Mirage, or Phoenix home or auto, call today!  Bill 623-300-1889.