11 of the Biggest Home Security Mistakes
Check out these 11 biggest home security mistakes that could leave your home vulnerable to burglars. The other week, three neighborhoods in Ballantyne were burglarized--not something we hear a lot about in these particular neighborhoods. When I read this list, I was hoping to find one or two of these mistakes that I would consider most critical to pay attention to. But, in fact, they are all important. And the best part is that virtually all of them are free to do! Check them out and implement them at your home.
One type of mistake that you should never have to learn from involves home security. Don’t wait till something bad happens to you to learn a lesson. Here are the top mistakes that people make; learn about them here rather than from personal experience:
- Leaving doors unlocked. Yes, leave your door unlocked often enough overnight, and a burglar will find it. They’re all out there, working their third shift while you’re asleep, jiggling hundreds of door knobs to find that one unlocked door. Yours will be next. Be smart and lock up! This also includes during the day and when you’re gone.
- Penny pinching when it comes to locks. You get what you pay for. Don’t put a price tag on your home’s security.
- If you have a house alarm, use it. It should always be on. Don’t make the excuse that you’ll forget to turn it off when you want to step outside to see a rainbow.
- Keep the garage locked at all times.
- Don’t leave ladders out. Don’t say, “I’m too tired; I’ll put it away tomorrow.” A burglar is never too tired to climb a ladder to your second story window.
- Don’t hide keys near the door. Give the spare to a trusted neighbor.
- Leaving windows open. Okay, so maybe you don’t have a fly or moth problem, but guess what else will come in: thieves. Lock windows even if you’ll be gone for “just a few minutes.”
- Don’t post your vacation plans or adventures on Facebook, etc., until after you return.
- Don’t leave intact boxes, that expensive items like flat screen TVs came in, outside for trash pickup. Break them down and stuff in a trash bag.
- Make sure your valuables aren’t visible through windows.
- Keep your house looking occupied at all times while you’re away: Have a neighbor collect your newspapers and mail; used automatic timed lighting devices (including outside at night); leave a kid’s bicycle lying by the front door, etc. Another way to give it that “lived in look” is with the BeOn proactive smart lighting home security system. Check it out.
Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BeOn Home Security discussing burglar proofing your home on NECN. Disclosures.
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