We all crave the feeling of safety within our sanctuaries. Most people lock the front door and assume they are secure from the outside world. However, burglars are constantly looking for subtle invitations to enter. You might be signaling that your house is an easy target without realizing it. Small, seemingly harmless habits can compromise your security significantly. Identifying these risks is the first step to true safety. Here are ten mistakes that attract unwanted visitors.
Leaving the Ladder Out
You finished cleaning the gutters and left the ladder in the yard. Unfortunately, you just gave a thief access to your second floor. Upstairs windows are often unlocked because we forget them. Therefore, put your tools away immediately. Secure ladders in a locked garage or shed. Do not make their job easier.
Letting Mail Pile Up
An overflowing mailbox screams “nobody is home.” It is a clear sign you are on vacation. Burglars actively patrol neighborhoods looking for this visual cue. Consequently, pause your mail delivery when you travel. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to grab it daily. Keep the house looking lived-in.
Hiding Keys Under the Mat
This is the first place a burglar looks. Under the mat, inside a fake rock, or above the doorframe are obvious spots. These locations are not secrets. Instead, give a spare key to a neighbor. Or, install a smart lock with a code. Never leave physical access lying around.
Leaving Packaging on the Curb
You just bought a massive 4K TV. Leaving the box on the curb tells everyone you have expensive new electronics. It essentially acts as an advertisement for your valuables. Therefore, break the boxes down completely. Put them inside the recycling bin so they aren’t visible. Conceal your purchases.
Dark Landscapes
Thieves love the cover of darkness. A poorly lit yard allows them to work unseen. Shadows are their best friends during a break-in. To fix this, install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter. Trim overgrown bushes that block windows. Eliminate the hiding spots.
Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
Can people see your laptop through the window? If they can see it, they might want to take it. Open blinds at night are like a store display. Therefore, close your curtains when it gets dark. Rearranging furniture can also help. Keep expensive items out of the direct line of sight.
Broadcasting Vacation Plans
Posting “Off to Hawaii!” on social media is dangerous. You are telling the world your house is empty. Tech-savvy criminals monitor these feeds for opportunities. Thus, wait until you return to post your photos. Share your memories safely. Privacy is a key part of physical security.
Cheap Locks on Doors
Builder-grade locks are easy to pick or bump. If your lock is flimsy, your door is just a decoration. Weak deadbolts fail under pressure. Consequently, upgrade to high-security deadbolts. Ensure the strike plate is reinforced with long screws. Make the entry point difficult to breach.
No Alarm Signage
Even a fake security sign is a deterrent. Burglars prefer the path of least resistance. If they think an alarm will trigger, they move on. Therefore, display stickers from a security company prominently. Obviously, a real system is better. But the perception of security matters too.
Glass Doors Without Covers
Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. A thief can smash the glass or pop the lock easily. It is a large entry point. To prevent this, install a dowel rod in the track to prevent sliding. Apply shatter-resistant film to the glass. Add layers of defense to these weak points.
Think Like a Burglar
Walk around your home and look for these common weaknesses. Fixing these mistakes makes your home a magnet for burglars no more. A little prevention brings a significant amount of peace of mind. Security is often about psychology as much as hardware. Make your home look difficult to enter. Thieves will likely skip your house for an easier target.
Do you need to fix any of these security gaps today? Let me know in the comments!
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The post 10 Everyday Mistakes That Make Your Home a Magnet for Burglars appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
