10 Ways You May Be Unknowingly Inviting Burglars into Your Home (and How to Stop)

Home security is paramount. We all want to feel safe and secure in our own space, but sometimes, seemingly small oversights can increase the risk of a break-in. The key to good security, is not about living in fear; it’s about being proactive and aware. This post isn’t intended to scare you; it’s designed to empower you with knowledge. By identifying and addressing these common vulnerabilities, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target. Let’s explore ten ways you might be inviting burglars in, and, more importantly, how to fix them.

1. Broadcasting Your Absence on Social Media

In the age of social media, it’s tempting to share every detail of our lives, including holiday plans, weekend getaways, and even daily outings. However, posting about your trip away, is like putting up a giant “Vacant!” sign on your front door. Burglars actively scan social media for this kind of information.

The Fix:

• Wait to Share: Post your holiday photos after you return home.
• Privacy Settings: Review your privacy settings on all social media platforms. Limit who can see your posts to trusted friends and family.
• Be Vague: If you must post, be vague about timing and location. Instead of “Off to Bali for two weeks!”, try “Enjoying some much-needed relaxation!”

2. Obvious Signs That You’re Away

An overflowing mailbox, bins that haven’t been brought in, uncollected deliveries, and closed curtains during the day scream “nobody’s home!” These are clear indicators that a house is unoccupied.

The Fix:

• Mail Hold: Arrange for the post office to hold your mail while you’re away.
• Trusted Neighbour: Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail and any deliveries. They can also water plants and put out your bins on collection day.
• Smart Lighting: Consider smart lighting that can be controlled via automation schedules and via a smartphone app. They can also be setup to turn on randomly at night to make it look like you are home.

3. Overgrown Landscaping

Overgrown shrubs, untrimmed trees, and a generally unkempt yard provide excellent cover for burglars. They can conceal themselves while attempting to break in.

The Fix:

• Regular Trimming: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed, especially around windows and doors. This eliminates hiding spots.
• Thorny Bushes: Plant thorny bushes (e.g. roses) beneath windows to deter access.
• Open Yard: Maintain clear sightlines from the street to your house.
• Gravel Pathways: Consider gravel pathways around your home. The crunching sound can alert you (or neighbours) to someone approaching.

4. Leaving Doors and Windows Unlocked (or Weak):

This seems obvious, but it’s surprisingly common. Even a quick trip to the store is enough time for a burglar to slip in. Similarly, weak doors or windows with flimsy locks are easy targets.

The Fix:

• Lock Up, Always: Develop the habit of locking all doors and windows, even when you’re home, and especially when you leave.
• Deadbolts: Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Choose high-quality, sturdy locks.
• Reinforced Frames: Reinforce door frames with metal strike plates to make them more resistant to kicking.
• Window Locks: Ensure all windows have working locks.
• Sliding Doors: Place a strong piece of timber or metal bar in the track of sliding glass doors to prevent them from being forced open.

5. Hiding a Spare Key in Obvious Places

Under the doormat, in a fake rock, or above the door frame are the first places a burglar will look.

The Fix:

• Trusted Neighbour/Friend: Give a spare key to a trusted neighbour or friend who lives nearby.
• Smart Lock: Install a Smart Lock on your door. This eliminates the need for a physical key altogether.
• Lockbox: Last resort is to use a secure lockbox with a combination code, mounted in a secret location. Make sure it’s highly secure / vandal resistant, as many can be compromised easily. We have seen many cases where a lock box has been smashed by intruders to gain entry into a property.
• Never Hide Nearby: Never hide a spare key anywhere near your house.

6. Displaying Valuables in Plain Sight

Leaving expensive electronics, jewelry, or other valuable items visible from windows is an invitation to theft.

The Fix:

• Curtains/Blinds: Use curtains, blinds, or shades to obscure the view into your home, especially at night.
• Strategic Placement: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows. Store them in drawers, closets, or best in a safe.
• Don’t Advertise New Purchases: Break down and dispose of boxes for expensive items (like TVs or computers) discreetly. Don’t leave them on the curb for all to see.

7. An Unsecured Garage

Garages often contain valuable tools, bikes, and other items, and they can also provide access to the main house.

The Fix:

• Lock the Garage Door: Always keep your garage door closed and locked, even when you’re home.
• Secure the Interior Door: Lock the door leading from the garage into your house, just as you would any other exterior door.
• Garage Door Opener Security: Be mindful of where you keep your garage door opener. Don’t leave it in your car parked on the street/driveway, for example.
• Use Secure Remotes: Make sure your garage remote openers use encryption rolling code technology. Older technology are easy to bypass using frequency scanners.
• Consider a Smart Garage Door Opener: These can be controlled remotely and provide alerts if the door is left open.

8. Lack of Exterior Lighting

A dark house is a welcoming house to a burglar. They prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.

The Fix:

• Motion-Sensor Lights: Install motion-sensor lights around your home, especially near entrances, walkways, and the garage.
• Porch Light: Leave your porch light on at night.
• Landscape Lighting: Use landscape lighting to illuminate your yard and eliminate dark corners.
• Smart Lights: Use smart lighting to turn on exterior lights on a schedule, or after sunset, or so they turn on at night automatically.

9. No Alarm / Camera System (or a Visible, but Inactive One)

A visible alarm system and/or security CCTV cameras are strong deterrent. Even a dummy siren/strobe box mounted to the house can be effective. However, if you have a system but don’t use it regularly, burglars may notice.

The Fix:

• Install an Alarm System: Consider a professionally monitored alarm system system with cameras and sensors.
• Smart Video Analytics Cameras: Can reliably detect humans on your property, to notify, trigger an audible warning, and even turn on a light.
• Smart Doorbell: Allows you to answer the door even when you’re not home. If an intruder rings the doorbell to check if anyone is home, you can respond via your smartphone from anywhere, making it appear as though you are there.
• Use Your Alarm System Consistently: Arm your alarm system whenever you leave the house, even for short periods.
• Fence Signs and Window Stickers: Display alarm system signs and window stickers prominently.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure your alarm system is in good working order and that batteries are replaced regularly.

10. Not Knowing Your neighbours

Strong neighbourhood connections are a powerful deterrent to crime. neighbours who look out for each other can help prevent burglaries.

The Fix:

• Get to Know Your neighbours: Introduce yourself and build relationships with the people who live around you.
• neighbourhood Watch: Join or start a neighbourhood watch program.
• Communicate: Exchange contact information with your neighbours and agree to look out for each other’s properties.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police and your neighbours.

Conclusion

Home security is a multifaceted issue, and there’s no single “magic bullet” solution. However, by being aware of these common vulnerabilities and taking proactive steps to address them, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of burglary. Remember, it’s about making your home a less attractive target. A little vigilance and effort can go a long way in creating a safer and more secure environment for you and your family.

For personalised security solutions tailored to your needs, consider reaching out to Blu Sky Security in Adelaide. Let us help you create a safer home for you and your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more!