Ways to Prevent a Break-In

Always Lock Doors and Windows

• Properly working locks are a major deterrent to home invasions. It is important to make sure locks on doors and windows are in good condition and cannot be opened easily from the outside. Adding a deadbolt lock to any doors that lead outside can provide additional protection against home invasion. The hinges on a door should also be located on the inside of doors leading outside to help prevent break-ins.

Display Alarm System Signs

• A potential robber may be more hesitant to try and break into a home if he believes the house is protected by an alarm system. While it is true alarm systems can be expensive, a homeowner does not actually have to have one to make a potential burglar think she does. Displaying an alarm system sign in a clearly visible area even if the house is not protected by an alarm system can diminish break-in potential.

Lock Electrical Boxes

• Placing a lock on electrical boxes is an important way to protect a home against a break-in. This is particularly true if a home is also protected by an electrically-powered alarm system. An unlocked electrical box would allow a robber to turn off power to the alarm system, as well as allow him to turn off any lights that may be on, thereby allowing him to break into a home under the cover of darkness.

Keep Areas Outside of the Home Well-Lit

• Lights function as a great deterrent to an individual who is trying to break into a home. Thieves are less likely to break into a home if they can be easily seen from the street by any passerby. Every exterior door in a home should be lit by a light bulb of at least 40 watts. Motion detector lights offer added security as they will give off even brighter light when a robber moves outside of the home.

Turn on Lights When On Vacation

• It is important to keep some lights on inside of a house when the occupants are away for an extended period of time. If it appears no interior lights are being turned on for a few nights in a row, it is a clear indicator that the residents are away to anyone who may want to break into the home. Leaving lights on inside of the house all day and all night can also be a signal to potential robbers that no one is home. When going away on vacation, homeowners should put lights on a random timer. This will allow the lights to turn on automatically every evening at varying times so it appears the house is occupied.

Close Curtains and Hide Expensive Boxes

• A potential thief will be more likely to risk breaking into a home if he knows there are expensive items inside. It is important to keep drapes drawn, especially at night, so passersby cannot see into the home and take an inventory of what it contains. Similarly, boxes expensive items such as computers and giant plasma TVs should be hidden from sight on trash day. An empty box for an expensive item sitting on the curb for anyone to see could lure a robber to the home.