Home Safety Tips: 6 Things Burglars Don’t Want You To Know

For most homeowners, keeping their family and valuables safe from burglars is top of mind. Despite the 23% decrease in theft cases in 2019, homeowners should not be complacent and become careless with the safety and protection of their property.

Burglary is an intrusive crime that not only results in the loss of valuables and damaged homes, but may also cause long-lasting stress and fear as well as psychological trauma for the parties involved. Luckily, there are many ways to decrease the chances of being a victim yourself.

In this article, we discuss six well-known facts about burglars that you can use to defend your home and prevent break-ins.

1. They use social media to keep track of you

2. They don’t always strike at night

3. They do not like additional security practices

4. They prefer homes with tall shrubs

5. They don’t like neighbours who look out for each other  

6. They know your hiding places

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1. They use social media to keep track of you

In today’s digital era, keeping your whereabouts private is not an easy feat – thanks to social media. While it may be tempting to post about your exciting upcoming trip or an expensive new feature in your home, this sort of information allows the perfect opportunity for burglars to execute their crimes. Instead, make sure your accounts and profiles on varying social media platforms remain private. It is also good to be careful about who you add to your lists of friends and contacts. Make sure to keep these lists to those you truly know and trust in real life.

2. They don’t always strike at night

While darkness provides adequate cover for burglars to sneak around and remain undetected, these criminals often prefer to operate in daytime. This is because they are more likely to find an empty and unguarded home during these hours. In the daytime, adults are working and their kids would be studying in school. There is also some chance that a homeowner who is late and rushing off to work might have forgotten to lock their front door, garage or windows as they leave.

 

3. They do not like additional security practices

It goes without saying that locking possible entry points in your home is a good practice. However, compared to these basic precautions, installing your home with security systems is the best deterrent to robberies. A burglar who is motivated enough would easily be able to break through a deadbolt on your front door or back patio. So, upgrade your security to include home surveillance system or floodlight security cameras to catch them in the act.

4. They prefer homes with tall shrubs

Front lawns that are unmaintained provide the perfect hiding spots for these prowlers to keep out of a neighbour’s view while ensuring the streets are well in their sights. This would allow them to keep track of returning homeowners or passers-by as they plot their next move. Alternatively, consider growing thorny plants such as roses or cacti along the lawn to thwart thieves. Nearby trees that are tall enough to reach a bedroom window is also an easy access to your home, so make sure to keep them below that level.

5. They don’t like neighbours who look out for each other

Most of the time, intruders can appear as a jogger or random passer-by. This makes it easy to sometimes overlook their presence; which is why an extra pair of eyes are crucial. A new face lurking about your property is a sure way to raise suspicions, especially if you have informed your neighbours of your absence beforehand. Keeping a trusted neighbour in the loop of your schedule is one of the best ways to deter would-be burglars.

6. They know your hiding places

Most people hide their spare keys beneath potted plants and their valuables in dresser drawers or cabinets. Burglars are aware of this, which is why these spots are often one of the first places they check for. Instead, keep your jewellery and cash in a home safe and your keys with a trusted neighbour. Your average intruder is not a safecracker, which means they are more likely to leave empty handed when confronted with an advanced lock system of a built-in safe.

If you are on the lookout for a reliable provider of home security systems in Australia, then look no further than Home Safety Store. With a wide range of systems to choose from, from DIY home security to Wi-Fi security cameras, you will definitely find something suitable for you and your home. Get in touch with our friendly team with any enquiries on wireless home security systems or home alarm systems in Australia today.