4 Ways to Prevent Burglars from Choosing Your Home

If your house was vulnerable to burglars, wouldn’t you want to know?

The reality is that there are many things people unknowingly do each day that makes their homes easy targets for criminals. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common things that burglars look for and how to safeguard your home from potential break-ins.

Let’s begin.

1. Lock Your Doors  - Always!

Over one-third of burglars enter the home through the front door. It’s easy enough, after all.

Many times, a burglar will walk up to the front door, knock to see if someone is home and then try the door. If the door is unlocked, they can walk right in and have access to all of your belongings.

Even if you’re doing something quick like running your dog to the vet or dropping something off at the post office, lock your doors. Same with if you’re playing in the backyard with the kids. An open home is an open invitation for criminals.

2. Be Unpredictable...At Least Sometimes 

Many times, burglars will scope out the properties they’re interested in burglarizing. Their purpose is to strike when the moment is right. That’s why burglars love predictability.

Statistically speaking, a burglar will spend between 8-12 minutes in your home, so he only needs a short window to do serious damage.

Of course, you can’t help if you leave every day at the same time to catch the train for work. But you can protect your home with a home automation system that allows you to turn on/off lights and appliances, plus open and close curtains. This can throw off a burglar.

3. Shut and Lock Windows (Even on the Second Floor!)

It’s not just Spiderman who can get through your second floor windows. Burglars look for these windows to be open or unlocked. They won’t hesitate to use a ladder, either.

Lock all windows when you’re not home, and make sure all windows are monitored with window alarm sensors as part of your security system. If a burglar were to enter, you would know immediately. Don’t forget about other accessible windows such as those found in the basement. When there’s a will, there’s a way.

4. Proudly Display Security Stickers and Signs 

When a property proudly displays that it’s protected by a home security system, criminals are far less likely to target the home. And if they do try to get in, the alarm will sound and the police will be alerted. It’s highly unlikely that a burglar will stick around and risk getting caught.

However, don’t get lazy with your security system. You have it for a reason. Be diligent about activating the alarm each time you leave the home.

Find out how affordable home security can be with Texas Security & Surveillance! Give us a call for your FREE quote at 855-693-4003.

Should I Install a Security System for My Apartment?

When you hear about burglaries, single-family homes are usually the first to come to mind. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, apartments are actually 85 percent more likely to be burglarized compared to single-family homes. This statistic is a friendly reminder that people living in apartments should also consider home security systems to keep their belongings safe.

Apartments are at Risk for Break-Ins

Apartments are just as vulnerable to break-ins as single-family homes. Burglars operate in the same way. They look for units that have easy access, lots of cover and quick escape routes. They also pay attention to units that look less lived-in compared to those with a lot of foot traffic.

Burglars are often more likely to attack during the day when people aren’t home. Crime Doctor reports that 30 percent of apartment burglars gain access through an open door or window.

How to Keep Your Apartment Safe

What many renters don’t realize is that they can - and should - take matters into their own hands when it comes to the safety and security of their apartment. For some reason, homeowners feel that this is their right, but apartment renters don’t.

If you are currently renting an apartment, it’s important to consider the security options available to you.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to safeguard your apartment.

●      Lock all doors and windows when you are sleeping or away

●      Use special reinforcements on sliding glass doors or balconies

●      Get to know your neighbors and agree to watch out for each other

●      Use light timers to establish occupancy

Installing an Apartment Security System

After making a few changes to your apartment, the last thing to consider is an apartment security system. A security system will alert you, your neighbors and the police that someone is trying to enter your apartment. There are different types of packages available based on your budget and needs. Some come with motion sensing lights, light timers or security cameras.

Because you are renting, a wired security system probably isn’t an option. But you can find plenty of wireless systems that are affordable, reliable and transferable.

The most important thing to remember is that your apartment depends on you to keep it safe. Don’t assume that just because you’re living in an active community means that your apartment isn’t vulnerable. Keeping doors and windows locked, knowing your neighbors and installing a security system are the best ways to ensure safety and security.

Pros and Cons of Surveillance for Businesses

 

Here at Texas Security & Surveillance, we know how much your business means to you. Many business owners consider installing video surveillance on their property to keep a closer watch on their premises. Between employees, customers and the general public, it’s normal to want to enhance your security to keep your investment safe.

For business owners who have installed security cameras on their premises, most have found the investment to be worthwhile. It’s offered them invaluable peace of mind, especially when they can’t be there. Thanks to advanced technology, business owners are even able to pull up their property on their smartphone or tablet and check in on things.

Video surveillance isn’t a black-and-white decision for every business owner, however. There are pros and cons that you will want to consider before deciding what’s best for you.

Pros of Video Surveillance

●      Prevention of theft. A main benefit of having a security system is preventing theft and burglary from happening on your property. If your premises are secure, employees, customers and criminals will be less likely to target you. Robbers think twice when they see cameras.

●      Legal record of time. If something does occur on your property, you will have the actions recorded on camera. Cases of theft, vandalism or sexual harassment will all be caught on tape and able to be used in the legal system.

●      Convenience and peace of mind. You can’t be there 24-hours a day to watch over your business, but a security system can. It’s a convenient way to check in on your business whether you’re sitting at home on a Saturday night or away on vacation!

Cons of Video Surveillance

●      Cost. Video surveillance is typically expensive. You have to pay for the equipment, the installation and the service. There are also updates and repairs that will need to be made from time to time. The more features you want (i.e., mobile solutions), the more it will cost.

●      Privacy issues. There is the potential for privacy issues with video surveillance that you will want to look into. For instance, employees may be offended with cameras in the breakroom or backroom. It’s best to hold a meeting in advance to let your employees know of the cameras, where they will be installed and why.

●      Difficult to use. There may be a learning curve when it comes to using your surveillance cameras for the first few times. You can have the security system installation company explain everything to you, but it’s important to know how to work the cameras on your own so that you can actually use them.

Only you can make the right decision for your business when it comes to video surveillance. Many business owners find that the cost is well worth the safety, security and peace of mind that is offered to them.