Fend Off Those Home Burglars

The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that there are over 2 million burglaries per year in the United States Nearly two-thirds of these burglaries occur in residences. Approximately 30 percent of all burglaries happen through an open or unlocked window or door. A home burglary occurs every 13 seconds in America.

There are numerous things a home owner can do to reduce his or her chance of being a victim of this unfortunate crime, including the following.

Keep your windows and doors locked, since burglars obviously prefer easy access.
Install heavy-duty exterior doors.
Safeguard doors with extra-long screws and high-quality door locks.
Utilize a motion-sensing switch for your outdoor lights.
Trim your shrubs and bushes so that windows and doors can easily be seen from the street.
Ask for a crime assessment inspection of your home from your local police department. They are typically available free of charge.
Keep your garage door closed, even when you are inside your residence.
Utilize a property identification marking system for your valuable possessions.
Store small valuables, such as rare coins and expensive jewelry (that you do not typically wear), in a safe deposit box at your bank.