According to the U.S. Department of Justice, about 8,640 burglaries happen every day–that’s one every ten seconds. Want to hear something even more frightening? Every one out of five homes will experience a break-in or invasion. That’s over two million houses that will become the target of the bad guys.
Make your house the safest on the block
The way you present your house to the world can make a difference in whether your home becomes a statistic. Consider these tips to keep your home cozy and safe:
- Strong entry doors. Someone up to no good is more likely to pass by your house if the front door is imposing and sturdy. Look for a thick steel entry doorthat has a solid, proven lock. Expect to pay an average of $1,238 for a new steel entry door, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2011-2012. However, that’s some of the best money you can spend for peace of mind, and at a 73 percent return on investment, it’s not a bad deal at all.
- Windows with serious locks. When you purchase replacement windows, you’re looking at energy efficiency and style. Don’t forget to look at security, too. At least one sturdy lock on your windows is good; two is even better. Keep your screens in place and keep the windows locked, even those that are on upper stories. A burglar really can get up there.
- Well-placed lighting. Many burglaries happen at night, when darkness is a friend to those up to no good. Lights that keep the shadows down to a minimum can mean a safer house. Consider motion-sensing lights that are aimed at the darkest corners of your yard, floodlights that make midnight look like noon with the flip of a switch, and security lights around the house, especially near the bushes and other decorative shrubbery around the home.
- Watch the garage. Many intruders find that the garage is an easy method of entry, especially during the day when you’re not around. A garage door that locks when you drive away is a very good idea. If your garage door has seen better days, now is the time to replace it. It’s a very cost-effective move as well; the average price of a new garage door is $1,512, and you can recoup up to 71.9 percent of that investment, according to the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report.
- Reinforce the sliding glass door. Would-be intruders love to see a sliding glass door on a secluded deck. They can often get through the lock with ease or lift the door away from the track to simply remove it. Stop this problem with a solid metal jammer that keeps the door from being opened from the outside.
- Add an alarm. Homes without security systems are three times more vulnerable to break-ins than homes with security systems. Even a simple system is enough to deter crooks. Small alarms that squeal like mad when disturbed can be purchased at home improvement stores and installed on doors and windows. Though a seasoned thief will realize these alarms aren’t going to result in an automatic call to the police station, most criminals will decide your place isn’t worth the hassle.
Don’t be a statistic. Make your house unappealing to burglars with a strong, sturdy facade. If they do decide to give it a try, make them work to get in–odds are that a thief will walk away before spending too much time trying to get into your place.