Common Home Security Mistakes

The Most Common Ways We Invite Burglars into Our Homes

Burglaries can be a scary and dangerous reality for many homeowners. In fact, according to the FBI’s latest crime statistics, there were over 1 million burglaries in the United States in 2019, with 62.8% of those being residential burglaries. While a home security system is a valuable tool for protecting your home and family, it is important to remember that it is not a foolproof solution. There are several common ways that we may invite burglars into our homes, even if we have a security system in place.

Unlocked Doors: A Leading Cause of Burglaries

One of the most obvious ways we invite burglars is by leaving doors unlocked, whether during the day or at night. Many people believe that burglars only break into homes at night or that they wouldn’t dare to break in while someone is home, but the truth is that around two-thirds of burglaries in the United States occur during daylight hours. In fact, burglars may be more likely to break in while you are home if they think they can do so without being detected. That’s why it’s so important to get into the habit of locking your doors, even when you are home.

Don’t Neglect Your Windows: Another Common Entry Point for Burglars

Another common mistake is leaving windows open or unlocked. Like doors, windows can be a weak point in your home’s security, especially if you forget to close and lock them at night or when you leave the house. To protect your home, make sure to check all doors and windows every day to ensure they are closed and locked.

Ignoring a knock on the door can also be a mistake, especially if you are home alone. While it is generally advisable not to open the door for strangers, if you ignore a knock on the door, a potential burglar may assume that no one is home and try to break in. Instead of ignoring the knock, it is best to acknowledge it but not open the door. If possible, you might consider installing

a doorbell camera so you can see and speak with unexpected visitors without compromising your safety.

Inadequate Locks: Protect Your Home with Stronger Security Measures

Inadequate locks can also make your home more vulnerable to burglaries. Many manufactured homes, for example, have locks that are more for privacy than for security. These locks, such as thumb-turn locks built into doorknobs or handles, are not sufficient to prevent burglaries. To properly secure your home, all entry doors should have an independent deadbolt lock, and sliding glass doors and windows should have more robust locks in addition to their standard privacy locks.

Too Much Privacy: Don’t Make it Easy for Burglars to Enter Your Home

Privacy can also be a problem when it comes to home security. While it may feel safer to have a lot of privacy, it can also make it easier for burglars to enter your home without being noticed. To reduce the risk of burglaries, consider relocating any tall or wide shrubs or trees that obscure windows or doors to the fence line so they are more visible from the street.

Poor Lighting: A Security Risk That’s Easy to Overlook

Poor lighting is another factor that can make your home more vulnerable to burglaries. If your home is poorly lit, it may be easier for burglars to break in without being noticed. To improve your home’s lighting, consider adding outdoor lights or installing motion-sensor lights.

Even the Best Security System Needs Your Help

Remember, even the most advanced security system cannot keep you safe if you neglect basic precautions like locking your doors and windows. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help protect your home and family from burglaries. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action – start securing your home today and give yourself peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything you can to keep your loved ones safe.