Burglars, thieves, and intruders are always looking for an easy target. They want to ensure they can get in and out quickly without being detected.
Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash
That said, they usually watch a house for a while before deciding to break in to assess whether or not it would be a good target. If your home has any of the following features, it could be at risk for a break-in.
An unlocked door or window
As any law enforcement officer will tell you, an unlocked door or window is one of the most common ways intruders gain access to a home. That’s because it provides a quick and easy way to enter without forcing their way in. In fact, many burglaries occur during the day when people are not at home, and the intruder walks in through an unlocked door or window.
While an alarm system can be a deterrent, it won’t do any good if the intruder can walk right in. That’s why it’s essential to make sure all doors and windows are locked, even when you’re at home. By taking this simple precaution, you can help deter would-be burglars and keep your home safe.
A hidden key under the doormat or in a flowerpot
A hidden key is one of the most common house features that attract intruders. Many people will hide their keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot, thinking that they are being clever. However, this is actually a horrible idea. Intruders know all the familiar hiding places and will often look there first. It is much better to leave your keys in a more prominent place, like on top of the doorframe or in a key holder near the door. You can still easily access your keys when needed, but intruders will be less likely to find them.
Open garage entrance
An open garage entrance is one of the most common features that attract intruders to a home. People often leave their garage doors open during the day while working in the yard or running errands. This provides easy access for intruders looking for an opportunity to break into a home.
In addition, an open garage door is a sign that no one is home, which can be especially inviting to burglars. To help deter intruders, it is vital to keep your garage door closed at all times, even when you are home. It would also be ideal for getting a new garage door installed if what you currently have is old or not very secure.
Lack of security system
A security system is one of the most essential features to consider when looking for a new home. While many people think of security systems as being primarily for deterring burglars, they can also provide valuable peace of mind in the event of a fire, flood, or other natural disaster. In addition, security systems can help to protect against vandalism, identity theft, and other crimes.
For these reasons, homes without security systems are often seen as more attractive to intruders. This is because they know that there is a greater chance that they will be able to break in without being detected. Nevertheless, make sure that your home has a good security system in place before you move in. Otherwise, you may be putting yourself at risk.
Poorly lit exterior
A poorly lit exterior is a house feature that can attract intruders. When an intruder sees a dark house, they may think that the occupants are not home and that the house will be easy to break into. In addition, a poorly lit exterior can provide hiding places for an intruder. Shrubs and trees that are not well lit can provide cover for an intruder to approach the house. To help prevent intruders from targeting your home, it is crucial to ensure that the exterior is well lit. Motion sensor lights can be a good option as they will turn on when someone approaches the house. Floodlights can also be used to light up large areas.
Visible valuables through windows
Valuables stored in plain sight are one of the most common house features that attract intruders. When valuables are left visible through windows, potential burglars can easily assess what is inside the home and whether it is worth breaking in. In fact, a study by the University of North Carolina found that 60% of burglars said they would target a home if they saw valuables through the windows. To protect your home from break-ins, it is important to keep valuables out of sight and ensure that all windows are securely covered.
Final thoughts
Your family’s safety is the one at stake here. Be extra careful and take the necessary precautions to avoid any untoward incident. Having your property inspected by a professional security company can help you identify any potential risks. Take the necessary steps to protect your home and loved ones from harm.