Home Break-Ins: Arm Yourself with the Facts

Over 8,000 home burglaries a day in the U.S, but if you're armed with facts there are things you can do to protect your home, family and belongings.

1. The entry point of three in 10 burglaries is an unlocked, first floor door or window (www.safeguardtheworld.com). 
   
   If you're home and want to have a door and/or window open, set your home alarm to chime mode so that you can hear when people come and go. When you leave, even for a short amount of time, close and lock all doors and windows. Keep your yard manicured to be sure first-floor doors and windows are visible from the street and neighbors' homes. 
   
   
2. The first room burglars target is the master bedroom (www.asecurelife.com). 
   
   So, put your valuables (think: jewelry, cash, social security cards, passports) somewhere unexpected, and in a safe if possible. 
   
   
3. Most burglars avoid homes with security systems (www.safewise.com). 
   
   Protect your home - and if you're on a budget, purchase affordable standalone home security alarms and decals. These alarms from SABRE are extremely loud and practical. Plus, there are no installation or monthly monitoring fees. 
   
   
4. A majority of home break-ins occur during daytime hours, from 6 AM to 6 PM (www.stateoftheusa.com). 
   
   Even if you work from home, it's a good idea to get a security system if possible, because criminals will likely assume there's nobody in the house. In fact, 28% of burglaries happen with a homeowner inside. If you have neighbors that are around during the day, ask them to keep an eye on things and report any suspicious characters. 
   
5. Burglars don't want to spend more than 60 seconds in your home (www.homesecurity.net). 
   
   Any extra obstacle that makes it harder for them to enter is excellent. Think about deadbolt locks, standalone alarms and door wedges making it harder for a burglar to move throughout the house efficiently. 

On average, home burglaries cost their victims $2,185 (as reported by the FBI). Break-ins also bring on emotional trauma - so to save yourself some money and a headache, take precautionary measures.

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