With the increase in drug use in this country it is imperative to theft proof your home. Although a completely theft proof home is impossible, taking a few simple steps can deter even the most hardened criminal from breaking into your house.
First check all your doors and ensure they have dead bolts. Check all the parts to the deadbolt and make sure it is working properly. The most overlooked part of the dead bolt is the anchor point in the door frame. The anchor point should be mounted onto the studs behind the door frame with hardened steel screws that go all the way through the stud.
Once the doors are secure check all of your windows to make sure they are locked. Windows are harder to secure because all the thief has to do is break the glass. Make sure there is nothing inside the house near the window that will help a crook gain entry such as a table allowing him to easily climb into the house. Make sure there is nothing outside the window that will give the crook access to the window such as an air conditioner or chair. Also clear any shrubs or brush that would help a crook conceal his activity from neighbors or those passing by.
Placing motion lights on the outside of the residence is probably the best deterrent short of arming your home with an alarm. Place motion lights anywhere entry may be gained. Not only does this act as a deterrent it helps the police when they are patrolling your area and may alert them to suspicious activity near your home.
A monitored alarm system is a nice addition to a residence and most likely the best deterrent but the monthly cost can keep most people from outfitting their home. With this system if someone breaks into your home a silent alarm or sometimes an audible will sound and a monitoring center will call the police. The disadvantage to this system is a monthly monitoring fee.
A cheaper alternative would be an audible system that isn't monitored. Once this system is installed there are no monthly monitoring cost. This system sounds an audible alarm to alert the neighbors and often will send the thief running. The disadvantage is that a monitoring center isn't notified and if your neighbors don't hear it to call the police no one will respond.
Taking a few simple steps can help deter crime and ensure your safety.
