Most break-ins happen between 10am and 3pm, with July and August having the most break-ins. Kids are back in school and routines are back underway, leaving your home unoccupied — and maybe even your front-door packages unattended.
What can you do to feel safer while protecting the people you love most and the things you’ve worked so hard for? Try these tactics to make your home more difficult to enter and a harder target for would-be burglars.
1. Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked
When learning how to prevent home break-ins, the first step is typically the most obvious. Keep all windows and doors locked at all times. By ensuring that these entry points are properly secured, you can make it more difficult for an intruder to enter your home.
Next, you’ll want to ensure that all of your home’s locks function correctly. Scale your home to evaluate all potential burglar entry points, check the locks, and replace any that are broken or damaged. You’ll also want to ask yourself the following questions:
- Could a burglar pick any of my door locks if they really wanted to?
- Do my sliding glass doors lock properly?
- Do all of my windows have working locks, including the ones not on ground level?
All your doors and windows having secure locks can help you enjoy peace of mind. Triple check yours so you and your loved ones can feel safe at home.
2. Install a Home Security System
Burglars can count on most homes not having a home security system since nearly 75 percent of American homeowners don’t have one. Having a home security system means you have eyes and ears on your home when you’re not there. So, ensure that your space is protected at all times by shopping for affordable home security systems at Rent-A-Center.
Not only will installing a security system give you peace of mind, but with quality options like The Enforcer, you’ll be able to do more than just catch burglars on tape. The Enforcer features 4K Ultra HD video for capturing intruder faces, tattoos, and license plates. And it can also intimidate thieves by triggering red and blue flashing lights, bright spotlights, and loud sirens.
According to Safewise, most burglars completely avoid homes with a security system in place. Installing one of your own can minimize your risk of break-ins by up to 60%.
3. Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight
Oftentimes, an intruder will evaluate your home and the items that are in it before attempting a break-in. Ensure that they have minimal information by keeping your belongings out of plain sight. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to accomplish this is by keeping your drapes closed, shutting your window shutters, and ensuring that you never leave your garage door open for too long — especially when you aren’t home.
4. Make Your Home Appear Occupied
Along with home security systems, it’s also a good idea to make your home appear occupied even when it isn’t. 48% of burglars state that they would bypass a home if they hear noises coming from inside of the house.
So how do you make it seem like you’re home when you’re actually away?
Technology, like the Wi-Fi Smart Switch, could help you beef up your “How to Prevent a House Burglary” playbook. This smart switch allows you to maintain full control of your space even when you’re not there. Liven up your place by turning on the lights or playing some tunes. And when you are away for extended periods of time, help to prevent break-ins by maintaining a regular lighting schedule in your household.
Here are a few home features you can manage using the Smart Switch mobile app:
- Lighting
- Cameras
- Door locks
- Garage door
- Music
- And more
Burglars may suspect that you have technology in your home. What they might not consider is that your technology could help protect you from burglars like them.
How to Prevent Break-Ins: Protect Your Home with Rent-A-Center
Learning how to avoid house break-ins is essential. Especially because 75 percent of homes in the United States will experience a break-in by 2042, according to Forbes. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings by using the smart tech available at Rent-A-Center. Shop online or at a location near you to help keep burglars out today!