How to Protect Your Property from Theft

Unfortunately, many homes and properties lack the necessary security measures to be intruder-proof. The good news is there are many ways to minimize the chances that a property will be attacked. Here are essential security tips for home and/or property owners.

1. Looking for weaknesses around the property

Property owners should inspect the outside of their building for anything that could make it vulnerable to burglars. For example, windows should not easily pry open. Another good idea is to look through the windows, from the outside, to check if valuables can be easily spotted. Moving them out of view could deter thieves from entering the property.

2. Trimming shrubs and trees in the yard

Burglars can use untrimmed shrubs around a house to cover and hide. Thus, keeping the shrubs and vegetation trimmed — under half a metre in height — is a great idea. Those who live in a two-story home should prune the trees in their yard. Robbers could use long tree branches to break into the home.

3. Installing a fence

Intruders rarely want to jump over fences to burglarize a property. So, property owners should install one to keep unwanted visitors at bay. The most secure types of fences include open chain-link or ornamental metal fencing that’s secured into concrete.

4. Using curtains or blinds on windows

Keeping goods inside is a good idea, but it’s best to hide them from outside viewers. To achieve that, curtains or blinds should be used in homes, garages, and in front of basement windows. They will provide more privacy and protection.

5. Keeping windows, doors, and gates locked

Garage doors should never be left open even if the owner is at home. Also, padlocks should be installed on outside entrances. To reinforce doors, deadbolts should also be installed on the door handle itself. It’s also important not to leave home without locking the windows and doors, even if it’s a short trip.

6. Having a large number on the property

Large and reflective numbers should be put on both the property and mailbox. This helps the police to easily identify the property in case of an emergency. Crooks prefer homes that are hard to identify as it can buy them time to run.

7. Securing valuables in a safe

A good safe not only keeps valuables safe from theft, it also keeps them safe from flooding, fire or other disasters. Those who have a small safe or lockbox can bolt it to the floor to prevent thieves from taking it. Also, the safe should be kept in an area of the property that’s hard to access.

8. Installing a security system

A home security system can be customized with tons of features. It should at least include a security camera, outdoor motion detectors, sensors at exterior doors and windows, and an outdoor alarm. In addition to the security system, installing sensor lighting outside the property is also recommended.

9. Getting a dog

A large breed such as a German Shepherd is the ultimate security system. They provide advanced warning of thieves and can be reliable during power outages. Thieves hate noisy and protective dogs.

10. Befriending neighbors

It helps a great deal to know that neighbors are on the lookout for suspicious activity. Thus, getting to know neighbors is a great way to tip each other off in case a thief sneaks into the neighborhood.

By putting these tips into practice, crooks will hopefully be discouraged from intruding into a property. The fewer weaknesses a property has, the less likely it is to get robbed.