Proper Home Security Precautions
Home security is an issue that concerns many people. Burglary is a common crime. In 2010, over two million burglaries occurred in the United States. Also, over six million incidents of larceny/theft were recorded. In addition, over 700,000 cars were stolen in the United States. These number are actually down from the decade from the 1970s-80s, when crime in the US was at an all-time high.
In the pre-modern world, home security was accomplished by force and weapons. People kept their homes safe from break-in with large dogs, thick iron doors and gates and sometimes armed guards. If a break-in did occur, there was often no real police force that could be called. Criminals knew this, and therefore were not always in a great hurry.
Today, the threat of prosecution means that break-ins are more of a crime of opportunity. While a moat and drawbridge, and a posse of armed men would probably prevent a burglary, even modern banks don't go to such extreme measures. Modern criminals tend to attack the most vulnerable homes. In today's burglary-prevention measures, the adage about running from a bear holds true: you don't have to be the fastest person, or even faster than the bear; you just have to be faster than the slowest person. You don't have to have the most secure home, or even a home that can keep out 100% of burglars, you just have to make burglary difficult and inconvenient.
The first step is locking doors and windows, even when at home. Many burglars simply walk into a house and take things because doing so is a matter of just opening an unlocked door. They don't have to waste time gaining entry, they don't have to look suspicious, and they don't leave any sign that they were there (apart from the missing items of course).
Of course, locking a door or window is only helpful if it stays that way. Many deadbolt strike plates are not secured well, only having shallow screws imbedded into a softwood frame. If the door is kicked near the lock, the screws can easily tear out and the door will open. Replace these screws with longer ones that reach into the stud that holds the door frame in place, and replace the flimsy strike plate with a heavy duty one.
A security door is also a good idea. This is a screen door with heavy-duty mesh that provides another layer of protection. When you answer the door, this can stay closed. It's a great feature especially for elderly, or anyone who needs an added level of security.
Landscaping can play a significant role in home security as well. Bushes and trees provide cover for thieves and have the exact opposite effect of lights. A possible exception to this would be cactus. Narrow, and full of thorns, cactus provides little cover and a large deterrent.
Finally, a good alarm system is a great last line of defense. Even if you've done everything to make your home look uninviting to thieves, and have made it difficult to get inside, the hard truth is that these measures do not stop everyone. A good home security system will alert you and the police if there is a break-in. Furthermore, signs indicating that there is a home security system at work can also provide an additional level of deterrent.
In the pre-modern world, home security was accomplished by force and weapons. People kept their homes safe from break-in with large dogs, thick iron doors and gates and sometimes armed guards. If a break-in did occur, there was often no real police force that could be called. Criminals knew this, and therefore were not always in a great hurry.
Today, the threat of prosecution means that break-ins are more of a crime of opportunity. While a moat and drawbridge, and a posse of armed men would probably prevent a burglary, even modern banks don't go to such extreme measures. Modern criminals tend to attack the most vulnerable homes. In today's burglary-prevention measures, the adage about running from a bear holds true: you don't have to be the fastest person, or even faster than the bear; you just have to be faster than the slowest person. You don't have to have the most secure home, or even a home that can keep out 100% of burglars, you just have to make burglary difficult and inconvenient.
The first step is locking doors and windows, even when at home. Many burglars simply walk into a house and take things because doing so is a matter of just opening an unlocked door. They don't have to waste time gaining entry, they don't have to look suspicious, and they don't leave any sign that they were there (apart from the missing items of course).
Of course, locking a door or window is only helpful if it stays that way. Many deadbolt strike plates are not secured well, only having shallow screws imbedded into a softwood frame. If the door is kicked near the lock, the screws can easily tear out and the door will open. Replace these screws with longer ones that reach into the stud that holds the door frame in place, and replace the flimsy strike plate with a heavy duty one.
A security door is also a good idea. This is a screen door with heavy-duty mesh that provides another layer of protection. When you answer the door, this can stay closed. It's a great feature especially for elderly, or anyone who needs an added level of security.
Landscaping can play a significant role in home security as well. Bushes and trees provide cover for thieves and have the exact opposite effect of lights. A possible exception to this would be cactus. Narrow, and full of thorns, cactus provides little cover and a large deterrent.
Finally, a good alarm system is a great last line of defense. Even if you've done everything to make your home look uninviting to thieves, and have made it difficult to get inside, the hard truth is that these measures do not stop everyone. A good home security system will alert you and the police if there is a break-in. Furthermore, signs indicating that there is a home security system at work can also provide an additional level of deterrent.
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