Just as avoiding being chosen in the
first place is our best defense outside our home the same holds true inside our
home. So what steps can we take to make our home less attractive to criminals?
Well first we have to think like our criminal. What is he looking for? Make no
mistake criminals do their homework there are certainly crimes of opportunity
but in many cases the criminal will recon a neighborhood looking for his target
- Reward – Is
the risk worth the reward
- Vacant – Unless
you are the reward he wants to be in and out with no fuss.
- Concealed Approach –
he wants to be able to enter and exit your home without being observed by
neighbors or a passerby who may raise the alarm.
- Surreptitious Entry –He
wants to get in quickly and quietly so he can have maximum time to carry
out his crime.
With these thoughts in mind let’s
think about simple cost effective measures we can take to make our criminal
look elsewhere.
Actions. With a few minor adjustments to our normal routines we can
avoid drawing attention to ourselves or giving information to would be
criminals.
- Vacations – Don’t
announce your vacation plans on Face Book, Twitter or any other social
media and don’t post pics till after you return. Stop your mail. Have a
neighbor visit your home at random times each day to give the impression
of occupancy. Consider putting a timer on lights throughout the home.
- Trash –
Don’t put that new flat screen TV box out by the trash for pickup.
Consider a trip to the local dump/recycling center with any high value
item packaging. Consider a paper shredder for all your sensitive
documents.
- High Value Items –
Don’t display high value items like jewelry, antiques, guns etc. Where the
can be seen from outside your home. Keep your garage door closed.
Landscaping . Paying attention to the landscaping around our home can pay
huge dividends in reducing the risk of being targeted.
- Shrubs/Trees/Fences – Shrubs trees and fences are great for providing privacy
but if placed incorrectly provide privacy for the criminal. Fortunately
with a little thought we can have them work for us. Don’t plant shrubs or
trees in front of windows or around doors. They allow a criminal to stay
concealed while they break in. If you must Plant in front of windows
consider thorny shrubs like Bougainvillea. Any gates in side fences should
have locks.
