Ex-Burglar Tips to Protect Your Home from a Break-in

Guest Blogger #931, Entry #2305, April 17, 2013

According to the FBI, about four property crimes are committed every minute. While many homeowners often feel like helpless victims after being burglarized, you can take control now to reduce your chances of being a target.

Ensure your family home is safe

Image via: Cary Bernstein Architect

Here are some tips from seasoned ex-burglars about what to do and what not to do to keep your house safe:

Don’t Get Too Comfortable

Jon Douglas Rainey, an ex-burglar and co-host of “It Takes a Thief,” said in a interview on Discovery.com that the most common mistake he saw homeowners make was feeling too safe. A false sense of security can lead to careless mistakes. Whether you’ve lived in the same home for decades or you’re close with all of your neighbors, don’t think you are the exception. Instead, adopt a street-smart mentality of someone living in a big city or a crime-ridden area and channel that energy into protecting your home.

Install an Alarm & Use It

According to Atlanta Police Department crime statistics, there were 7,499 burglaries in Atlanta in the last year, rendering LifeShield home security in Atlanta essential. However, a security system is only as effective as the user.

Matt Johnston, an ex-burglar and Rainey’s co-host on “It Takes a Thief” noted in an interview on Discovery.com that the most common mistake he saw homeowners make was not using their alarm systems. Slow down and check to make sure your doors are locked and that the alarm system is activated. If you tend to be forgetful, invest in a security system that allows you to remotely access your alarm.

Don’t get too comfortable, it can lead to careless mistakes

Image via: Paul Moon Design

Have a Guard Dog

It may sound cliché, but it’s true, the sight of a dog can send burglars running in the other direction. In an interview with Texas news station KXAN, ex-burglar Kenneth Fields said that a fear of trained dogs was enough to get him to move on to another target if he saw homeowners had a dog.

While pit bulls, Rottweilers and other large breeds are generally the most intimidating, you can scare off criminals without even revealing your dog. Strategically place your dog’s water and food bowls near the front door and place “beware of dog” signs around the perimeter of your property.

Consider having a dog for protection

Don’t Be a Show-Off

If you have a habit of parking your flashy brand-new car in the driveway instead of the garage, you could be drawing a criminal’s attention to your house. Burglars often scope out neighborhoods, looking in yards, driveways and on front porches to see what goodies homeowners may have. A recent Reader’s Digest article noted that lots of kids toys in the yard often indicates that spoils like gaming systems are inside, so make sure your kids put away their toys when they’re done with them.

For more home security tips on Stagetecture, click here.