6 Grave home security mistakes

Burglars look for new targets each time. A team of burglars usually has a couple of members who act as scouts and conduct a scan of potential soft targets in new neighborhoods. On the other hand, a neighborhood that doesn’t have a record of burglaries can very well be complacent in terms of its security. Do you live in such a neighborhood? Have you flinched while reading burglary news in the newspapers and considered yourself to be fortunate to be living in such a safe neighborhood? Then you can very well make one of the five gravest mistakes that home owners make.

1. A security system switched off: How many times have you forgotten to activate that alarm system? Maybe you didn’t want to go through all the trouble of activating the alarm system and the CCTV camera as you were going for a quick trip to the supermarket and would be away for only a few minutes. Now that’s one of the most common mistakes that homeowners make. If you have a security system in place then use it. It doesn’t matter whether you are going for a few minutes or a few days. Do not leave any loopholes.
2. The Garage – A weak link: An unlocked garage is one of the easiest entry points into the home. If you have an attached garage and you leave it unlocked, then that’s a red carpet invitation for burglars. Integrate the garage into your security alarm system if you still haven’t done it. It’s easy and requires minimum work. On the other hand, if you have a separate garage and you still leave it unlocked, then you are providing burglars with a bag full of tools that he can use to pry open the doors, drill holes into the doors and remove lock covers. The moral of the story is that the garage can often be the weak link in the security system. Always lock it to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
3. The hidden key: It amazes me that people still hide a key outside the home fearing that they might be locked out sometime. Burglars are well aware of this prehistoric tactic and a hidden key is the first thing that they look for when trying to break into a home. I would personally recommend that you do not hide it anywhere outside and hand the keys to a trustworthy neighbor instead. And if you’d rather hide it, then be creative. Do not hide it anywhere close to the door or in common places that have been popularized in a million movies.
4. Not including your neighbors: You might have the most advanced security system in place but a smart and alert neighbor can be worth more than all of this. If you are not very friendly with your neighbors then this is the time to change that. It can be a grave mistake to not include your neighbors in your security set up. You can even start a neighborhood watch program. If you are going to be away for a few days, then your neighbor is your best protection.
5. If you have it, flaunt it: Prevention is better than cure. It is an old saying that speaks volumes for its effectiveness. A lot of people have high end security systems but no signs or warnings anywhere near the home. Would you want a robber to break-in in the middle of the night and disturb your sleep when the alarm is triggered? Would you rather not prevent it? If you have the security setup, then display it. Put up signs and decals that warn any intruder about the security systems in your home. And you can use stand alone signs, decals and fake security cameras even if you do not have actual security systems.
6. Procrastination: If there is a broken lock or a window that needs repairing, then get it replaced as soon as you can. Do not wait for a calamity to happen before realization dawns on you. Do not put off the job for another day. You never know when it’s your bad day.

Avoid doing one of these 6 grave mistakes and always stay alert. You will be able to protect your home, family and your hard earned money from burglars and thieves.