What does a BURGLAR like?
Experience has shown us that burglars like
many things (mostly other people's things),
but most thieves prefer two conditions:
• An invitation, and
• A fast, easy, undetected entry and exit
Burglary invitations aren't stuffed into
envelopes as are birthday party invites; nor
do we hang signs on our doors - "BURGLARS
WELCOME" - the way we attach balloons to the
mailbox.
However, invitations are sent and
signs are posted which are equally
effective. Have you observed the pile of
newspapers on your neighbors’ porch, or how
the mail overflows from his mailbox? Other
invites you might recognize include:
· Non-maintained yard.
· Keys left in your vehicle while you run
into the store.
· Dark or concealed hiding areas.
· Windows left open when you are away.
· Notes left on exterior doors explaining
where you have gone.
· The spare house key on top of the door
jam. (Did you think no one knew that key was
there?)
· Messages on answering machines stating you
are away.
· An open garage door.
· Sliding glass door, without auxiliary
locks.
· A house unlit night after night.
· Privacy fence.
· Flimsy door latches and locks.
· Basement windows blocked from view.
After receiving his invitation the burglar
also looks for a quick, undetected entry and
exit. He will choose the path of least
resistance, which affords him the best
chance of getting away without being caught.
For this reason, most burglars work the
night shift hiding under the cover of
darkness. This is an opportunity afforded by
nature; other access and escape
opportunities, which we provide include:
· A large shrub in front of a window
· A dark alley behind the residence
· A privacy fence around the yard
· An unlocked door or window
· A sliding glass door
· An exterior door without a deadbolt lock
Take a walk around your home, once in the
daytime and again at night. Try to think
like a burglar and see how many different
ways you can break into your home without
being seen. If you can see it, then an
experienced burglar already knows about
them.
Take whatever steps you can to
minimize these invitations.
Burglars are opportunist, and if your house
poses too many obstacles for an easy
break-in, they will most likely look
elsewhere for their next job.
