In our first article, we shared some disturbing statistics about the frequency of burglary in the United States. Then we explored some of the situations that make burglaries more likely to occur, such as homes being vacant during the peak hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and homes lacking security equipment. We looked at how installing an X10 security system could prove to be an important way you can help to prevent your home from being targeted by burglars. In this article we’ll continue looking at some facts about burglary as well as some more ways how using X10 equipment can help protect you and your family.
Most Burglars Live Near the Homes they Target for Burglary
Burglars very often target homes within a two-mile radius of where they live. They choose nearby targets for some very practical reasons. They’re easier for the would-be burglars to keep track of when they’re looking for patterns of behavior. Smart thieves who want to get away with their crimes search for clues that a homeowner is out of town. Or they’ll figure out your work schedule to see when you’re less likely to be home throughout the day.
To throw these neighborhood burglars off their game, try to keep them guessing about your routine. Deliberately come home if you get a chance to take a break during the day and you live nearby your workplace. Schedule a friend to come by the house and check on it when you’re out of time. Having a friend or neighbor collect your mail is also a better option than scheduling a mail hold with the post office, as a would-be burglar may notice the mail carrier passing your mailbox when they make their rounds through the neighborhood. You could also set up an X10 security camera system that allows you to speak over a loudspeaker should you see someone approach your porch. This new technology allows you to speak into your cell phone, and it projects your voice remotely. These type of systems have been useful in preventing a variety of different thefts, including burglary and porch piracy.
Burglars Search for the Easiest Homes to Target
A burglar’s main goal is to get in, get what they want, and get out without getting caught. The best ones move extremely quickly and can spend ten minutes or less inside your house. They normally head straight for the master bedroom where most people keep their most valuable belongings.
An obvious preventative measure is to lock your doors and windows. You should keep them locked at all times, even when you’re outside doing yard work. Just keep a key on you. That way if you’re in the garden out back a home invader isn’t walking in through the front door. Keep your entrances and first-floor windows clear of overgrown bushes and tree limbs that could impede visibility and allow burglars to sneak into your home more easily.
Another deterrent to burglary is getting a dog with a loud bark. You don’t necessarily need an attack dog, though that may be helpful in certain neighborhoods that are known for being unsafe. Even a small dog which makes a lot of noise is enough to scare off many potential burglars.
Once again, an X10 home security system makes great sense for scaring away burglars. They won’t want to bother trying to get around the system’s many layers of detection and deterrence, such as high-tech cameras, bright lights, and loud alarms, when they can instead target a neighbor down the street whose home has no such protection in place. Along with outside cameras, consider having a motion and light sensor detector installed inside the house in case the intruder gains entry while you’re in the home, which is the case in almost three out of 10 burglary attempts. Considering that burglars often steal over $2,000 worth of valuables, a cost-effective X10 security system could save you money as well as offer you priceless emotional reassurance.
X10 Home Automation & Security
X10.com is your best source for do-it-yourself home automation and home security. Since 1976, we’ve been providing a wide variety of quality home gadgets at prices you can afford. Visit our website at x10.com and discover what you’ve been missing!
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