The FBI released data on over 2 million burglaries in the U.S. in 2013 alone, and that number keeps rising. Many of these could have been prevented with the proper use of technology.
1. Not installing premium security locks
Having the best locks on your doors and windows is critical to home security. Burglars can easily get through basic window and door locks on most homes. Using the best digital door lock will help enforce the security on your doors and windows. You can use knob-style locks, handlesets, or electronic security where only you know the passcode. If a burglar tries to break into your keyless system, the alarm will automatically be triggered.
2. Leaving the trash in plain sight
Too many homeowners leave their trash -- usually filled with expensive items -- right in plain sight of burglars. If you put the box for the new $1,000 air purifier you just got in the trash, anyone can dig through and find it and know what items you have in your house. This makes it easy for a criminal to determine which houses are worth breaking into. Instead, take these boxes to a trash center or put them out the night before trash day. Then you won't risk anyone seeing what you've recently purchased.
Another method is to get a locking trash can and ask friends for help. Drill holes in the sides if you're concerned about not having enough space. You can enlist the help of friends and neighbors if they are notified that you'll be gone on trash day. Have them move your can down to the curb when they take their own can out and then put it back. It will look as though you've still been home to take the trash out -- even if you're gone on vacation.
3. Leaving a key outside
By leaving your key under a door mat, rock, or lawn ornament, you're making your home a target for burglars. Anyone who's ever broken into a house knows to check these areas first. Don't put your keys outside if you can avoid it.
4. Not arming home security systems
It's great to have a home security system installed. But if you forget to arm it before you leave, you'll be making a common mistake. You can arm your home security system quickly just by using your smartphone as long as you have chosen a reputable system. Make sure it's in full working order and linked to an armed response company. Also, make sure no passive motion detectors are broken or obstructed while you're arming the system, and make sure pets don't trigger the alarm (or install pet-friendly sensors).
5. Leaving a ladder outside
While it might not be obvious, leaving your ladder outside is one of the worst mistakes you can make for preventing theft. All a criminal needs to do is grab that ladder and sneak his way into your second-story window. You probably don't lock the upper windows, either, thinking there is no way they can be accessed. Put the ladder in the garage -- and lock the upper level windows.
On that note, keep any tools that might be used to break into your house out of sight, locked in the garage or shed. A ladder is a common tool used by burglars, but so are shovels, spades, hammers, and wrenches. By keeping these items out of reach, you'll reduce your chance of invasion by over 10%.
6. Not locking the garage door
It's dead simple for someone to break into your house through the garage. All a burglar needs is the hooked end of a wire coat hanger -- and he can reach the emergency release lever on your garage door. This takes just a few seconds. You can either use the key lock on your garage door or install a premium garage door locking system like Gaplock.
The great thing about garage door locking systems is that they can be easily mounted on the side of your existing garage door openers, and they connect to the switch terminals of the opener. They cannot be easily pried open. They also turn the power off to fixed code openers, ensuring the opener won't respond without the right code.
7. Fake security systems
Relying on dummy cameras or a fake sign in front that says "Home Security Installed" won't do the trick. Burglars now know the difference between what's real and what's fake. Security cameras are cheaper than ever and can be viewed through your smart phone (and controlled through it as well). If a criminal sees a real camera over your doorway, he'll think twice before trying to break that lock.
Temperature monitoring, burglary monitoring, and flood watch are all features installed in a basic home security system. You can watch live video feeds of your home -- and rest assured knowing a trained security professional is doing so, too.
