Homeowners can stop most residential Break and Enters (B&E). B&E crimes are mainly perpetrated by unsophisticated criminals who take advantage of immediate opportunities. Unfortunately, the opportunities provided by the owners themselves.

Specific things (opportunities) the potential offender is looking for:

1) Homes that appear vacant (ie homeowner/vacation renter) – unmown grass, newspapers stacked on front door, backlog of mail, no lights at times (usually at night) when a family is expected to be home;

two) Homes and neighborhoods where owners/tenants appear to be working – mail in the mailbox, packages at the door, flyers left on the front door. A simple act of ringing the bell or knocking on the door can confirm this;

3) Houses in luxury neighborhoods (more to steal);

4) open garages (entry point to the house, place to hide or steal contents);

5) An easy method of entry that offers concealment – fenced or hedged back yards, rear or side doors/windows fully or partially shielded from view by fences, screened patios, bushes, sheds, basement window wells;

6) Easy entry points – unlocked doors/windows, easy-to-open doors/windows (sliding windows or patio doors that can be lifted off their tracks), breakable glass in or near doors that could allow the door to unlock, doors that can be easily forced open with a foot, a plastic card, a pry bar or a chisel (poor quality locks or poor installation).

Here are 10 ways to Target Hardening your home, whether you’re away for the day or on a long trip:

1) Create Light and Sound. Use automatic timers for indoor lights and motion detector lighting outside your home. The new timers have a random on/off time and battery backup in case of power outages. Make it look like your house is occupied both day and night. Connect lights and radios to these timers.

2) Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor so they can check your home at least every 48 hours. Some home insurance policies provide for such regular checks on your home or void your insurance coverage. Consider a house sitter.

3) Create that lived-in look. For long trips away from home, ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway, keep your front door clear of newspapers/brochures, and mow/plow snow.

4) Make sure all windows, all doors, and all garage doors are closed. Disconnect power to automatic garage doors. Proper installation of latch, hinge, lock, deadbolt and door frame It is important to make sure that doors and windows cannot be opened, separated, or screwed out to allow for easier forced entry into your home. Change the locks on new houses or if you have lost the key. If they want to make breaking glass the only option for a criminal. Glass can be tempered, especially in and near the doors, with special shatter-proof tempered laminates. Use only solid steel exterior doors. Install through-the-door viewers to make sure you can see who’s at your door before you open it. Video surveillance cameras connected to your PC and also to your PDA are now reasonably priced.

5) Install an alarm system that groans loudly when it stumbles. Just like your car’s flashing warning light, have a similar visible indicator on the front and rear windows. Let potential intruders know that you have a burglar alarm system.

6) Install bars or grill work. on your basement windows (these can be opened from the inside in case of fire). A window well provides a convenient place for a would-be burglar to take a long time to enter your home through the basement.

7) Don’t leave the garage door opener in your car when you’re at work. If a thief breaks into your car, he will know your home address from your vehicle permit. If you leave your garage door opener in the vehicle, you now have easy access to your home, too, while you’re at work.

8) Document your possessions. Take photos and/or videotape all your valuables. Every year film your entire home, belongings and property. Record serial numbers in large values. Store all of this information offsite. Now you have a record of all your assets in case of theft or fire.

9) Search and mark valuables through Operation Identification (contact your local Police). Get a recorder from your Community Police Office or purchase one. Write or engrave your driver’s license number (no SSN or SIN) on valuables. If it is stolen and found later, the police can check with Motor Vehicles for your name and address. Keep cash and valuables in your home to a minimum. Secure valuables offsite (bank safe deposit box).

10) Maintain a community of good neighbors. Organize a neighborhood watch [http://www.neighbourhoodwatchregistry.com/]. Take care of each other. That nosy neighbor can be a perfect burglar alarm system.

Your home and property are part of a community and neighborhood. There is always strength in numbers. Expand your home security network. Work to make thieves in your community hostile. Clearly let the bad guys know, “Go somewhere else”!

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