Category: Home Security

A home break-in is a traumatic experience that can leave victims feeling lost or vulnerable. Most people in this situation find themselves unprepared and unsure of what they need to do.

Should you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s important to keep a cool head and respond to the incident as quickly as possible.

These are the 7 key steps you should take immediately following a break-in:

1. Get to a predetermined safe zone with your family.
2. Call the police and let them clear the crime scene.
3. Make a list of all items that have been taken.
4. Assist the police investigation.
5. Contact the insurance company and file a claim.
6. Repair any damage and clean up the place.
7. Make a plan to prevent future burglaries.

Let’s go into these steps in more detail.

 

1) Get to safety.

If you know that an intruder is in your house, the very first thing you need to do is remain calm. Don’t make noises, and don’t let the intruder know that you’re aware of their presence.

This is important for many reasons: You don’t know how many people are now in your home, what their intentions are, and how they will react to you.

As long as the intruders don’t know that you’re in the home or awake, you have an advantage. You can use this advantage to gather up your family members, find a safe place in your home, lock the doors, and put a physical barrier between you and whomever just broke into your home. Even better, leave the house altogether and meet at the rendezvous point where your family has planned to meet in an emergency.

The worst thing you can do when you realize there’s an intruder is to confront him or her directly or alert them your position. This forces that intruder to decide whether to run or attack you.

2) Call the police.

When you and your loved ones are in a safe location, call the police.

If you have a home security system and alarm monitoring in place, the police should already be on their way. Still, calling 911 may help dispatchers better understand the situation so they can respond appropriately. Make sure you tell the 911 operator the following information:

• Your home address
• Your name
• Everything you know about the intruder:
  • How many intruders there are
  • Where they are inside your house
  • Their appearance
  • Whether they’re armed

As you call, remember to stay as quiet as possible if you are still in the house. Do not leave the room or make noise. After the police are notified, wait for officers to arrive and handle the situation.

3) Take inventory.

Once the police have arrived, you can begin looking around and assessing the damage. Consider starting a folder and include in it everything relating to this burglary. The first item in this folder: an inventory of missing items.

A home inventory list may help you out in this case and help jog your memory of what you own. When creating a list of stolen or damaged items, include a thorough description and an approximate value of each.

Cash, jewelry, firearms and electronics are some of the most commonly stolen items during a burglary – so take extra care to inventory those items. Also, make an additional copy of the list, as one will be for your insurance company.

Remember everything you can about the scenario and try to jot down details as soon as possible. Despite the stressful circumstances, it’s important to record down descriptions while your memory is still fresh.

Take photos of the crime scene (but don’t touch anything!), as these photos may be helpful for the insurance company so that they can assess the severity of the damage. If you saw anyone exit your residence, write down any descriptive information you can remember – for instance their age, appearance, clothing, and the direction they left in.

4) Assist the police investigation.

The police will ask questions as well, including questions about former occupants of the house – like previous roommates – or information about who has recently had access to your home. Be prepared to answer questions like this.

Do you have security camera footage? If you do and you’re able to emotionally prepare yourself before you watch the video, watch the footage of the break-in to see what other details you can gather on the intruders.

Relay to the police any information you know and also give them the footage. If you think of more items that are missing later on, be sure to let the police know.

Before the police leave, make sure you ask the investigating officer where you can obtain the police report. Write down your case number and make sure you have the names and badge numbers of the police officers responding.

5) Call the insurance company.

Try to call the insurance company within 24 hours of the crime. If you have a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and you file a claim, there’s a good chance that you can recoup some of your losses.

When you do file a claim, make sure you have submitted all information to the police first since the insurance company will need a police report to process your claim.

The list need not be complete. However, make sure you understand what forms or documents you will need to support your claim. This may often include receipts for the items and product manuals or warranties.

When you give the insurance company any forms, make sure you keep a copy of it. You don’t want to give away your last or only copy of something!

The insurance company will probably send over a claims adjuster to take a look at your house. Since it helps accidentally tampering with evidence could cause complicate the process, stay at a relative’s or friend’s home until the adjuster can investigate your claim.

6) Repair damage caused by the break-in.

It’s normal to feel emotionally vulnerable after the break-in, and the number of steps you need to take to start rebuilding your life can feel overwhelming. Once you’ve handled the legal side of things and taken care of the insurance claims, it’s time to get your home back in order.

Clean up everything that’s physically been broken – the glass on the floor, the items strewn about, etc. Hire repairmen to fix broken windows or doors, cover up markings on your walls and board up any holes left behind.

Order new credit cards, debit cards or checks if any of them were stolen. Reset online passwords to prevent hacking and identity theft if laptops or computers were stolen.

Make sure you keep records of the expenses you incur as a result of the burglary as it’s possible depending on your insurance policy, you may get some kind of reimbursement. Note on receipts what was purchased and write down details in an expense book. Include all information in your folder.

7) Make a plan to prevent future break-ins.

The best way to deal with a burglary is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Take steps to ensure that your home is just too much of a hassle for an average intruder to break into. Check out our list of home security tips to help get you started.

Whether it’s a home invasion, fire, hurricane, earthquake, or any other disaster, you should have a plan in place in case it happens to you.

Your plan needs to include clear instructions for each family member. Determine which escape routes are best for each person and where the safe rendezvous point is outside of your home.

In most cases, having your rally point be outdoors or at a neighboring home is safest when the danger is inside your home, but this depends on the layout and location of your residence.

Studies have shown that homes without monitored security systems are three times more likely to be targeted by burglars, so consider installing alarm systems to reduce the risk of burglary.

To ensure that you get immediate help if your home is broken into, contact an alarm company like Alarm New England to further deter burglars and keep your family safe.

By understanding how potential intruders will gain entry into your home, you can prevent future break-ins. In addition to speaking with security experts about protecting your home, assess the weaknesses in your home by considering how the burglar gained access. Determine what caused the breach in the first place.

• Did a lock break?
• Did they go in through a window or door?
• Did your alarm system go off the way it was supposed to?

It’s likely that he or she entered through a door or ground-floor window, so you should consider adding stronger locks to your doors and burglar-proofing your windows.

Burglars can also take advantage of a number of vulnerabilities in your home – from low-light areas and foliage cover to faulty locks and knowledge of your daily schedule.

Other items you could consider are motion-sensitive lights for outside your doors – eliminating dark spaces for the intruders to hide.

Burglary statistics tell us that the majority of home burglaries happen during the day while homeowners are at work. When no one’s in the house, there are only two methods of security that have the highest chance of bringing the perpetrator to justice:

• A reliable security system
• Fast police response

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Home Security to learn more about home security tips, product recommendations, and guides to understanding how burglars operate.

Window security bars are an excellent way to secure your home with a strong physical deterrent for a relatively low cost. Your home insurer may also offer you a discount or reduced rate for having bars or other security measured installed on your home.

There are many reasons why you might want to consider installing burglar bars on your windows to protect your home, including;

• High crime/burglary rate in your neighborhood
• Lack of neighborhood watch program
• Basement or ground level windows
• Fear that your home will be broken into
• A lack of home security companies in your area

If any of the above apply to you, you may want to consider installing window bars on your home’s windows to protect your home, yourself and your family.

Types of Window Bars

Burglar bars are basically metal grids that are screwed or bolted onto your window’s framing. There are several options available, from DIY options that you can install yourself to professionally fabricated designs that require professional installation.

Some common types of window bars include:

• Permanent security bars – these are meant to remain in place for long term use.
• Swing away bars – these are hinged for easy window cleaning and emergency escape route use.
• Removable bars – commonly used for residential store fronts where they are placed on the doors or windows at night and removed during the day.

Do Burglar Bars Work?

Yes! Just the sight of a home with barred windows is usually enough to deter burglars from even attempting to break into your home. Most criminals target homes that appear to lack basic security measures like a home security system, allowing them to be in and out in just a few minutes at minimal risk of being caught.

If you live in a neighborhood where safety is an issue, burglar-proofing your windows should be your second priority after you finish reinforcing your door.

Where Should I Install Window Security Bars?

You will want to start by installing bars on the windows that are lowest and that may be obscured by bushes or trees. If you have basement windows, this is usually a good place to start. Your basement windows are down low and usually hidden well.

How Much Will Installation Cost?

The answer to this question will depend on which route you decide to take when installing your window bars; do it yourself or professional installation. It also depends on how many windows there are in your home that you’d like to protect.

If you’re handy with a toolbox and feel confident about installing your own window bars, by all means, save the installation costs and do it yourself. Otherwise, hire a professional.

Smaller Windows

If you are looking to make installing burglar bars a DIY project, you can pick up kits designed for small windows, such as your basement, for around $100-$200 each depending on the quality and design of the bars. These can be installed in about an hour.

Installing window security bars involves mounting a pair of framing brackets on either side of your window. In order to do this, you will need long screws and access to a drill to get the job done right.

Larger Windows/Doors

If you are looking to secure larger windows or doors in your home, it will cost you on average $300-$500 per window for the supplies. If you choose to have them professionally installed, you are looking at adding on another $150ish per window plus the cost of the materials.

Before installing any type of bars on your home’s windows or doors, be sure to check with local codes to see what their requirements and restrictions are for barring windows.

Many local municipalities dictate that the bars need to have a quick-release feature that can be engaged from the inside to allow occupants of the home to escape in the event of a fire or other dangerous situation.

While installing bars on your home’s windows is highly effective at deterring crime, they work best when used in conjunction with a monitored security system. Unlike window bars, a security system is designed to protect you in an emergency by contacting the police automatically, even when you’re not there to respond.

Talk to a security system company near you to see whether window bars, motion detectors, or glass break sensors will be a more cost-effective security solution.

If you’ve moved into a house that already has a wired home security system, you may be wondering if it can meet your security and home automation needs.

Wired home security systems were the first security systems to be installed into homes, whereas wireless systems are a relatively recent invention.

While some of the older home security systems may need an upgrade to make them compatible with your home automation components or to improve on its security monitoring capabilities, the reality is that purchasing or renting a home with a pre-existing security system can help you in a number of ways.

The Benefits of a Wired Home Security System

No hardware costs and installation fees

One of the major benefits of stepping into a home with an existing home security system installed is that you do not need to buy the system and then pay someone to install it.

When it comes to wired home security systems, the installation fees can be high due to the amount of labor and time needed to perform the installation.

The process involves drilling into walls, laying wires in the walls and ceilings, and then once all that is done, filling in all of the unsightly holes that were created in throughout this process.

High reliability

Because wired home security systems are connected directly via a network of cables, their ability to communicate with each other and the control panel is hardly ever interrupted.

This makes wired systems effective for larger residential or commercial buildings where signals need to travel longer distances to reach the alarm panel.

Tips on Using Your Existing Wired Home Security System to Your Advantage

For integration with home automation systems

Nowadays, both wired and wireless home security systems can be integrated into home automation systems to add more features like smartphone control.

To determine whether the wired security system installed in your home is going to be compatible with your home automation, alarm monitoring, and security needs, start by getting a representative from the company who did the installation to make an assessment of the system.

To find out who did the installation, check the contact label on the control panel or alternatively contact the manufacturer of the system components.

Once the representative has assessed your system and given you their recommendations about the system, you will be able to make an educated decision about which aspects of it needs upgrading or will serve your needs.

Adding new components to your wired home security system

Many wired and wireless home security systems have parts that are cross-compatible and work together via a device called a wired-to-wireless converter.

You can take your existing wired home security system and add new components such as cameras, motion detectors, as well as door and window sensors to the areas in your home that are not protected, or areas where security can be improved.

As long as your wired system is not too old, then you should also be able to integrate keyless deadbolts, video doorbells, light timers etc. into the system, even if you have to make some minor hardware upgrades to achieve it.

With the correct control panel installed, you can download an app onto your smartphone that connects with the control panel. Once you’ve done this, you can control your entire home security and home automation from a central point.

Wired vs. Wireless Home Security – Typical Concerns

The convenience of being to control everything from a single point and the ability to monitor your system from anywhere are why people choose a wireless security system.

Are the wires themselves a weakness of wired security system?

A common misconception about wired home security systems is that cutting through the system’s wiring will disable the alarm and prevent it from triggering, allowing someone to break into your house undetected.

Cutting wires will not disable your alarm. However, cutting communication wires such as your telephone line that connects to an alarm monitoring service will prevent your control panel from contacting the monitoring service. However, this also applies to wireless systems that use a landline to connect to the monitoring service.

Connecting your control panel to a monitoring service using cellular technology is a good way to protect your system from potentially being disabled from damage to your landline. In fact, it is becoming more and more common for people to use a cellular connection for their home security system as more and more people abandon their use of landlines.

What happens when the power goes out?

While wired systems rely on electricity for their power, backup batteries offer some protection in the event of a power outage. While the backup battery will not last indefinitely, it will provide some protection until the power is restored.

Wireless systems solely reliant on battery power are also prone to failure if the batteries run out. Because of this, batteries need to be checked and replaced periodically.

If you’ve moved into a home that has an existing wired system in place, it may be worth having it assessed to see if it can provide you with some protection.

In many situations, all it takes is updating certain elements of an existing security system to keep your home and family safe without having to invest in a completely new system.

In this day and age, technology provides powerful protection for an affordable price. If you are serious about keeping your home safe, a fence, locks, and cameras aren’t going to cut it. To truly protect your property, invest in a security system.

Security systems perform a whole host of critical functions, including:

• Protecting against theft
• Protecting against property damage or vandalism
• Monitoring the traffic in and around your home
• Guarding against intruders
• Calling for help in medical emergencies
• Deterring criminals from breaking in
• Keeping track of pets and young children

Two basic types of home security systems are on the market today: wireless and wired security systems.

Wired security systems use existing electric and telephone lines to connect each piece of the security system, making moving equipment and adding on additional elements a complex process.

Wireless security systems are the next generation of security equipment: They offer comprehensive protection, lower installation costs, and easy upgrades.

Essentially, a wireless security system is comprised of alarms, sensors, cameras, and various detectors all connected to a main control panel via radio signals.

With the variety of security systems on the market, it can be a bit complicated to understand the differences between types of sensors and equipment, and it’s tough knowing whether to purchase a wireless or wired home security system.

To add to the confusion, many people have preconceived notions of which security methods are best based on anecdotal evidence or outdated information.

That’s why our focus is centered around the latest research and decades of security expertise.

In this guide on the difference between wired and wireless security systems, you’ll learn:

• How wireless security systems work
• The pros and cons of a wireless security system
• Common types of wireless security systems
• Typical costs of a wireless security system
• Essential features for your wireless security system

How Do Wireless Security Systems Work?

Wireless systems, including sensors, cameras, and alarms, work using radio frequency technology instead of wires.

There are countless models of wireless security systems, all of which work similarly with minor variations. When a wireless device picks up anomalous activity, it tells the alarm that something isn’t right, triggers the 85 dB siren, and the alarm monitoring service calls the police on your behalf.

Pros of Wireless Home Security Systems

While people often assume wireless security is less safe than to wired systems, industry veterans know that this is far from the truth.

Wireless home security systems offer several advantages over hardwired security systems.

Quick installation

Wireless systems can be installed within minutes. You don’t even have to be tech-savvy to do it. Because you don’t need to drill holes or tackle tricky wiring, self-installation is common and eliminates installation fees, saving you time and money.

Portable and hassle-free

Packing your security system and moving from one home to another is a piece of cake with wireless security systems.

Because everything is simply stuck onto the wall and not hardwired, removing cameras, detectors, and other components of a wireless security system and putting them up in a new location takes minutes, not days. If you rent and move frequently, wireless systems are the way to go.

Remote smartphone access

Wireless systems can be monitored on the go with a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Your key fob offers another way to arm and disarm the system if you’d rather not use a smartphone app.

Battery Backup

Although wireless systems work with electricity, most models can switch to a backup battery if the power goes out. If there’s a power outage in your neighborhood, wired systems will lose power along with the rest of your house unless you have a backup generator.

If you have a wireless security system with a backup battery, you stay protected during a power loss event.

Cons of Wireless Home Security Systems

Cheap wireless systems can be hacked: Low-quality, outdated wireless systems do carry a risk that hackers can jam detector signals. You might remember the news surrounding SimpliSafe back in 2015 after a SimpliSafe customer figured out that their security system was vulnerable and publicized the fact via YouTube. However, you can avoid hacking if your system has strong data encryption.

Some wireless systems are vulnerable to structural or electromagnetic interference. Radio frequencies go around solid objects; they cannot go through them. So placing sensors in the correct locations is key if you want them to work correctly. Your alarm company should inform you exactly where each part should be installed so there is no confusion.

Another consideration with wireless home security systems is the limited range of sensors. Most radio frequencies are weak outside a range of 500 feet. This means that you have to structure your wireless system with this in mind, especially if your property is larger than 4,500 square feet.

For properties larger than 4,500 square feet, wireless sensors start becoming less reliable, so we highly recommend using a wired security system instead.

Types of Wireless Security Systems

Wireless security systems come in many shapes and forms. The main difference between them is the equipment. The simplest wireless home security systems have Wi-Fi alarm monitoring, sensors, and a control panel with a siren.

Devices that monitor potential household dangers, such as fires and carbon monoxide leaks, can be incorporated into a wireless alarm system.

Advanced wireless systems, on the other hand, offer users a wide range of possibilities. Features like remote smartphone access, text and email notifications, and web access give you more control to monitor and adjust the system from anywhere. This is why advanced systems that leverage the latest technology have become so popular.

Top-tier systems offer additional valuable security features such as doorbell cameras, smart lighting, and keyless deadbolts. At this level, you can employ some of the most powerful hardware available to the consumer market to keep your home secure and simplify your life.

Another differentiating factor of wireless systems is the way the system communicates with third parties in an emergency. Wireless systems fall into two key categories: monitored and self-monitored systems.

Monitored systems

Monitored systems are overseen by an alarm monitoring company and enable security personnel to immediately contact the authorities in case of an emergency.

Monitored systems give you added peace of mind because trained emergency professionals are watching over your home around the clock.

Self-monitored systems

Self-monitored security systems are generally cheaper and have lower monthly costs, if any. The only drawback is that the job of calling local authorities falls to you in an emergency.

Self-monitored systems make use of loud alarms and bright lights to warn you of an intruder or breach. You can also receive alerts on your smartphone if your device is connected to your security system.

How Much Do Wireless Security Systems Cost?

Three factors will determine the cost of a wireless home security system:

• Installation
• Equipment
• Monthly monitoring

An average home security system can cost between $300 to $1,500, depending on the capabilities and features of the system. Monthly fees associated with 24/7 alarm monitoring wireless systems range from $0 to $75.

If you want to save money and have basic home improvement skills, we encourage you to try a self-installation process for your wireless security system.

If that sounds overwhelming, get a professional alarm technician to install your system. They will also make sure that you know how to operate it properly and that everything functions as it should.

Professional installation ranges from $350 to $1,200 depending on how comprehensive you’d like your system to be. Many companies offer package deals that include installation with a primary wireless system if you also sign up for their monitoring services.

Features to Look for When Purchasing a Wireless Security System

The main reason you want a wireless security system is to make sure that your home is fully secured at all times. To ensure this, there are a few key questions you should ask when deciding which wireless security system is right for you:

What happens in a power outage?

The primary power source for most wireless security systems is electricity from the wiring within your home. However, you should make sure that your wireless home security system has a fail-safe in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

A good wireless system should have an alternative source of power, such as solar energy or batteries, in the event of a power outage, especially in an area like New England where snowstorms and falling trees are a common occurrence.

What is the range of its detectors?

Wireless systems use radio frequencies that are only effective up to a certain radius. If you have a large home, you will need a system that has a long reception range and can handle a more substantial amount of information and signals. Remember: A home larger than 4,500 square feet is generally better off using a wired system.

What additional features does it have?

Depending on your budget, you can opt for a system that includes smoke detectors, flood sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. It all boils down to your personal needs.

Some wireless home systems are only for detecting burglars and trigger a siren to scare off the intruders. Others notify security companies of a break-in or emergency.

Does it integrate with your smart home technology?

Today, most homes make use of smart devices that can be controlled via smartphone. If you already own smart home technology, it is essential to know if your wireless security system can be incorporated into it so that you can control every device from as few apps as possible.

Integrating your wireless security system with your smart home takes your system beyond basic security and makes your home smarter and more efficient.

Smart home features for wireless security include HD video viewing via wireless security cameras, energy use tracking with programmable thermostats, and other kinds of residential access control like smart locks.

Having all of this functionality at your fingertips makes you realize how much easier life can be when there are fewer things to worry about.

Ask these questions when determining the right wireless security system for you. To find out if our local, family-owned company might be a right fit to install your home security system, contact us today at 617-221-8524 for a free quote.

 

Are there signs that your home is being targeted by burglars?

While nobody wants to dwell on this depressing thought, it’s always better to be prepared and informed.

What Does Casing a House Mean?

You have probably heard the term “casing a house” to describe how burglars analyze a home’s vulnerabilities.

This can also be referred to as “marking a house,” which essentially means the same thing.

Many burglars are smarter than you’d think. When looking for potential targets, they do their research.

When casing homes, the most important goal for burglars is to learn when no one’s at home. When a house in unoccupied, that is when they act.

This article will walk you through burglary statistics, how to know if you’re being targeted by burglars, and simple things you can do to protect your house in this scenario.

Home Burglary Statistics

The more you know about home burglaries, the better you can prepare and protect your home against them. That’s why knowing the statistics is important.

Burglary statistics in the U.S. are shocking. In the FBI’s most recent historical publication, there were an estimated 1,117,696 burglaries in the United States.¹ Burglaries of homes and residential properties made up 62.8 percent of these.

Below are a few home burglary-specific stats:

• The most common place an intruder breaks into a house is through the front door. According to a study from well-known security company ADT, about 34% of burglaries occur through the front door of the home. This may seem like a bold move, however, if an intruder has done a good job watching your home, learning your daily routine, and knowing when you are away, the front door is the easiest place to slip into.
• Only 28% of break-ins occur when the person is home.² The other 72% occur when they are away. This is further proof that burglars watch and target homes to determine the best time to make their move.
• Based on statistics compiled by The Zebra, most home break ins occur between the hours of 10am and 3pm and usually only take on average 8 to 10 minutes to be accomplished. Thieves like to get in and out quickly to avoid being caught.
• The two most frequent months for break ins are July and August.³ You are out and about more in the summer– and burglars are too! Criminals would rather do their work in the summer when it is warm and the greenery is full, providing optimal coverage for them to discreetly rummage through your property.

What Homes are Most Likely to be Cased?

Criminals want to make their jobs as easy as possible, so the homes most likely to be cased are ones that offer easy access like unsecured windows or garages.

Home location is also important. Burglars will be more likely to strike a house that is in a quite, subdued part of town rather than in a busy area with a lot of foot traffic.

The more people that are around, the more likely it is for a crook to be spotted. Also, some homes unknowingly advertise that no one is home like if the property is unkempt or if multiple weeks worth of mail is piled up at the mailbox.

What Are The Signs That Your House Is Marked by Burglars?

Your best protection against burglars is being informed and knowing what signs to look for that someone may be casing your home. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears out for the signs we list below.

1) New Traffic Near Your Property

Whether on foot or in a car, if you notice new or suspicious looking people near your home, it could be a red flag that someone is watching you.

• If you start to see a particular vehicle parked near your home frequently that you know does not belong to your neighbors or anyone visiting them, this could indicate that someone is watching your property. Use security cameras to track vehicles when you’re away and be on the lookout for any patterns.
• Burglars often sit in vehicles with tinted windows to mask their identity. If you notice a car parked near your home for a period of time with no explanation, don’t be shy about calling the police and voicing your concern. In most cases, they will be more than happy to swing by and look into it for you.
• The same goes for foot traffic near your house. If you notice a stranger frequently walking near or past your home, they may be scoping your house out in search of weak points.
• When a criminal is casing a home, they may appear to be innocently walking or jogging by. However, they will likely linger for a prolonged period near your home to scope it out. If you notice this type of behavior, take note of their appearance for future reference.
• Be sure to get a good look at the individual or purchase high quality security cameras that can distinguish faces. This will provide you with an accurate description to give to the police. But keep in mind, not every new person who walks past your home and casts a glance your way is a potential burglar.

2) Solicitation Scams

Another way that burglars case homes is to go to the door pretending to be from a legitimate business, local government agency, or having some other reason to connect with you that seems reasonable.

This is a method for criminals to get a better sense of your home, gain key information, or perhaps find out if you have a home security system, dog, or anything else that might make getaway more difficult.

If granted access to your home, they can scope out windows, doors, and valuables that would inform them about a potential break in.

While you may get visitors that legitimately are looking to sell you a product or service, you should always have your guard up when an unsolicited visitor knocks on your door.

Keep in mind that you are under no obligation to open your door and interact with a stranger.

3) Fake Emergencies

One of the oldest tricks in the book is for a criminal to come to the door and feign an emergency.

They may tell you that their car broke down and they need to use your phone or that they need a glass of water.

• Criminals know how to pull at your heartstrings to get you to feel sorry for them and help them out. We have a tendency to want to see the best in people. Unfortunately, there are people out there looking to take advantage of that.
• Criminals use your kindness and willingness to help them in a time of need to take advantage of you. They may swipe some of your belongings while your back is turned, or they may simply gather intel and come back at a time when you are not home.
• Many burglars will use the opportunity to subtly open up a door or unlock a window while inside so that they can come back and gain easy access to your home.

4) Taking A Picture of Houses then Walking Away

In today’s world of prevalent smartphone use, pretty much everyone has a camera on them. It is now easier than ever for people to snap a quick photo of your home for later research.

If you notice someone taking pictures of your house and then walking away, this could be a red flag.

Be vigilant and look for any other suspicious activity, even if it’s occurring at a home further down the street or another block over.

Alert your local law enforcement if you perceive a threat. Your help could aid them in an ongoing investigation.

5) Posting Flyers on the Door

Not only is having a bunch of flyers or stickers stuck in your door a nuisance, it can also serve as a way for burglars to mark your home.

Many burglars will stick flyers or stickers on homes that they think are unoccupied to serve as an indicator for their accomplices that the home is unguarded.

In these cases, it is wise to remove any flyers from your home immediately. If you are going to be out of town, ask a friend or neighbor to remove any flyers or newspapers that could be piling up outside your home indicating that you are away.

Think Your House Is Being Cased? Trust Your Gut Instinct

When it comes to protecting your home against break ins, one of your best defenses is your gut instinct.

If you have a strong feeling that something suspicious is happening, follow it and report the suspicious activity.

Not every stranger walking through your neighborhood is a threat.

However, if you see someone acting strangely, like not making eye contact or engaging in other suspicious behavior around in front of your home, there may be cause for concern.

Stay alert when you see this kind of activity. Take notes on what the person looks like or take down their license plate number if they are in a vehicle. Be sure to report anything suspicious to the police.

Simple Methods To Protect Your Home From Casing

The truth is, many people don’t consider taking precautions against robbery because they feel as though they don’t have anything worth stealing.

However, burglars don’t know what is inside your home; they simply seize the opportunity when they realize you’ve neglected to take adequate safety precautions. Everyone should take the basic steps to protect their homes from burglars.

Consider the following tips to help protect your home from break ins:

• Invest in a reliable security system to monitor entryways and make sure the devices are visible. Studies show that just the appearance of a security camera can dissuade intruders from trying to break into your home.
• Make sure your home is well lit by installing lighting near every entrance way. Motion detection lights are a great option for garages and doorways.
• Keep your shrubbery trimmed back to avoid unintentionally creating protection for criminals.
• Get to know your neighbors and keep an eye on each others’ houses. If you are friendly with your neighbors, they are more likely to be vigilant about watching your home and reporting anything suspicious to you.
• When you are away from your home, keep your TV or radio on to give the appearance that someone is inside.
• Although it may seem drastic, putting bars on your windows and doors can help to keep intruders at bay.
• Get in the habit of keeping your doors and windows locked. Even if you are just out in the backyard working, make sure that you home is locked up so a burglar can’t gain access when you are not paying attention.
• Don’t flaunt the fact that you are going away on vacation by posting to social media. Tell your close friends and family, not the whole world.
• Stop your mail and newspaper service while you are away or have a friend or neighbor collect them for you. You don’t want your personal mail piling up for someone to go through while you’re away. Identity theft becomes another issue when personal mail is left outside your home.
• Remove any spare keys that you have hidden. Experienced thieves know the best places to look and will easily locate your hidden key.
• Don’t open up your door to strangers. Instead, use a video doorbell (if you have one) to confirm an individual’s identity first.

What to Do If You Think Your House is a Target for Casing

If you have noticed suspicious activity around your home and feel as though a burglar may be casing your house, follow our steps below.

• Take note of any details involving the suspicious person or people around your home including what they look like, vehicle information, etc.
• Talk to your neighbors to see if they have noticed any suspicious activity and let them know your concerns.
• Alert local law enforcement and provide them with the information that you have gathered so that they are aware and can keep a closer watch on your area.
• If you haven’t already, this would be a good time to invest in a home security system. You can even grab some inexpensive security cameras online that will do the trick without putting much of a dent in your wallet.
• Reinforce entrances and windows with additional locks and security measures.

When it comes to burglaries, there are many things that you can do to be vigilant about potential break ins.

While no one wants to think about protecting their home from potential threats, it is important that you feel safe in your own home and are aware of the warning signs of potential criminal activity.

A successful break-in is traumatizing for homeowners. It is an invasion of your space and sense of safety.

You may feel as though some of the above mentioned steps are a bit extreme or border on paranoia. However, when it comes to your safety and security, you can never be too prepared. Admittedly, it’s an old cliche, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

By following our steps and remaining vigilant, you can help to ward off burglars and prevent break ins so that you can maintain the safety and security you should feel in your home.

Looking for home security? Contact the Alarm New England team today.