It’s a fact – 60% of all residential burglaries in the U.S. occur while homeowners are away, a trend that escalates significantly in August. With warm weather, residents often leave windows and doors open – providing natural temperature control and fresh air but also leaving an open invitation to intruders. Many homeowners spend time away from their homes in the summer months to enjoy outdoor activities or vacations, and unwittingly leave their homes vulnerable. Most residential burglaries are not a result of actual break-ins, but occur because homeowners have left their doors or windows unlocked. If you are planning on spending long periods of time away from your home, there are a few things you can do to ensure your peace of mind.
One of the easiest things to do to protect your home is to secure all your windows. Closing storm windows or installing double-pane glass windows can protect you from harsh weather and provide a deterrent to would-be burglars. You can also increase security with window locks, burglar-resistant glass or by replacing large glass areas with several smaller panes. Intruders have been known to simply unscrew window locks after cutting an entry hole in a window pane, so take the time to drip solder on the lock screws after installation.
To burglar-proof glass patio doors, simply place a pipe or metal bar in the center of the door’s sliding track – making sure that the bar is the same length as the track. Also, check all your door frames for rotting wood and replace them if necessary. Rotted wood makes it easy for a burglar to pry through.
Are the front entry doors of you home accented with glass panels? It’s easy for an intruder to break these and then reach in to unlock the door. Consider replacing the glass or adding a deadbolt to your door that can only be opened with a key.
Of course, the simplest prevention step is to keep all entry doors locked, as well as any windows that are accessible from the ground floor – eliminating easy access to your home. With just a few precautions, you can relax in the comfort of knowing your home is safe, secure and protected against unwanted intruders – and allowing you to enjoy all your outdoor activities and summer vacations to their fullest.
