What Makes Your Home an Easy Target?
The common denominator in home burglary is the home target is easy to get into and has vulnerabilities criminals can exploit. According to an CNET article, James Lynch, professor and former chairman of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland, says professional burglars look for targets that are “more likely to have the type of belongings that could easily be turned into cash.”
4 Common Signs of Easy Targets
Affluence: Signs of affluence is attractive to a burglar. If there are sign of wealth outside the home, there are probably items that can be turned into quick cash inside the home
Attached Garages: Attached garages give burglars another point of entry. Often side doors to garages are not locked securely or have windows that are easy to break into. Leaving your garage door open also allows would-be burglars a look at items the can plan to steal.
Homes with Less Exposure or Greater Coverage: Homes with trees and bushes and homes with side paths provide greater coverage for crimes. Homes on corners are more exposed compared to homes in between two homes.
Unlocked Doors and Windows: Because burglary is often a crime of opportunity, burglary will try locks and door to see if it opens. This happens in the middle of the day when most of your neighborhood is out of the home. Not just front doors, but patio or side doors, garage doors, and back doors and any window that is within reach are vulnerable.
Repeat Victimization Phenomenon
“If you were burglarized once, there’s a good chance you’ll be burglarized again within the next 10 days,” Lynch told CNET. He explained that the burglars might return for items they weren’t able to take initially; or they know there is an easy way in and will exploit this before you are able to install repairs. According to Lynch, this phenomenon also applies to “near-repeat victimization” – the chances of your home being burglarize increases if your neighbor is burlgarized.
With smart home technology, it’s getting easier and more affordable to install or update your home security system. Burglars will move to an easier target rather than try to disarm an alarm or dislodge a video camera. Whether a simple as a video doorbell and a well-lit exterior or a comprehensive security system with video cameras, motion-activated lights, alarms and a contracted security patrol company, or something in between, a security system as a deterrent is a must-have for ever homeowner.
Easiest Deterrent: Lock YourDoors and Windows
According to the CNET article, a survey by YouGov showed that 7% of Americans surveyed do not lock their doors when they leave; 23% do not lock them when they’re home. Lynch advises, “If people would just lock their doors and windows, that would prevent a lot of burglaries.”
Learn more about protecting yourself and your home from burglary and other crime using home security strategies:
The Difference Between Home Burglary and Home Invasion
Burglary is a very specific property crime. Burglary occurs when a person unlawfully enters a structure with the intent to commit a separate felony or theft. The obvious structure is a building, but can include aircraft, motor vehicles, railroad cards, trailers and watercraft. Felony crime includes crimes such as murder, robbery, rape, assault, or sometimes credit card fraud.
Burglary is often referred to as “breaking and entering” although there is no requirement to physically break anything upon entry. Burglary is usually a crime of opportunity.
Home invasion is a violent crime against people and involves the act of forcibly gaining access into an occupied residence. An invasion is the unlawful entry of a home to harm or terrorize the residents. Although the criminal may not necessarily steal anything (they generally do) in entering the home, they cause harm or terror to the people living there. Home invasion involves other crimes that harm residents such as assault, rape, terrorizing, if they;
➤ Carry or possess a weapon
➤ Fire a gun or threatens to fire one
➤ Sexually assault or abuse someone in the home
➤ Violently assault or threaten someone in the home
Rapid International Offers Community Solutions
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
There’s nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.
Rosalynn Carter
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