All it takes is one unlocked door, a poorly-hidden set of extra keys, or a window cracked open for an offender to enter your home.
Canada is no stranger to these crimes. According to Statistics Canada, there were 159,338 reported burglaries in 2015. Individuals between the ages of 18-29 were the most likely to experience these kinds of offences.
In Estonia, things are looking up. Burglary rates fell by 16 percent in the country last year.
While this decrease may offer some comfort to homeowners, it is important to learn the necessary precautions required to deter burglars, and what to do in case someone breaks-and-enters into your home. Here are some basic tips to deter burglars from your home:
1. Invest in security cameras and a home security system. Nearly half a panel of 12 former criminals consulted by Co-op insurance claimed that burglars are most likely to be put off breaking into homes by security cameras and barking dogs. But whether cameras were a good deterrent found mixed responses from a different group of inmates currently serving time for burglary in Oregon. “Some said it also likely signalled there were valuables inside the home.” The same group agreed that if a home alarm system went off, most of them would leave immediately. The bottom line is—if you can, install security cameras, a home alarm system, and have a big dog around.
2. Don’t open the door to strangers—or, don’t engage at all. Hearing a knock at your door seems innocent enough. It could be a friend, a neighbour, or someone looking for help. But if you aren’t expecting anyone, it's better to not answer it, especially as a young woman living alone. Society expects women to be openly benevolent. If they go against this stereotype—even by minding their own business or not giving the time of day to a stranger—they are considered rude. Many intruders will take advantage of women’s societal obligation to be nice and pose as someone in need. This is why it's important to not open the door to strangers. When asked if they knocked at the door before breaking and entering, all 86 inmates unanimously responded that they did. If someone answered the door, common responses asked for help of some sort. “I would act like I was lost or looking for a friend,” said one of the 86 inmates. Another said they would “ask if they'd seen my dog and leave.” Others posed as clipboard surveyors or other professionals. If you open the door, intruders know who’s home, and who’s not.
3. Make it look like someone’s home. So, say someone’s at your door. You don’t answer it—but now what? Make your house look lived in. Thieves want to avoid trouble. They certainly don’t want to catch passerbys’ attention, and the absolute last thing they want is to cause a big scene. Turn on your TV, keep your lights on, keep your car parked in your driveway, and your radio playing. When asked if they would attempt to break and enter if they heard someone’s radio or TV, one of the 86 inmates replied “absolutely not.” “Most of the time that is a sure-fire sign of someone being home,” wrote another inmate. Of course, keep your windows and doors locked. And definitely don’t hide a spare key underneath the gnome on your front porch.
6. Landscaping is important too. What surrounds your house is equally as important as what’s inside in the eyes of potential thieves. Since they don’t want to be seen or caught on security camera footage, thieves will look for hiding spots from which they can peer into your home. Large plants, tall trees, and bushy foliage are common areas of cover. Also, if you have kids, make sure to pick up toys they left outside. “Pricey-looking toys scattered throughout the front yard tell a burglar that you’re willing to spend the extra buck on playthings for your kid but are too busy to pick them up, so you may be likely to leave the house unlocked or forget to arm your security system,” says Bob, a former thief interviewed by Safewise.com. Also, a build-up of mail and trash is a key giveaway that no one's home. Ask your neighbours or a friend to manage your mail, and keep your trash inside if you’re leaving for a vacation before garbage day.
Taking these precautions is important to maintain a secure home and a peace of mind.
This article was written by Natalie Jenkins as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.
