Is the home you like a primetime player for burglars?

___

Published Date 10/10/2023

4 bedrooms. 2 baths. Big family room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Open floor plan. You’ve got that checklist handy when shopping for a home. But what about what comes with it — such as how might burglars size it up to see if it fits their criteria as well? Realtor.com’s Gina Roberts-Grey asks. “Is your new abode safe as a fortress, or does it stand out as a prime target for intruders?”

Those floor-to-ceiling windows are great — as long as they are not blocked or shrouded by bushes or trees, which could provide all-too-much shelter from watchful neighbors or passers-by—isolating your home and making it a target for bad guys, says San Diego–based crime and violence prevention expert Steve Albrecht. Landscaping that blocks a door or widow acts as a wall between properties, providing hiding spots for criminals.

The solution isn’t costly, and you don’t have to spend a fortune ripping out a bunch of bushes. But you do need to keep landscaping trimmed so that neighbors—or patrol cars—can see completely around the front side of your house.

While it’s helpful to have stickers and placards that announce a property is protected, a poorly placed security panel can actually undermine your security goals. If your alarm’s control panel is visible through glass to someone loitering outside, a burglar can get an idea of how to defeat it. The best spot for a security panel? Close to where you typically exit and enter a home—but not in front of a window.

If you find the home that interests you has a readily visible panel, negotiate to have it relocated to a more secure, less conspicuous area, such as inside a nearby coat closet or on a wall not visible from a foyer.

When it comes to your doorways, a dark one lets crooks stroll inconspicuously up to your door and attempt to gain entrance, while a brightly-lit one helps them see what they’re doing. Make sure a home has motion-sensing exterior lights that switch on as a visitor—wanted or unwanted—approaches the house, porch, or side windows. “A monitor sensor light means a crook has to guess correctly if someone is home or not and may be calling the police,” says another crime expert Roberts-Grey interviewed. “Dimly lit yards are also problematic (no big surprise), because they similarly allow a miscreant to stalk around unnoticed. We suggest double-cone yard lights be placed on the corners of the home. These do a great job of illuminating the exterior of the house.”

Did you know that high fences and walls attract wrongdoers? While privacy is desirable, potential criminals want it even more, as it enables them to work in private. The solution would be to consider installing a security system or reinforced back/patio doors if the backyard is secluded.

And last but not least, that door that leads inside from the garage can be a security risk if you aren’t vigilant. Never leave it open or unlocked for convenience, as that door may be the last line of defense in the event a crook gets into your garage. Make sure all doors with access to the outside have a deadbolt and are part of your home security system. And be sure to cover or obscure any garage-door windows to prevent someone from peering in and being tempted by pricey gadgets and tools, your car, an expensive bike, or other valuables.

Roberts-Grey suggests before getting your heart set on a new home, consider getting a full security inspection. “Much like a home inspection can uncover flaws in the roof, structure, or plumbing, an inspection by a home security company or expert can help identify all sorts of ways a home might catch a malefactor’s eye.”

Realtor, TBWS

• < Prev
• Next >

All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.

DISCLAIMER: Any interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) contained in this publication are based on current market conditions and are for informational purposes only. Unlocked rates and APRs are subject to change without notice and may have pricing add-ons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value, credit score and other variables—call for details. Progressive Lending Solutions, Inc. Licensed in MN and WI.

Progressive Lending Solutions, Inc

Corporate

NMLS: 107620

Progressive Lending Solutions, Inc.

Corporate: 2277 Hwy 36 W, Suite 304, Roseville MN

Company NMLS: 107620

Office: 866-680-2840

Cell: 612-940-5230

Email: info@progressivels.com

Web: https://www.progressivels.com/