The majority of people assume that they will never suffer a home burglary and few people take the threat seriously enough to take precautions. It is however essential to take preventative steps, as burglaries are common and can be an extremely traumatic experience, leaving many feeling thoroughly violated.
Although movies tend to portray break-ins as being daring and well planned, most are generally simple and fast, whether planned or unplanned. Unfortunately, there are plenty of seasoned thieves with the courage and audacity to enter residential properties; usually through five common entry points.
1. Front door
It may be hard to believe that a burglar would have the nerve to enter your home by simply walking through the front door but this is often the case. Unlocked doors make an easy target but even locked doors present little problem; professional burglars know all the common hiding places for spare keys whether it be under the doormat, flowerpot or garden ornament. A lot of the time burglars don’t even bother using a key; they have tools capable of bypassing locks or they will simply kick down a door or smash a glass panel in order to gain entry.
Take a few precautions:
2. Back Doors or Patio Doors
The second most common entry point is the back door and is usually preferable for the burglar, generally being away from prying eyes. A back door is also more likely to be left unlocked when the owner is home. Sliding doors are particularly vulnerable because the glass can easily be smashed and their lock mechanisms are usually rudimentary. Some sliding doors can actually be opened by being lifted off of their track even when locked.
3. Windows
Windows are often the most fragile entry point in most homes. Unfortunately, the sound of breaking glass rarely catches the attention of passers-by or neighbours. Many people ignore any sound if it only occurs once. However, a burglar doesn’t necessarily have to break a window to gain access, with many often not having decent locks or actually being latched at all.
4. Gates
Gates are usually fairly easy to climb over but again many people leave them unlocked or even propped open. They can also provide cover for the would-be intruder once they have gained access to the rear of the property.
5. Garage Doors
Garages which are attached to your house are a prime target for burglars to gain entry to your home. This is because many people think that once their garage door is locked there is no need to lock the door from the garage into the house. However, garage doors are often fairly easy to break and once the burglar is inside they have free access to the entire house and the added advantage of concealment from prying eyes. Garages also often contain some prime goods such as cars, power tools, expensive sports equipment etc.
Protect your garage doors:
Taking a few precautionary measures will always be the best way to protect your home from invasion. Security lights, burglar alarms, CCTV and good quality locks are all ways to improve your chances of avoiding any potential risk. Prevention is always better than suffering the trauma of arriving home to find your home in disarray and your precious goods long gone.
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