Besides causing financial loss, burglaries can also create severe emotional trauma. Tragically, 32.6 percent of burglars find ways to break into homes. If you know the various ways how burglars get in your home, you’ll be better prepared to protect your property and your home security. Here are some of the methods burglars use to enter your home.
Common Tools Burglars Use
Prying Tools—Burglars can easily break into your home by using prying devices. The most common tool they use is a crowbar which can pry open windows or doors. Slim Jims are also good prying devices.
Screwdrivers and hammers—They use other hand tools, including screwdrivers and hammers to break windows. Screwdrivers are also useful for unfastening exposed screws.
Center Hole Punches—Another tool burglars use is a center hole punch. This device doesn’t need a hammer to place dents in work pieces. By pressing against a center hole punch, a punch is released which can break windows. Burglars like them because they don’t make much noise.
Making Your Property and House Less Burglar Friendly
Avoid high privacy fences—You may cherish your privacy, but high privacy fences can make it easier for a burglar to hide so you don’t contact the police. What’s more, don’t have your windows covered by having high shrubbery, trees or other high growing plants.
Remove computers, plasma TVs, as well as other valuables, out of view. Often, burglars look through windows to see what’s there. When you’re not at home, use window coverings to hide your stash.
Additional Warnings
Be cautious of anyone posting flyers on your door. This is one way burglars can determine if your home has a burglar alarm, besides get a closer view of your home.
Unretrieved mail and packages can be a calling card for burglars. If your name is on a mailbox, a burglar can usually find your telephone number and call you to see if you’re home. When you’re away from your house for an extended time period, have your neighbors retrieve your mail and use call forwarding so that there’s always a voice that takes your messages.
The best way to prevent break-ins is to use an effective security system.
