Top Ten Home Security Errors We Commit Without Knowing it
April 8, 2008
Gavyn Smith
Associate Editor – Secure24Seven.com
Let me just start by stating that home security is something we are all learning about, i.e. what works best? what can de harmful to your security? This article has been made to share ten of the most common mistakes we all commit, to the end that you might learn from them before they become an asset to you. Let's get started!
1) Leaving Your House Keys in the Car
Growing up in Idaho, I don’t think we ever removed our keys from the ignition. Times have changed though, and just leaving your house keys alone in the car is inviting a thief to break into your car and make his way freely into your home for the goods. Even if your car is locked, do not leave your house keys in the car, and definitely do not leave your car unlocked with the keys in the ignition!
2) Outdated or Inactivated Alarm System
If you have an alarm system that does not work for some reason or another, it is like trying to access this page using a 4.8K dial-up modem…it just causes a lot of missed opportunity and a whole lot of cussing! For whatever reason your alarm system might be off, get it back on so that it can do its job!
3) Trash Pile-Up
Leaving a bunch of trash unattended is bad for several reasons…first of all, it just stinks! But other than that it can cause home security issues…for example, it may be an invitation to thieves and burglars because it shows that the house may be vacant or unoccupied at the moment.
4) Lending Keys to Others
This may not seem that harmful at the moment, but think of lending a key to a neighbor or friend, which then somehow ends up in the hands of someone else…either by theft, loss, or other reasons…Even those who may be trusted may mean no harm, but somehow things have a way of getting out of hand…
5) Yard Not Well-Kept
Again a yard with imposing bushes or trees not only invites thieves into your home because of the appearance, but it gives thieves an advantage when trying to sneak by cameras or sensors because of the extra hiding spots…Don’t make this mistake!
6) Displaying Your Valuables
As fun as it is to show off your brand new big screen to your jealous next-door neighbors, it is also a way of saying to thieves that you have some great stuff that you would like to donate to their cause! It is better to keep these things under wraps if you can…
7) Leaving Your House Unlocked
An unlocked house is an expedited invitation for all kinds of bad people to come marching into your home to throw a burglary party! As neighborly as it seems to be able to leave your home open to the public, it is a huge danger, and one you will regret big time!
8) Not Locking the Storage Shed
You may not think that anyone would want to break into that old rickety shed out back, but it is a prime target for thieves! It holds all your tools, supplies, and yard equipment, and usually it is free for the pickings!
9) Being Predictable and Having the Same Routine
Are you one of those people that love to have every single step you take planned out for the entire week? Thieves may pick up on this routine quickly, i.e. Does everyone leave the house at 8:00 a.m. and come home at 5:00 p.m. leaving the house empty for those nine hours, encouraging possible burglary?
…and the final error we all commit is….
10) Key Stashes or Hide-a-Key Products
Sure it seems really cool to hide your key in a rock or under the welcome mat or any other strange place…but it may end up hurting you. Burglars or thieves who have been around the block a few times will know all the different hiding spots people commonly use for their spare keys. The bottom line is, don’t risk it! Don’t even hide the spare key anywhere near your home, just give it to a family member, or carry it with you in a safe place.
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