Criminals are not only interested in what’s on the shelves at retail outlets, but what’s left in the back seat of your vehicle when shopping, and perhaps more importantly, what’s left behind at your home when you are away shopping and/or traveling.
AAA projects 42.5 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, and the would-be thieves are taking note. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 27. So this is the time to be extra cautious about your home security.
In Houston, Texas police indicate that burglary and theft continue to be a problem in the community.
“Over the past few months, with the economy still hard and some people still not working, we have seen a significant increase in shoplifting and burglary,” Chief Jim McNiell told the Houston Herald.
“We’re seeing a lot of vehicles being entered and a lot of homes being burglarized, and I can’t emphasize enough to people to safeguard their homes and their vehicles. Don’t leave wallets and purses in plain view in your vehicle, and make sure to lock your doors. Also make sure you lock the doors when you leave home and leave a light on at night,” said McNiell.
Meanwhile, in Oakdale, California police are also urging residents to utilize some safety measures. Lt. Lester Jenkins tells the Oakdale Leader that burglars look for easy targets. They often head for the bedroom looking for easy items to grab and stuff in their pockets. They pull drawers, dump out jewelry boxes and rifle through closets. Preventing access to your valuables is the first step.
“Keep the area by the front door very visible from the street,” Jenkins advised. “And the side door to the garage is vulnerable. Replace the hollow-core door with a sturdier door so it’s not as easy to kick in,” said Jenkins.
Also, often people put a spare set of keys in an easily accessible and visible spot, but Jenkins warns this is a bad idea.
“If they find the keys they’re mobilized instead of on foot,” he said.
Keep in mind, that Jenkins says ultimately the most effective deterrents to criminals casing your home is the installation of a home security system or a dog big enough to sound frightening!
“The key is to make them think twice before entering your home,” Jenkins said. ”They don’t want to mess with a house that isn’t easy to get in and get out.”
You give a lot of very helpful tips for the consumer to “not entice” a would-be bugler from entering a home. Hiding valuable items, and making extra keys inaccessible are also good ideas but from where I sit, as a Home security expert, nothing will ease the anxiousness of being robbed as a good in home security system. Not only for the ties when you are away with your family but even more importantly, when you are at home, possibly alone, during the day or evening. Lucky for me, my clients also like the peace of mind that a security system and monitoring provide.
Keep up the good work. You are right and it all helps!