Protecting Your Home

Violent home invasions have moved into the suburbs. While homeowners have always been concerned about burglaries when they were not there, home invasions occur when the homeowner is at home. Often the homeowner ends up injured or killed. And home invasions are not a “big city” crime. Crime occurs in all types of neighborhoods. In July 2009, in Manatee County, Florida, which is described by its local newspaper as a quiet community, officials responded to three home invasions in one week. In Pima County, Arizona, 23 home invasions were reported in a six month period in a small suburb.

These incidents have led homeowners to think more about how to secure their possessions and protect their families. Some have taken extreme measures. Others have implemented small changes to increase security. Here’s a quick overview of a few home security measures:

·Alarm systems. This is what most homeowners consider when looking for an additional security measure. An alarm can protect a home while the residents are away or asleep. When an intruder enters, the alarm sounds. The homeowner is called as well as the police. Alarms are also available to warn residents about fire or the presence of carbon monoxide. But for an alarm to work the owners have to remember to set it. Many homeowners don’t set their alarms when they are home, making them vulnerable to home invasions. An interesting tidbit: Many homeowners don’t purchase an alarm system but place a sign in their yard indicating that the home is protected by a security system.

·Firearms. Guns are a controversial home security measure. Some will say that having a gun in the home is more of a danger than a means of protection. When children are in the home, guns are often locked in a secure location which gives homeowners little time to get to them if they are needed immediately. However a homeowner with a gun will scare an unarmed thief away and will be able equally armed if the intruder is, too.

·Guard dogs. Dogs are truly man’s best friends. Even small dogs will do all they can to protect their owners in case of an attack. Many homeowners have dogs outside that watch the house night and day.

·Security lighting. Thieves like to hide. If they strike at night they will likely run if a light comes on as they try to break into a home. Motion detectors, which only come on when a person nears the home, are popular because they save electricity and will surprise a thief who thinks the home is an easy mark in the dark.

·Landscaping. High shrubs give thieves a place to hide while they try to crawl into your windows. Removing a favorite bush or replacing it with a smaller one to protect their home is a sacrifice many homeowners are willing to make.

·Neighborhood watch programs. Initiated by the residents and supported by local police, neighbors are simply encouraged to watch out for each other. Suspicious people are reported to the police. When one resident is away, another keeps an eye on the home.

Most people don’t rely on one method of home security but on a combination of techniques. Home security is a personal preference that goes beyond locking the doors and windows at night.