https://pixabay.com/en/metal-latch-lock-door-security-730302/
The house is a structure where all our valuables are stored. These are not limited to valuables with monetary values, but also valuables such as memories that took place inside the home. However, houses are extremely vulnerable to theft with over 2 million burglaries being reported each year. Hence, it is important to safeguard your house, and the installation of a security system is one of the most prevalent steps applied in achieving safety of home.
There are a number of companies that can provide a design proposal specifically for a property. One of the well established agencies that are capable of determining a property’s specific need is the ADT in Chicago. Having a roster of professional staff with valid experience in the field is guaranteed.
However, even then burglaries are high, and a major reason is the fact that homeowners often do not pay attention to some very important points. Here are some of the mistakes homeowners do that are ineffective and does not result in effective security measures:
- Taking on the task of professionals
Every property varies in requirements for security and surveillance installations. There are experts that should be tapped for such projects. The proper location of cameras can be determined depending on the angle of coverage that it can provide. The wiring devices and cables to be used must be of recommended quality. Electrical loads brought about by these installations are also computed by experts. The technicality of the work done needs to be properly addressed so as not to compromise the function of the system.
- Choosing to install intimidating lock sets
Installing high-end lock sets that are made of quality materials may intimidate a thief. As per reports, thieves tend to attack homes that ‘look’ unsafe. If a homeowner is willing to invest on these things, then a thief can easily conclude that the owner of the house is wealthy.
- Posting alarm signs
Many houses equipped with security systems advertise their installations by posting signs that the house is burglar protected. In some cases though, robbery is made easy because you are announcing to the public that a certain company installed your security. Once a thief is able to familiarize himself with the techniques a company implements during installation, it makes it all the more easier to rob your house. Sometimes, the warning signs are what intrigues robbers to break into the house, this is because they know that people who invest in alarm systems have valuables to keep.
- Pretending to be there by leaving the lights on
Most homeowners use this technique to fool the neighbors that there is someone inside the property. However, if a thief plans on entering the house, the first step is to observe whether someone is inside which may compromise the success of the crime. Leaving a light on in a certain room without shadows or movement allows the robber to assume that it was left on just for the sake of pretending that someone is inside. What you can do is use lights that have timer functions. Leave a light on in a specific room and then set it to turn off after a few minutes. Set the other light to turn on a few seconds after the other one turns off. This is a much more effective way of fooling burglars off than just leaving a single light on.
- Storing valuables where they are most likely stored
Burglars know that people have the tendency to keep the things that matter most near to them. Which only means one place: the bedroom. We may think that valuables are safer when they are kept in our private spaces, but the reality is that it is most likely that a thief has the same mindset. Confuse your burglar by creating hiding spots that are easily seen in public spaces but do not feel out of context. The kitchen cupboard may be a good hiding place, in addition to under the knives, below the kitchen sink. These are some spaces you can pick instead of leaving them in the drawer of your nightstand. Be unpredictable!
- Building high walls to serve as perimeter fence of your property
Covering the house to safeguard it from public eye may provide additional safety for the property, but it also plants something in a thief’s brain–that there is something worth stealing inside. Keep things casual, do not make the neighborhood feel as though your house needs a total lockdown. Remove their possible suspicions by letting your property blend in with the neighborhood ambiance.
Be mindful of every detail you expose to the public that concerns your house, especially if you are new to the neighborhood. These deterrents have been used throughout time, and burglars are already aware of such techniques, making them ineffective security measures. Imagine how a thief would think and try to do things differently.