If you want to protect yourself from an intruder, think like a intruder.
If you were going to break into your house how would you do it? What would you look for? What would you look out for? Walk around your home and assess potential entry points into your home. Doors or windows with broken locks, basement windows you may think are too small to squeeze through, think again. Second story windows, don’t assume because your windows are on the second floor it’s okay to leave them open, it’s not.
Intruders usually will watch a neighborhood before making a move. They will watch to see what your habits are. When are you typically home, when do you leave for the day. They will look through your garbage to find out information about you. Make sure you shred important info before throwing away anything with social security numbers or bank acct info. Don’t make it easy for them.
Helpful Hints and FAQ’s
Rekey Your Locks
There are times when the intruder is someone you know. Maybe a former acquaintance, an ex-spouse, a former babysitter, or a neighbor you trusted to check in on your pets or houseplants. If you can’t account for or even remember how may keys to your home are out there, you may want to consider rekeying your locks.
Going on vacation?
Don’t announce on Facebook or other social media outlets that you will be away. Leave lights on, put televisions on timers; make the house look active even when you’re not there. Ask a trusted neighbor or relative to collect your mail or have them hold it at the post office. A tell tale sign your away is an overloaded mailbox or a collection of newspapers on your front lawn.
Install Floodlights with motion sensors.
Don’t just attach lights to the house, you want them up high out of reach so the criminal can’t just unscrew the bulb or break it. The higher the better having a very high pole 15-20 feet installed is best. Keeping your property well lit will dissuade someone from approaching your property.
Consider getting a dog.
Dogs not only provide companionship, they also are a deterrent to intruders, especially large breeds although even smaller breeds may frighten intruders off or at least alert you if they hear any unusual noises.
Have an alarm system installed
If you own your home and are able to have an alarm system installed, do it. The peace of mind it will provide is priceless. Many offer options that allow you to watch your home remotely using a smart phone, tablet, or computer.
Owning firearms
If you are a gun owner, take classes on the proper handling and storage of your weapon. A weapon is of little use if you are unsure of how to properly handle it.
How Is Rekeying Done?
A professional locksmith can reset the pins in your existing lock as well as provide basic maintenance on the lock ensuring the lock will work properly. Rekeying your locks is easy and inexpensive and can provide much needed peace of mind to you and your family. You want you to be 100% sure that you know who has a key to your home. Read more on when you should have your locks re-keyed?
We can provide you and your family with the added peace of mind of knowing only your family has access to your home.
Call or email us to rekey your locks today!