Think Like A Thief To Optimize Home Security
Aug 30th, 2009 by admin
By Taylor Jensen
Home security is as much a state of mind as it is an installation of a high-tech home security system.
Make no mistake–burglar alarms, video cameras, and other state-of-the-art gadgets used in home security systems are both necessary and desirable. Deployed in well-planned alarm systems, these devices are proven deterrents against home break-in and theft. But, what about preventing your home from becoming a target in the first place–or at least lessening your home’’s steal appeal for thieves?
Law enforcement officials caution us to take the obvious home security steps:
Use strong locks on doors and windows.
Leave lights on in an empty house.
Stop the mail and the newspaper delivery when we vacation.
Remove cover for thieves by trimming shrubbery away from basement and first floor windows.
Park a car in the driveway during long absences.
“Don”t forget to set your home alarm system or to test your security system with your alarm monitoring company,” they say. “Why purchase cctv camera surveillance and equipment for a wireless security system if you”re not going to use them?”
Sound advice but, do they tell you to cut up the boxes from your new computer or wide-screen television prior to recycling as part of your security system? What better invitation could thieves want than seeing the logos and intact packing boxes stacked on the street? By regularly driving by on your neighborhood’’s recycling schedule, thieves can read your weekly history in the recycling there at the curb–without stepping out of the car. Maybe adding the boxes from your new security surveillance equipment and home alarm system would make the thieves watching your recycling pile think twice.
What about trash? Did you throw away travel brochures from your upcoming trip to the islands, or did you shred them along with financial records and other materials that display compromising personal information? Can you have that home alarm system installed before you leave?
Thieves see opportunity where honest people don”t, so think like a thief as part of your home security system. Wisely, you may have spent the time and money to have home alarms and alarm monitoring installed in your home–now identify your family’’s day to day risks. Don”t stop at teaching the kids how to set the burglar alarm or understand the wireless alarm and cctv system! Teach your family to recognize their vulnerabilities, to stay alert and notice what is going on around them–to understand how their actions may encourage criminals. Their awareness is a skill that helps protect your home, but it’’s also a skill that lets your children protect themselves at home, at school, or anywhere.
About The Author
Taylor Jensen writes about Home Security at http://www.ushomesecurity.com, is considered an expert in the field of wireless home security, and has published hundreds of articles informing consumers about what to look for when considering a home security system.