Tips to make house more secure (in regards to robbers)

[Deleted]

Our neighborhood crime watch group/e-mail list is one of the best tools we have. We have lots of retired people on the street, and a mouse can't poop on the sidewalk without everyone knowing about it. Since that started, the property crime has dropped drastically.

Our PD comes out a lot to talk to our neighborhood group. The number one suggestion they have is installing an alarm. But they also always say that theives are looking for places to hide. So if you have lots of overgrown shrubbery or are at the dead end of a street or your house is set way back from the street, you are more likely to get hit. A lot of that is stuff people can't change, but anything that makes a thief feel more exposed will deter them. Motion lighting, keeping things pruned, etc. Also, if you have a way of restricting access to your back yard/doors, I think that's a good idea. We have a locked gate.

Another thing the PD noted is that in our area, it's usually door kick-ins. There's a product called Door Jamb Armor or something similar that installs to prevent kick-ins. The PD here said it wasn't a bad idea. They will attempt a couple of kicks and move on if they are unsuccessful. I really want to do this for our back door, but it's not a standard size, so it doesn't fit. I've talked to them briefly about a custom solution but need to follow up.

If I had sliding doors, I'd definitely use Charlie bars for those.

[emjacobs]

Our across the street neighbor is our best security. He sits on his front porch every day and watches my house and my neighbors house. My mom came over once and he knew we were out and he almost called the cops on her and then he remembered he recognized the car.

Glass sensors and door sensors are good, we have glass sidelights so it doesn't matter if we have a deadbolt or not. They can just throw a rock through it and unlock it from inside. Motion lighting is good, if you are going to be gone for a long period of time have lights on a timer is good.

Also think about what you need to do in the event that you are robbed. Make sure you have the proper insurance coverage for the things that you own, take pictures of everything of value, full shots of rooms, jewelry, etc. If you have a lockbox keep it in a very strange hidden place. Lockboxes are gold to robbers, they know there should always be something good in there if they have time to really go through. Make copies / scan important documents and keep those somewhere else.

Ideally you want to never be robbed and to deter that if possible, but you should also be prepared in the event that the worst happens.

[jr009j]

After a break in attempt, the police office did a walk around of our house and gave us the following advice:

-make sure all bushes are pruned enough that no one can hide behind them
-if you have windows on your doors, a lock that you have to unlock with a key from both sides is preferable (and dont leave the key accessible from the window)
-having a longer deadbolt
-lock your screen door
-have window jams that make it so you can't open the window all the way
-lock the windows
-He recommended we lock the gate to our privacy fence.
-make sure you don't have heavy things laying around that could be used to break windows
-He said that most break ins are crimes of opportunities-the theft sees something of value from the street. So keep your purse and other valubles out of the view of the windows. Close your curtains and turn off lights.

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2013 12:10:29 GMT -5 jr009j said:

-have window jams that make it so you can't open the window all the way

I have seen these at our local ACE, and would really like to install them, if they would work for our windows (not sure how exactly they work or how they might interfere with the cords): www.lowes.com/pd_250858-76018-U+9845-L_0__?productId=3407840

But DH is 100% against me interfering with the jambs for any reason, so I haven't put much effort into figuring out of they would work for us.  I mostly want them becase we do like to sleep with the windows cracked a few months out of the year, and locking the windows in a certain position would make me feel SO much better.  Another consideration for using keyed systems for windows though is that you have to be able to locate any key QUICKLY for fire safety purposes.  I was thinking I could hang the key next to my bed, but for young kids, that could be problematic.

[jr009j]

Mar 25, 2013 12:26:58 GMT -5 @juno said:

Mar 25, 2013 12:10:29 GMT -5 jr009j said:

-have window jams that make it so you can't open the window all the way

I have seen these at our local ACE, and would really like to install them, if they would work for our windows (not sure how exactly they work or how they might interfere with the cords): www.lowes.com/pd_250858-76018-U+9845-L_0__?productId=3407840

But DH is 100% against me interfering with the jambs for any reason, so I haven't put much effort into figuring out of they would work for us.  I mostly want them becase we do like to sleep with the windows cracked a few months out of the year, and locking the windows in a certain position would make me feel SO much better.  Another consideration for using keyed systems for windows though is that you have to be able to locate any key QUICKLY for fire safety purposes.  I was thinking I could hang the key next to my bed, but for young kids, that could be problematic.

I don't know what ours actually are as they are old windows. Maybe a sash stay?  But they are like a button that flip out and prevent the window from opening more than a few inchs.  They don't lock.  If you had a really dedicated robber, they would be able to figure out opening them if they broke the glass. However, it would take more time and as it was explained to us, the more time it takes for a robber to get it, the more likely they will be disuaded as someone many see them. 

[Deleted]

That makes sense. I have also seen basically what amounts to one of those slide locks, like on a bathroom stall door, on the botton sash to lock it into the jamb at various positions. I thought that would be about as good as a sash lock, which we already have (and it also violates DH's no-jamb-interference policy). But I guess it would slow them down a bit if we did want to crack the windows at night.

[ssmjlm]

There's lots you can do (and I didn't read the link above) with regard to some things, but if a robber wants, in, they're coming in.

Our neighbors have motion lights, pruned landscaping, etc and were still robbed, while home. Their dog even slept through it. The husband just happens to be a 4am riser for work, so when he got up and started turning on lights in the main areas, the burglers noticed outside (where they were clearing out their garage under their house) and left with what they had. The idiots even tried to get the lawnmower out of their garage through the back door, where it was too wide. We figure a lot of it was for scrap metal money or pawning.

[RoxMonster]

Get a dog with a scary bark (half joking ) Our dog goes NUTS if anyone is within 100 feet of our house, and she makes me feel more secure.

PPs have give great tips. We installed lights above our garage and porch that are always on if it's dark out, but get brighter with motion. We also chopped down a huge bush that was by our garage and could easily obscure someone. I've gotten into the habit of closing the garage door as soon as I'm in with the car turned off, instead of sitting in my car gathering my things with the door still wide open.

I am super paranoid about answering the door. I generally don't answer it if I am home alone and not expecting anyone. Even if H is home, we are wary and don't open it if it is late at night. We have no family that lives around here and no friends that would drop by unannounced. Sometimes burglars ring the bell to see if anyone is home. If you answer they force their way in. Not saying be paranoid at the drop of the hat and never go to the door, but if you have a screen or storm door, I would keep it locked and closed when you answer to a stranger.

Just keeping your doors locked is a big one that people don't always do. We had someone try to get in our front door by leaning on it and vigorously turning the knob when I was home alone one afternoon. Thank god I remember to lock the deadbolt after I had gotten the mail 5 min. prior or the guy would've come right in.

ETA: I was looking at the link posted above and found a link to another article on the Washington Post that is the anatomy of a burglary: link

I thought it was interesting they said most robbers are male teens that live within a couple miles of your house. This means they are easily able to watch it for times when you're not home, if you get any electronics delivered, etc. I have a feeling most residential burglaries are done by people who live nearby and can "case" the house frequently. So another tip is to not divulge too much to neighbors unless you know you can truly trust them, things like when you're going on vacation, your work hours, the new big screen TV you just ordered, etc.

[lb2006]

i agree, our dogs are great warning barkers as well. We have also installed motion-sensor lights.

But the best deterrent are our neighbors. They are in their 60s, 70s and 80s & watch what happens in the neighborhood, all day, everyday

[new2this2]

Everyone else had good ideas.

We have also taken to planting very thorny bushes under our windows. I have no idea what they are but they're like roses on steroids. They're a bitch to prune but so help anyone who tries to break in or climb through our windows. They'll look like they got mauled by a cat. It would poke through most blankets too. It just makes our house a little less appealing for burglars.

Also, I highly recommend AGAINST getting a deadbolt with a key on both sides. Those are incredibly unsafe. You're essentially locking yourself in your house if it is on fire, there's a build up of carbon monoxide, someone breaks in a different way and is trying to attack you, etc.

[RoxMonster]

Ha I am probably that neighbor in our neighborhood! We had had a vacant house next to us for sale ever since we moved in. I'm talking over half a year. No one was ever there. All of a sudden, we would see lights on in the house but the house was still vacant-no cars in the drive, no furniture, etc. I ended up calling the cops and they came out and found nothing. A week later a family did move in. I still am glad I called though. It was weird. They would leave lights on inside all night long but you could easily see inside and see the house was empty.

I also called the cops last summer on a lady who sat in her car across from my house for over 5 hours in 100º heat with the windows halfway down. Who in their right mind would do that? She seemed to be watching something down the street. A cop showed up and made her leave. I am hyper vigilant of stuff happening in the neighborhood. I think it stems from a few things: 1) my love of scary movies and books, 2) growing up in a less than safe area (it was OK when I was little but rapidly declined), and 3) being close to a few break-in attempts through the years (twice in my parents' neighborhood, once in my grandparents' neighborhood, and once in our old apartment building).

[Deleted]

My suggestion is to be sure your home is well lit at night. Turn on your porch light every night. The little extra you will pay the power company annually is worth it. You should also have a regular or motion light in your backyard as well. At our house we use the porch light and back deck light at night, plus we have a motion light on the side of the house by the driveway. I told DH recently I want to install another motion light out front because the porch light isn't all that bright. I park my car out front and want the extra light out there on my car.

A lot of home security is common sense. I commented in the other security thread that when on occasion I read on our neighborhood's online community board about a house that's been broken into, in almost every case there wasn't an alarm system in place or there was a window or door that was left unlocked. Same for car break ins. There have been a number of people in our neighborhood over the years who have reported a car break in and then fessed up that it wasn't locked or that a GPS or other valuable was in plain sight.

[jena]

If you get new electronics, don't put the box out with the recycling where people can see it. Either take it to a recycling dumpster or cut it up and bundle it so you're not advertising your brand new tv.

Sent from my HTCEVOV4G using proboards

[starlily]

Regarding answering a knock at the door, it goes both ways. Yes a burglar might force his or her way in if you answer. But a trend I've been seeing (I work in criminal law) is burglars who knock, and then break in if they hear no response.

If you have older kids (teens), their friends or acquaintances are often a source of electronics & jewelry thefts. Sad but true.

[Deleted]

I think the police have told us before that if we don't want to answer, we can yell something through the door about not answering. I don't remember if they recommended that over staying quiet TBH, but i know it came up. I haven't had to memorize that info because people can see right in my living room if they are on the porch. The other night someone knocked and I just sat there and ignored him (with my stay alarm on). Very awkward, but whatever.

My local PD also shattered my delusion that simply calling 911 on my landline and not speaking would make them come (e.g. I'm hiding in a closet and trying to be silent). They said that sort of call would get low priority

[hbomdiggity]

This worries me like crazy since we have an old house with tons of original windows and doors. While we could replace our front door with one without glass, it wouldnt really matter because the original (and beautiful) french doors to the right. But at least you would no longer see straight into the living room with our fancy tv.

And my question on drawing the shades - could this backfire as indication that we are gone long term?

[ktzmoh]

I had a friend with a break in right after she had someone out to her house to do an appliance repair. She said she the guy kept asking her about where she worked and how she got there etc. In hindsight she thinks he was getting information.

[TBM]

Mar 25, 2013 18:34:56 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

I had a friend with a break in right after she had someone out to her house to do an appliance repair. She said she the guy kept asking her about where she worked and how she got there etc. In hindsight she thinks he was getting information.

My business partner had a break in a few years ago, shortly after they had flooring installed and new counters in both of their bathrooms, and she has always felt that one of the workmen was somehow involved.

The items that were stolen were the usual...jewelry, camera, stuff like that, but there were also some things that were unusual and didn't look like they were anything worthwhile and were in strange places, so it seemed like someone had scoped it out first.

The burglars used her H's work gloves and broke the window with his tools that were on the back porch.  They actually found one of the guys from DNA from the inside of the glove that was left in the house.

Now they have security cameras and widow alarms, and they only put out fake Christmas presents until right before Christmas.

[finally]

We have a Beware of Dog sign on our fence that even though Gilbert is now gone, I will still leave up.

When we go away we do the following:
Lights on varying timers that follow our usual path.

We have a full size cardboard cutouts of Obama and of "The Worlds Most Interesting Man" (long stories on why we have them) that we will place in an area that someone can only see if they are looking in the front door but far enough away that you can't tell it's really a cardboard cutout. We figure if someone is looking in the front door to break in - they aren't going to stare that hard if they see what looks like a person and probably won't come back any time soon.

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2013 19:31:27 GMT -5 finally said:

This is great, I love it!  Home security courtesy of Home Alone!

[MrsMB]

I'm sure some of these have been covered by pp's.

As the victim of a home burglary, here are a few of the ones we implemented that I would immediately recommend. I'm a little bitter still, but I hope some of this is helpful:

1. With a home security system, have more than one person from the home security team go through and make reccomendations on where you should have sensors, glass breaks, etc. There was what should have been an obvious place for a glass break that we ALL should have known....and that's where they broke in. Guy #1 didn't reccomend it. Not being the wiser, we didn't know. However, they decided it would be "fun" to suggest we should have had one after the break-in....I've never wanted to slap a captain obvious more in my life.

2. Privacy Fence - They can't take all of your belongings while trying to hop something taller then they are.

3. Dog - particularly one that barks....a lot. Barking works. I don't give a $@it if it bothers my neighbors. Our usually "snoopy" neighbors
(who knew more about our schedule then we did) all of the sudden became completely oblivious when our home was broken into.

4. Buy a safe....and a decoy safe. Most criminals will just pick it up and run with a smaller safe thinking they have your loot so best to have a decoy in a typical hiding place with the real one somewhere else...if you're looking to buy a small one. If you're not up to trying to "trick" your unwanted friends, buy a giant heavy safe. Again, they can't necessarily toss a 1,000 lb safe over a privacy fence. We, therefore, have the giant, heavy safe.

5. I was able to quickly glance up and notice others reccomending that you take pictures of your valuables. I can't stress enough the HELL we were put through trying to find a picture of me wearing my grandmother's pearl necklace at my high school graduation. I have a "special" place in my heart for our insurance agent. We now have a photo album with just pictures of valuables with a side note of any applicable serial numbers safely tucked away in our bank's....safety deposit box. We work to update this annually.

6. Look up a "fake tv" on amazon.com. Sounds cheap, I know. But trust me...the $20-$30 bucks we spent makes me feel better. It looks like we have the TV on from the front of our home. It automatically comes on when the sun starts setting. It's like automatic lights, but kinda fun.

One more: Look into getting your valuables listed on riders to your insurance policy. I had been a good little bride and got my wedding set added after I read that I needed to do it on theknot. However, I wasn't thinking, "Gee, I need to do this with my other fine jewelry." The day it happened, I was WEARING the one and only set of jewelry I had listed with my insurance policy. But because I hadn't listed the others, I lost over $10,000 worth of additional jewelry. Our insurance company could only give us up to their listed limit in jewelry replacement funds. I get that. But in order to give us the fraction they did, we had to go through all kinds of stuff to find pictures of me wearing these items. So pictures, receipts and warranties should be kept in a secure place. Pictures should be taken. AND you should consider listing these items with your insurance company.

[jenmjm]

I've got one to add that I didn't see yet. We in live in Florida and decided to get tinted film on our sliders and all windows just to keep some of the heat out. When were getting quotes, we learned about products that also act as security film, which we definitely wanted for hurricane season. This tint stands up to flying objects, including someone trying to strike a window with a hammer. We put security tinted film on ALL of our downstairs windows and doors. Between the alarm, the dog, the light timers, and the film, I feel fairly secure.

As a side note, most of the break-ins happen during the middle of the day in our area. Robbers pose as moving and landscaping companies in order to appear that they belong there. Make sure to have conversations with neighbors to let them know if you do/don't have a lawn company or if you expect/aren't expecting furniture to be delivered.

[jenmjm]

Mar 27, 2013 11:52:29 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

Mar 27, 2013 11:15:56 GMT -5 jenmjm said:

I've got one to add that I didn't see yet. We in live in Florida and decided to get tinted film on our sliders and all windows just to keep some of the heat out. When were getting quotes, we learned about products that also act as security film, which we definitely wanted for hurricane season. This tint stands up to flying objects, including someone trying to strike a window with a hammer. We put security tinted film on ALL of our downstairs windows and doors. Between the alarm, the dog, the light timers, and the film, I feel fairly secure.

As a side note, most of the break-ins happen during the middle of the day in our area. Robbers pose as moving and landscaping companies in order to appear that they belong there. Make sure to have conversations with neighbors to let them know if you do/don't have a lawn company or if you expect/aren't expecting furniture to be delivered.

Thanks for the tip.  I'm going to look into that.  Does it look visually appealing?

Yes, you can get it in tint or clear. I recommend having it professionally done and get quotes for 2-3 companies.  We love it, and you can't even tell we have clear tint.