Many people retain at least some fear of the dark long past childhood and it's often assumed that crimes are more prevalent in the nighttime hours. As a matter of fact, statistics show that crimes, particularly home break-ins and burglaries, occur most often during broad daylight.
Criminals can be brazen enough to kick in doors. Obviously, a reinforced door with sturdy, tested locks and deadbolts should be your first line of defense. When you are at home, never leave the garage door standing open or a door unlocked. A great number of assaults take place when attackers are allowed to walk right in without forced entry.
Most police departments are willing to come to your house to conduct a simple safety check. This is a good and helpful request that can shed light on areas of home insecurity you may have overlooked. A motion-sensitive light can help shed light on secluded areas near entry ways inside or out. Even in daytime hours, places that are shaded can sometimes appeal to potential intruders. Having a motion-sensitive light switch on suddenly in their presence may serve to startle them and, hopefully, prevent them from going further with their ideas of entering your home.
If you are going out of town, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers. Having letters or papers pile up by your door are like an invitation to burglars.
Timer lights can give the illusion of occupancy when you're out of the house. Crooks that have intent to steal objects will likely be deterred by the lights. Try to match the lighting patterns to be somewhat consistent with those that do occur when you're at home.
Home alarms and security equipment are great for supplementing your safety routines and adding yet another line of defense to your family's security plan. You can ask that your alarm company make contact with you on a cell phone in case of an emergency. That way your home landline is open to reach 911 if necessary.
What if your children have to be home alone? Should they go to the door if a stranger knocks? Obviously, they should never open the door when parents aren't there, but there are differing schools of thought regarding the matter of responding at all. Some authorities think it can help to ask who is at the door (without opening it), then have the child shout, "Mom, Dad, someone's at the door" (even if mom or dad aren't at home). Others warn that child predators look for ways to break into homes when they are certain kids are there without supervision. It's plausible that these people watch the home and know when an adult is present or not.
While your common burglar may be scared off once they realize anyone is in the house, more violent criminals are not likely to be deterred by the presence of someone at home. In the latter case, the installation of security monitors, cameras, and an alarm response service are essential elements to keeping members of your household safe, whether danger threatens after dark or in broad daylight.
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