Common Sense in Protecting Your Home

By Jon Sargent

They're our castles, our comfortable retreats, our private sanctuaries. No matter what we call them, our homes are one of our most precious assets. Unfortunately, burglars call them targets. Planning an active summer? So is the average burglar. Most communities will see a 10 to 18 percent increase in burglaries in June, July, and August. Protecting your home is easier than you may think, and you can start by learning about how the average burglar operates.

Who is the average burglar? More than 95 percent are repeat offenders, and many are armed - 44 percent of convicted burglars surveyed in one state said they carried a weapon. How do burglars pick their targets? Burglars prefer an empty house; about 59 percent of burglaries occur during the day when no one is home. Burglars encounter a resident in only 13 percent of break-ins. They also prefer homes that provide extra cover and an easy getaway. Homes with tall privacy fences, large shrubs, no outdoor lighting and easy access to major highways rate high on the hit list. How do burglars get in? More than 80 percent enter a home through the first floor, and over half get in through a front or back door. Another 25 percent come through a first floor window. A small percentage enter through the garage, basement, or second floor. Too often, homeowners make it easy for burglars; 40 percent of the time, burglars enter through an unlocked door or window. What do burglars take and how much? The average loss for a home is about $1,350. The typical burglar will spend less than five minutes and take only what he can find and cart away quickly: jewelry, cash, tools, stereos, TVs and VCRs. Home computers are also popular - more than $1 billion worth are stolen every year. What are the chances you'll get the goods back? The odds are against you. The total value of goods stolen is recovered in fewer than 10percent of burglaries. And only about 15percent of burglaries are solved, far lower than the clearance rates for other crimes. In most burglaries, there are very few physica lclues and no witnesses.

Common Sense Tips to Protect Your Home:

Homeowners should regularly reassess their home security. The first step is to provide maximum protection at points of entry. Instill good locks on first floor doors and windows. Doors should be secured with inch-and-a-half deadbolts. Sliding glass doors require pins to prevent horizontal and vertical movement. Consider installing security film over glass panes for extra protection.

Inside the house, take measures to protect valuables. Keep home electronics out of view from the outside. Don't keep large sums of cash at home, and consider storing some portable valuables - such as family heirlooms - in a hidden safe or safe deposit box. A highly secure closet consists of a solid-core door, non-removable hinges and a heavy deadbolt lock. Engrave valuables with your driver's license or social security number. Regularly back up computer files. When you purchase new electronic equipment, don't advertise it. Break down the cartons before throwing them out. Make your home more visible to neighbors. Trim shrubs, keep blinds open while you're away and install exterior lighting, including lights that are activated by motion detectors. Before you travel, take steps to make it look as if someone is home: Good strategies include placing timers on lights and a radio, and finding someone to cut the grass, trim the yard and pick up newspapers and mail. Leave your house key behind with a neighbor or friend. Hand it over in person; don't hide it under a doormat or flowerpot. Consider asking a neighbor or friend to park a car in your driveway. And never leave a greeting on your answering machine that says you're on vacation. In fact, turn down the volume on your answering machine and the ringer on your phone when you go away so it can't be heard from the outside.

Consider a dog or an alarm system - both are effective deterrents because they eliminate the "potential for a quick hit.” It's much easier to move on to the next house. Don't forget to keep your doors locked on a regular basis even when you are home. Also, consider throwing a neighborhood watch party and invite a community services officer from your police department as the guest speaker. It's a great way to find out what's really happening in your neighborhood and get questions answered.

Do Electronic Alarms Really Work? According to statistics, a home with a professionally installed security system is about 60 percent less likely to be burglarized than a home without one. A wide variety of advanced systems are available today and are far more affordable than they were a few years ago. Some key features to consider when looking at home security systems:

• Strategically placed sensors that trigger an alarm when a door or window is opened.
• Glass break sensors that detect the vibration of breaking glass.
• Alarm screens that protect openings and allow venting for fresh air.
• Strategically-placed infrared motion detectors that respond to movement or body heat.
• Portable panic buttons that allow you to activate your alarm when you're entering or leaving your home, or when an emergency occurs.
• Smoke and Heat Sensors provide maximum protection against fire. They sound an alarm, alert you to potential danger, and, if monitored, automatically send a signal to dispatch the fire department whether you're home or away.

24-hour monitoring by an alarm central station. With today's technology, security system sensors can be broken up or "zoned" so that each individual device can be identified by the alarm company when tripped. This helps the responding police or fire authorities know what to expect.

Which system to buy? Look for a company that offers trained sales consultants who can provide a thorough analysis of your security needs. A consultant should take the time to walk around your home, inside and out, to help you understand its vulnerable points. Then you can make an informed decision about what to buy. The consultant should also explain the contract terms. What will it cost? Systems range from approximately $100 for a basic system (a control panel, a siren, a keypad, a couple of sensors and a motion detector) to $3,000-$4,000 for a top-of-the-line model. Monthly monitoring costs are usually less than a dollar a day. In addition, you may get some savings on your homeowner's insurance. Some companies offer special add-ons to the basic security systems, such as an extra door sensor, at no additional cost. You may want to install a weatherproof camera, about the size of a tennis ball, that connects to your TV system so you can view and listen to your front porch area, backyard, the baby's room, garage, pool area, etc. California alarm companies and their individual employees are required by law to be registered with the Department of Consumer Mfairs' Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), and a background investigation is conducted by the California Department of Justice. If in doubt, ask the alarm company rep to see his or her ACE (alarm Company Employee) identification card or temporary registration. The BSIS Web site also allows you to check this online at www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/lookup.htm.

Now, a little exercise~With all that you've learned, take a complete walk around your home, both inside and out. Chances are you'll spot something that, with just a little attention, will help you guard your castle even more and send that snoopy burglar on down the road.