How To Secure Your Home Against Daytime Intruders

It’s hard to believe but there are, on average, 3000 burglaries per day in the USA.  The average value of property stolen is estimated at $2,660.  While many of us imagine the nightmare scenario of being woken from sleep and being faced with an intruder in the early hours, in reality, according to FBI statistics, 45 % of burglaries take place in daylight.

Why is this? Quite simply, burglars want to do their work with as little hassle as possible. And it’s far easier to enter a house while it’s unoccupied, with the inhabitants out at work or away on vacation. There’s time to have a good look round and make a safe exit without the risk of bumping into an irate and sleepy homeowner with a gun in his or her hand.

So, what can you do to secure your home when you’re away in the daytime? Here are 5 ideas to help you deter intruders.

• Install a smart security system

This is the most effective deterrent. Let burglars know what they’re up against with warning signs and cameras situated in highly visible locations. 

Using a home alarm system with 24/7 professional monitoring can cost far less than the cost of the average burglary. Basic DIY systems can be had for around $200 with monitoring plans from as little as $10 a month. Sophisticated smart systems with additional features are more expensive, but most burglars would rather skip a house than risk triggering a security system. So, they’re a logical investment to protect your valuables and help to avoid the trauma caused by an invasion of your personal space.

• Secure your doors and windows

Ensure no one else has a set of your house keys – change your locks if needed. Doors should be fitted with deadlocks with strong frames and hinges. No matter how hot it is – an open upstairs window is often the temptation a passing burglar won’t be able to resist – so ensure they’re all securely locked before you leave.

• Clean up your outside areas

Remove any bushes or overgrown areas which can provide a useful hiding place while a burglar plans his entry, or hides on exit.  Also, trim any overhanging branches on your trees, so they don’t provide a convenient hiding place.

• Install a barking dog alarm

A dog is an effective deterrent for intruders. It doesn’t even have to be large or savage, just the noise that it makes can be enough to make a thief look for somewhere less likely to attract attention. If you don’t have a dog (or you’re taking yours on vacation with you), consider buying a barking dog alarm, which will make a realistic impersonation, and can be heard up to 300 yards away. 

• Use door stop alarms

Another low-cost security device to consider is a door stop alarm. Just place this wedge under the door of your choice. If someone attempts to push the door open, it will emit an ear-piercing 120db.  Your burglar will want to exit the area as fast as possible to escape the noise, and neighbors will soon be alerted that something is wrong.

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