Keys: If you don't have a home surveillance system, here are a few ways to protect your home against burglary.
Believe it or not, there are about 5 keys that open 80% of any home that has ever been owned by a bank, due to foreclosures, the number is going up fast.
This is true in most of the country.
I kid you not, the same 5 keys! There are another ten keys that cover most of the remaining homes.
The first thing anyone should do is, rekey or install new locks.
Having a key, quite obviously, makes it the easiest form of entry.
Aside from its ease of entry, when neighbors see someone with a key they rarely question the key-holder.
Many locksmiths specialize in securing these types of properties, as they are the fastest growing part of the locksmiths business.
Many companies specialize in bank owned properties.
Key Care.
This is a common sense point that many homeowners simply overlook.
Can you think of any time when you hand the keys to you home to a complete stranger? Most of us would say never.
But, have you ever had someone valet park your car, or leave it in a parking lot along with your keys? Think about it, your keys are there, your car is there and a quick look into your glove box might produce a document with your home address.
A deft burglar can make an impression of your key in a matter of seconds, with your address and recognition of your car, he's equipped with plenty of information to seek out his treasure whenever he is ready.
Also, have you ever had work done in your house and given your keys to the contractor? He might be the most honest best contractor in your city, but what about his help? The final word on keys, please don't give them to people you trust! Even though you trust them, do you trust their kids? Honestly, they might have children you might not want with your keys.
Guard your keys carefully and rekey after you've had work done.
Garage Doors: are often ignored by home surveillance systems.
Even so, you should actually recode your garage door remote control after any other person has occupied the home, or even been in the home with enough time to do so.
Garage remote programming is fairly simple, especially in the computer age; this is a relatively easy task for most homeowners.
Also have your garage door checked by a professional to adjust the doors closing pressure; you wouldn't want it to crush a child.
The last note on garage doors is to padlock it if you don't use for your car or don't need it for an emergency exit.
Deadbolts: You want every perimeter door to have a deadbolt.
Make sure that it is installed properly.
The bolt should throw fully when closed and lock with or without a key.
You would be surprised at how many locks do not function properly when inspected.
I would estimate that a full 50% of the homes that I've inspected have had locks that did not function properly due to poor installation.
The Lived in Look: Your home should look as if someone is there.
Everyone agrees with this, but the mid day burglaries are on the rise so you need to be creative with this.
Police officers will tell you, homes chosen by mid day thief's quite simply don't look lived in, which is why they were hit.
With no sign of people coming or going, no dog dishes, no sounds or messes to come back to, burglars recognize the target as easy.
If possible put your dishwashers, washing machines or music on timers, pets are great, have someone collect your mail and newspapers; all of this helps somewhat.
And of course, what is a better deterrent than a video home surveillance system camera in a well-chosen location?