How to Burglar-Proof Your Home: a Security Infographic Checklist
[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”16380″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]Every 13 seconds, a burglar breaks into a home in the U.S. That’s a new family being victimized in less time than it takes you to make a cup of coffee, check your mailbox, or scroll through your Netflix line-up.
It only takes 60 seconds for most burglars to break into a home, and 8 out of 10 burglars are desperate and dangerous — erratic thieves fueled by fear and adrenaline, making impulse decisions as they go.
Most thieves enter a home through the first floor, front door and windows — perhaps a reflection of just how easy it is to break into most homes. Here’s how common entry points stack up:[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]
- First floor: 88%
- Front door: 34%
- Windows: 23%
- Side/Back Door: 22%
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]
- Garage: 9%
- Basement: 4%
- Second floor: 2%
- Storage area: 2%
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]Your best chance to stop a burglar: Think like one.
Burglar-proofing your property starts with viewing your home the way a thief does, starting with a drive-by look at your exterior, then working your way in, fixing any vulnerabilities you find along the way.
What should you be looking for? Below, we’ve compiled an abbreviated security checklist, and you’ll find the full-version PDF below.
Your Security Audit Checklist:
(Abbreviated version; download the full-version infographic below.)[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”20″ down=”20″][vc_column_text]
DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY NOW
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJfZm9ybV85JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhc2k3NjIuYWN0aXZlaG9zdGVkLmNvbSUyRmYlMkZlbWJlZC5waHAlM0ZpZCUzRDklMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”20″ down=”20″][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Security Lighting
- Are the front, back, and sides of the house well-lit at night?
- Are all basement and lower floor windows also well-lit at night?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Doors
- Are door frames strong and tight enough to withstand force?
- Can a lock be reached through a mail delivery port or pet door?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Windows
- Are first-floor windows free from concealing structures or landscaping?
- Do windows have adequate locks and burglar bars?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Upper Floor
- Is there a balcony or fire scape ladder providing potential entry for burglars?
- Do windows have working locks?
- Are there external features like roofline, eaves, windows or landscaping that offer easy access into the house?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Basement
- Is the basement equipped with water detection?
- If there’s a door leading to the outside, is it solid-core with a deadbolt?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Sliding Doors
- Are rollers new or in good condition? Can they be lifted off their tracks? (For best protection, use vertical bolts and place a metal or solid wood rod on the inside track to hold the door closed.)
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Garage
- Is the entry door solid-core, and does it fit tightly when shut?
- Is it ever left unlocked or open while doing yardwork?
- Are garage windows locked?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Fencing
- Is there a fence around the home? (Solid fences are great for privacy but also great concealment for criminals.)
- If yes, is the gate locked?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Valuables
- Are valuables and money stored in a safe?
- Photograph and inventory valuables including their make, model, color, size, style, other unique traits and serial number.
- Encrypt WIFI and keep computers away from windows and doors.
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][unordered_list style=”circle” animate=”yes” font_weight=”normal”]Landscaping
- Is landscaping overgrown, or tall enough that it could conceal someone sneaking into the property?
- Do trees provide access to the roof, eaves and windows?
[/unordered_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]Keep in mind you don’t have to tackle every item on this checklist at once, but do take a few moments to work through all items over the next few days. Just a few minutes at a time can sharply reduce your security risks.
Even better: Grab the full version PDF below, and take advantage of ASI’s complimentary security audit so you leave no blind spots to chance.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]
DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY NOW
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJfZm9ybV85JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhc2k3NjIuYWN0aXZlaG9zdGVkLmNvbSUyRmYlMkZlbWJlZC5waHAlM0ZpZCUzRDklMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row]