5 Easy Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

According to the FBI, the average home loses $2,661 when a burglary occurs. Officer Andrew Kundinger of the Sheboygan Police Department says the area surrounding your home is very important in keeping your home safe from invaders. “By designing your home in a way that people can see you are keeping it clean— that someone is paying attention to the house—will keep crime down,” Officer Kundinger says. This is part of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategy. CPTED is based on the principle that proper design and effective use of buildings can reduce crime and improve the quality of life.

Through CPTED, Officer Kundinger outlines the following tips to keep your home safe:

1. Keep your patio door secure. The number one place for burglars to gain access to a home is through the patio door. Use a c-bar lock to help prevent the door from being opened from the outside.
2. Landscaping is important. Keep the branches of your trees trimmed. They can provide access to upstairs windows. Also, remove hedges and trees within six feet of your doorway, as they can provide concealment for burglars.
3. Create a neighborhood community. A community that knows each other is more likely to notice if someone is in the area that doesn’t belong there. Encourage block parties and gatherings to build relationships and dependency in the neighborhood.
4. Be wary of window shoppers. If possible, position your electronics and valuables so they’re not easily seen from a window.. Your home may be more appealing to a home intruder if they already know what they will find.
5. Install a home security system. Not only can a home security system keep you better protected, but most insurance companies will give you a discount on your home insurance. Utilizing cameras with your security system is a best practice, as it can provide police with a physical description of a home invader.

You home is where you spend most of your time, and it should be a place you feel safe. The tips outlined above will help you keep your home secure. Share these tips with your family, friends, and neighbors, and help the people you care about stay safe.