Page 50 - cdm-2014

, 0 (.$(" /,"& ,$ - . )'

A theft at home happens every fifteen seconds in the United States and it estimated that more
than two million thefts happen every year. This statistic brings us to the alarming fact which is
that it is very simple to break into homes and steal from them.

In fact, the most effective deterrent is not locks and security measures but the risk of being seen
while committing burglary. However, another alarming statistic states that most burglaries
happen during the day. Experienced thieves are experts at recognizing weak points of homes
which they can exploit. There are quite a few blatant weak points such as open doors and
windows. In order to reduce the risk of your house being broken into, you should take
precautionary steps to give you your peace of mind back.

Being Blatant

People who install alarms and home security services are often fooled into believing that they
are completely safe from break-ins and thefts.

The idea seems efficient, install the system, activate it and keep it switched on at all times. Only
known people are given the passwords and those who do not enter the passwords set the alarm
off, thereby informing the residents and the authorities of the break in.

Alarm and security systems are mostly used to give us our peace of mind, to let us know that if
something does happen, help will be arriving soon. However, alarm systems can act as a
deterrent as well. If you set up signs with the alarm companies name on it proclaiming that your
house has been secured by them, thieves and burglars will be informed that it is a risky idea to
try to break into your home. They may be ungainly but these signs go a long way in deterring
thieves from trying their luck with your house and could thus, save you from a theft.

Be blatant about the fact that you have an alarm system installed. Proclaim it and do not be
concerned with the signs disturbing your view. There is no point having an uninterrupted garden
at the expense of your house being broken into.

Not Being Blatant

While it's a good idea to proclaim the presence of your home security systems, it's not a good
idea to post your travel plans on the Internet on social media. The problem lies with access. The
Internet does not screen people according to their intentions and thus, your proclamations on
Facebook detailing your travel itinerary and vacation plans may backfire into inspiring thieves
and burglars to have a look at your unoccupied house.

This does not mean that we become suspicious of our friends. The Internet is a great place to
eavesdrop and listen into conversations. Thieves could take advantage of our desire to share
our lives and act upon information that we innocently release. Take care to not release all the

! " $ !
! # ! "