You read about it all the time. It’s on the news and on social media. Home burglaries and break-ins, Porch Pirates stealing holiday cheer. However, it’s not just during holidays that we are all vulnerable. Chances are it has happened to someone you know. So, what can you do to protect yourself? How can you and your family feel safe in your home? How can you protect the possessions that you have acquired with your hard-earned money? It may be easier and less expensive than you think. In fact, you can lease-to-own¹ different home security items with FlexShopper to stay safe. It only costs $2 a week¹ to get started.
Home Burglary Facts:
- Most break-ins occur during the daytime hours. Burglars choose the time when they think the house is most likely to be vacant. They may be casing your house to learn your schedule. If they note that everyone goes to work or school at the same time every day, they know your regular routine. They may also be watching your neighbors to see when there is vacancy on the entire block.
- Most intruders live within two miles of the victims’ homes. Thus, it may be someone you know who is familiar your home or floor plan.
- Most burglars are under 25 years old. They will be looking for cash or electronics to resell or use.
- Most home break-ins happen in the summer. Someone is not going to break in if they must fight cold temperatures, snow, or other weather deterrents.
- Most burglars will ring your doorbell or knock on your door. They want to see if the home is occupied. Additionally, they will have a scripted story available when knocking. If it seems suspicious, report it to your local authorities.
- The average loss per occurrence is between $2000 and $2500.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Smart Locks
This might seem like a no-brainer, but the first thing: lock your doors and windows. They call them smash and grabs, right? So, you want to make it as difficult for burglars to get in and out quickly. Installing a smart lock, such as a Yale Lock With Nest Connect will help you lock your door, let in someone remotely, or monitor access.
Some people think that by owning a dog you can deter criminals from targeting your home. Maybe. If your dog is large and has a really loud, deep bark. Even a “Beware of Dog” sign in your front yard could help. However, it will not help if the thieves get inside. A more technical monitoring system, such as the Ring Alarm Contact Sensor (2 pack), is a great option instead. Just install these discreet sensors on your doors and windows. If any of these are then opened, an alert will be sent directly to your phone or PC with a compatible app.
Smart Lighting
Leaving your lights on may or may not deter burglars. Thieves have gotten smarter as smart home products have become more available. If someone is casing your house, they will know your routine and will be aware that the porch light should not be on during the day, or that you normally shut off that living room lamp when you go to bed.
An inexpensive, but effective way to deter criminals, is to use smart lighting. The GE Smart Light Switch with its Bluetooth capability will allow you to turn ordinary bulbs into smart bulbs with the on/off button switch. This smart switch has app controls to respond to voice commands and out-of-home control. Thus allowing you to create schedules to turn lights on and off for hands-free use.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is another criminal deterrent. It is so easy to light up the exterior of your home with a Philips Hue White PAR-38 Smart LED Bulb. You can automate your lights for easy control and comfort. Add it to your system and enhance your outdoors with powerful bright white light that you can control remotely.
Video Doorbells
Video doorbells have been around for less than a decade, but already police departments are applauding their use in home security. They offer a level of security with real time video and audio for anyone approaching your door. Also, if thieves are known to knock or ring the doorbell, this is a winning deterrent to break-ins. Just knowing that they are on video may be enough to change an intruder’s mind about entering. Many porch pirates have been apprehended because they appeared on video. Additionally, knowing that you have access through your cell phone is even more enticing. We like the Ring Video Doorbell, voted best doorbell of 2020 by Safehome.org.
Security Cameras
Security cameras have undergone many improvements over the last few years. One of our favorites is SimpliSafe Shield Home Security System. We like that you can keep an eye on what matters most with this wireless SimpliSafe security system. It provides full-time professional monitoring of your home’s surroundings, and it detects intruders with advanced sensors to keep your family safe. It even continues to work for a full 24 hours if the power goes out.
Security Alarm Systems
Home security alarm systems offer the highest level of security for you and your family. In fact, in a study done by the University of North Carolina researching 400 inmates convicted of home burglary crime, 60% stated that they were deterred from entering a home with a known security alarm. We recommend the Nest Secure Alarm System with Outdoor Nest Cam. It is easy to use and the included outdoor cam gives you 24/7 peace of mind. One tap to arm and disarm and it’s sensors look out for doors, windows and rooms. With the app and your smartphone, you will always know what is happening at home.
Go Smart, Be Safe!
Home burglaries have decreased over the past few years, but still, someone is burglarized every 13 seconds according to Alarms.org. Do not let it be you! Your home and family are important and with an investment of as little as $2 per week¹ with FlexShopper’s easy lease to own plans, we can get you started on your home’s vital security. Let us help you today. Check out all the home security options that we have available.
