Your Home Security Audit – Part 1 – the Exterior
Most burglaries occur when no one is home. The ultimate goal is to deter a burglar from targeting your home. If someone does try to enter, then you deny entry or at least delay entry. Delaying entry gives neighbors or police a change to detect the burglar. The majority of burglars are caught because a neighbor noticed suspicious activity and called 911.
Ask yourself these YES or NO questions to see if your home security is lacking:
Exterior
- Do trees or shrubbery obscure your doors and windows?
- Does shrubbery obscure a place where an intruder could hide?
- Does your home’s appearance give the impression that no on is at home?
- Are storage sheds unlocked?
- Is the garage unlocked or open?
- Are there basement doors or windows that are easily unlocked or opened?
- Do you have a privacy fence?
- Are there any ground floor windows that are unlocked or have a broken pane of glass?
- Are there any unlocked second floor windows?
- Are there openings in your homes such as skylights?
- Are there entrances to your home unlit at night?
- Are there any other areas around your home that could provide concealment for an intruder?
- Are there cars or vehicles left outside unlocked or with keys in the ignition?
- Are vehicles parked in poorly lighted areas?
Next time – the structure, interior, and contents…