Keeping your home and its contents safe and secure should be a top priority for anyone. Still, it can be easy to become inattentive, especially in areas where crime is typically low. Here, we explore 18 common mistakes people make that may inadvertently make their homes more appealing and accessible to thieves and other criminals.
Hiding Spare Keys Outside
We know, we know—it’s super convenient to have a key hidden under the doormat or behind a plant pot, especially if your household has several teenagers! Unfortunately, such keys aren’t as secret as you’d think, and an observant or especially thorough thief can easily find them. Instead, invest in a lockbox with a combination code you can share with trusted individuals.
Leaving Doors and Windows Unlocked
You should keep doors locked at all times, even when you’re home—especially if you have a large house or spend a lot of time in the backyard. Thames Valley Police warns that open doors and windows are an invitation to burglars, who can slip inside silently without having to smash glass or force a lock. Pay particular attention to windows on the ground floor!
Sharing Vacation Plans on Social Media
Social media platforms are an excellent way for modern criminals to get information about your home and lifestyle—including when it’s likely to be empty! Don’t announce your upcoming vacation on Facebook or Instagram beforehand. Instead, wait until you return home before advertising this fact—you’ll have photos to share by then, too.
Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
Leaving small, expensive items like laptops, jewelry, smartphones, or other electronics on display (through windows or sliding doors) tempts burglars with the potential reward for breaking and entering. Keep your curtains or blinds drawn whenever internal lights are on, and never leave valuables in clear view of unshielded glass.
Empty Boxes Piled Up on the Curb
According to Wilx 10, “Empty boxes on your curbside could be an invitation for thieves.” If you purchase a new television, game console, or other expensive, movable item, don’t advertise its presence in your home by leaving the packaging on the curb for all to see! Either keep the box, dispose of it remotely, or cut it into pieces and place it in an opaque trash bag.
Neglecting Your Yard
Believe it or not, an overgrown yard with tall bushes and dense hedges attracts burglars by creating hiding spots for them to break in unseen. A lack of maintenance can also indicate carelessness and a greater probability of the homeowner leaving doors and windows unlocked. If you love dark foliage, invest in bright, motion-sensing security lights!
Forgetting to Set the Alarm
Having a home security system is a brilliant way to deter thieves, but it only works if you remember to set it up every time you leave the house. Many burglaries are committed by opportunists who target houses with sudden weaknesses, so don’t neglect to set your alarm at night (before bed) and when you leave the house, even if you only leave for a short time.
Not Keeping Neighbors Informed
Nest Realty states that neighbors are the first line of defense against thieves, especially at times when your home will be empty, like while you’re on vacation. Tell trusted neighbors when you’ll be gone and ask them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. They can even collect mail, pull curtains, shovel snow, or park in your driveway to create the illusion of occupancy.
Weak Door Locks
While they might not be at the top of your list when considering home maintenance, don’t neglect to invest in strong, good-quality modern door locks that can withstand attempts to break in from inexperienced burglars. A flimsy door lock is easy for any thief to break through, so invest in high-quality deadbolts, reinforced door jambs, and strike plates for all exterior doors.
Leaving Spare Keys with Unreliable People
Trusted neighbors are one thing, but avoid giving spare keys to people you don’t know well or anyone with a history of being irresponsible or associating with shady characters! A key can easily fall into the wrong hands if not stored safely and responsibly, which can result in ‘easy’ home break-ins for thieves, even without the original keyholder’s knowledge.
Oversharing on Social Media
It’s not just vacation times that should be kept off Facebook and other platforms—you shouldn’t share news of expensive new purchases or photographs that showcase the location of your valuables or how to access your home. Basically, avoid sharing any images or information that can tell a potential burglar where, how, and why to target your household.
Unsecured Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are a common entry point for burglars because, even when locked, they are quickly forced open. Use a security bar or dowel rod for extra security, especially if your home has sliding doors on the ground floor, is close to the street, or has dense plant growth. You could also consider installing shatter-resistant glass for added protection.
Leaving Garages or Sheds Unlocked
Don’t forget the areas of your home that aren’t regular living spaces! According to Cleveland Police, expensive items like bikes, power tools, mowers, and gardening tools are regularly stolen from unlocked outbuildings and garages. Always secure your garage or shed door, and keep all tools locked away in cabinets or a secure toolbox, preferably one with a pin code or key.
Keeping Valuables in Unsafe Places
Don’t hide valuables in traditional hiding places, particularly those commonly used in movies! Stashing cash under your mattress or keeping jewelry in sock drawers may seem wise, but it’s predictable, and burglars will often look in these places first. Invest in a fire-proof home safe and securely bolt it to the wall to protect your valuables from any eventuality.
Having Poor Outdoor Lighting
Darkness is a criminal’s best friend, so don’t make life easy for a thief by keeping your property gloomy. To deter burglars who prefer to operate in the shadows, install bright motion-sensor lights around your home, paying particular attention to entry points. Such lights not only scare off potential intruders but also illuminate the area and draw attention to any suspicious activity.
Opening the Door for Strangers
It might seem rude, but don’t be afraid to demand identification before opening your door to strangers. Use a door chain, peephole, or security camera to verify who is at your door before opening it, especially if you are alone or especially vulnerable. Remember—legitimate visitors won’t mind if you’re cautious. If they seem threatening or suspicious, call the police.
Letting Your Mail Pile Up
A mailbox overflowing with mail is a telltale sign that a house is unoccupied and signals to thieves that it may be a potentially ‘easy’ target. Keep your mailbox tidy by removing all personal mail and junk mail or leaflets daily. If you are going away, ask a neighbor to collect your mail or use a ‘mail hold’ service from the post office.
Revealing Your Address Online
Be mindful of which websites you enter your home address into, and beware of any online form that requests such information without an apparent and appropriate reason. Always avoid listing your home address on public social media profiles or websites that aren’t 100% trustworthy and official.