North Carolina Home Security

Burglars do not pick their victims in a random fashion.

They will not select a home to burglarize that presents too many risks or will be too difficult to break into. They are looking for homes that are unoccupied, provide good cover to avoid being seen, and have doors or windows that are weakly secured. You want the burglar to take a look at your home and decide it is too much trouble and too big of a risk to rob so they will move onto an easier victim.

The most vulnerable entrances into your home are garage doors and back doors. In addition, these ports of entry provide the most cover. Always keep your car door locked even when it is parked in your garage. Do not leave valuables lying on your car seats or in view. All entrance points should have a solid core or metal door, with a heavy-duty deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt.

Locked Doors

A locked door can easily be kicked in if it doesn't have a four-screw high security strike plate installed with 3-inch wood screws with the bolt driving deep into the door jam. A burglar will probably just walk away when they see a door secured in this way. Sliding glass patio doors can be very easy to break into unless there is a secondary blocking device installed. Through-the-door pins or upper track screws should also be considered for sliding glass patio doors. It is important to keep the latch mechanism and rollers in good condition and properly adjusted. Always put alarm service, neighborhood watch, and beware of dog decals on doors and windows.

Never leave windows unlocked or open. Open windows will attract burglars. All windows, including upper floor windows, should be secured using secondary blocking devices. A home security tip is to use a blocking device so that accessible windows cannot be opened more than six inches.

Neighborhood organization is an excellent anti-crime tool.

Get to know your neighbors. Arrange to have everyone look out for each other. When someone is on vacation pick up their mail, mow their lawns, and park cars in their driveway. Never let your home have the appearance of being unoccupied. Have a neighbor keep a copy of your house key. Never hide your house key outside. Criminals already know that little trick.

Create the illusion that your house is occupied when you are away. Install light timers so your house is never dark. Also, install timers on your television or radio. Install exterior lighting as well. Have your entryways lighted. Many security experts suggest placing infra-red motion sensor lights on the rear of single family homes. Criminals want to operate under the cover of darkness, so use a good system of lighting to deter them.

The best home security plan is making your home a bad risk and a difficult job for a criminal. Some aspects, such as coordinating with your neighbors and locking your car door, can easily by done without outside help. But when it comes to installing doors, locks, alarms and other devices, it is suggested you hire a professional. Luckily, there are many well-qualified and experienced Charlotte wireless home security system professionals who would be happy to work with you in making your home secure and safe.