Your home isn’t just a place where you live and sleep – it’s where you feel safe. That’s why it’s very annoying when there is a break-in. Your privacy is being violated, and you may not feel safe anymore.

Therefore, make sure that your home is appropriately secured. The longer the burglars are busy entering your home, the greater the chance that they will give up. This way, you prevent unpleasant situations that no one is waiting for.

So, what exactly can you do to prevent burglary? We will cover the following topics to give you a complete answer to this:

1. How do you optimally secure your home?
2. Which insurance offers cover against burglary?
3. What steps should you take after a burglary?

Optimally secure your home

Make it look like someone is home

If burglars think someone is home, the chance that they will break in is considerably smaller. They want to get in and out as quickly as possible without being noticed. If you are not at home, it is helpful to create the impression that someone is there. The following hacks can help with that:

1.      Automatic lighting

You can use a timer to set when your lights go on and off. It is wise to set this at different times so that the on and off appear natural. If you have an upper floor, make sure to place a timer there as well. You can get one for less than a tenner. It is also helpful to install motion detectors around the house. Burglars prefer not to work in places where they are visible. The installation of these devices is really easy.

2. Ask your neighbors to empty your mailbox if you will be away for a while. Nothing says: “We’re on vacation, come in!”, better than a crowded mailbox with offers from Domino’s Pizza from the past two weeks.
3. It may sound a bit extreme, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It is, of course, pleasant to share photos with your friends when you are on vacation (when this Corona period is finally over). But your posts can be used to find out when you’re not at home. So do not share your location and avoid using apparent hashtags. And if you want to be careful – don’t share your holiday photos until you get back home.
4. Electrical devices for sale respond to movement and then imitate a dog’s barking. Unfortunately, most burglars prefer not to break into a house with a barking dog.
5. There are TV simulators that mimic the LED light of your television. This way, you can convince potential burglars that you are watching Netflix in the living room.
6. Do not put more expensive items such as your laptop or jewelry in plain sight. An expensive headset or a Macbook on the windowsill is asking for trouble. Make sure to make it as unattractive as possible to break in. If you have smaller valuables, such as jewelry or an expensive watch, keep them in a safe.

Outdoor lighting, motion sensors, and alarm systems

Lighting your garden is a good idea because burglars do not want to be noticed and prefer to work in the dark. Outdoor lighting with motion sensors is even more effective because the light comes on suddenly – this has a deterrent effect. In addition, the chance that neighbors or passers-by will notice the burglar also increases.

An alarm system is also an excellent way to scare away burglars – nobody likes the noise of an alarm, let alone crooks. Unfortunately, simple alarm systems are often easy to dismantle. Therefore, take an approach of higher quality. These are often a bit more expensive, but isn’t it worth it if this scares the crooks away?

Security of doors and windows

Some burglars can already get in through an opening of 15 centimeters! That is why the small windows in, for example, the bathroom are often popular. With a barrier bar, you can prevent someone from wriggling in. It is helpful because you can leave the window open to ventilate, but no one can get in.

It is, of course, wise to place safe locks for the other windows and doors. However, it is better to take locks that have been tested for strength and durability.

The key to your house

When the key to your house falls into the hands of a criminal, things get a little scary. But there are plenty of ways to avoid this fiasco:

• Never (and absolutely never) hide a spare key around the house. Burglars are cunning and know exactly where your ‘secret’ hiding places are. Under the mat by the front door? Duh. Behind a flower pot in the garden? No kidding. If you want someone to have a spare key in case something happens, give it to a friend or neighbor you can trust.
• If you move to a new house, it is wise to replace the cylinders of your locks. You have no idea who has a spare key. Even if you lose a key, investing in a new lock is wise.

Which insurance offers cover against burglary?

Home contents insurance provides cover if someone breaks into your home and steals or damages your belongings.

And if you are temporarily unable to live at home due to a burglary, your household insurance often pays for the increased living costs (for example, the prices for a hotel or Airbnb)

Cases in which the home contents insurance may not provide (complete) coverage:

1. Not all insurers offer cash coverage. It is also worth checking whether this is stated in your policy or ask your insurer for more information.
2. If you live in a large city, there are often limitations on coverage because the risk of being burglarized is higher.
3. Are you a student, and do you live in a student house? Home contents insurers often use the break-in clause at student houses. It means that theft is only covered if there are signs of burglary in the room. So always lock your room when you leave (for a while).

Okay, we’ve already discussed a lot, and hopefully, you now know which steps you need to take to secure your home optimally. But do you also know what to do after finding out that there has been a break-in?

Your home has been broken into. What now?

1. Touch as little as possible and don’t change anything until the police arrive!
2. Call the police. They will then come to you to make a declaration (you will also need this declaration if you submit a claim to your insurer ). They also check whether any traces have been left behind that could lead to a perpetrator.
3. Take pictures and list the items that have been stolen. It is always wise to have a list at home with all your valuables on it. Then, if something has happened, you know exactly what’s gone. Add photos and keep the invoices if you want to get it right.
4. Have passes been stolen? Don’t worry. You can block them (of course, do this as soon as possible). Also, block your SIM card if your phone is stolen. You do this by calling your provider.
5. Report the damage to your home insurance policy.

Before you go…

Now that you know how best to secure your home, we recommend that you make a to-do list and take the time to work through this list soon. Of course, we all like to postpone these tasks, but please don’t do this. Some minor adjustments are easy and can save you a lot of trouble.

Hire Locksmith Tampa to secure your homes.