How to Scare Burglars

The number of US homes burglarized over the past decade has declined by more than 30 percent, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Nonetheless, burglary remains a concern for millions of homeowners. If someone breaks into your home, he or she may steal valuable items while vandalizing and destroying your home in the process. You can scare off burglars and protect your home from criminal mischief, however, in the following ways.

#1) Adopt a Dog

Roughly 60 million families in the United States own a dog, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). While adopting a dog will provide you and your family with a devoted companion, it can also protect your home from burglary. Whether it’s a small or large breed, all dogs have a natural instinct to bark when a stranger encroaches upon their territory. If a burglar attempts to enter your home by force, your dog will likely hear it and respond by barking loudly.

#2) Install Video Cameras

The sight of a video surveillance camera watching their every move will scare away most burglars. After all, if a burglar breaks into a home while he or she is being recorded, the homeowner may provide this footage to the local law enforcement agency, thereby increasing the chance of the perpetrator being identified and apprehended. To take advantage of this home security benefit, though, you must install your cameras in a visible area, such as the front of your patio or garage door.

#3) Install an Alarm System

There’s no better way to scare off burglars than by installing an alarm system. Although there are different types of residential alarm systems, they all work by triggering a loud siren when triggered. Assuming it’s a monitored system, it will also inform the monitoring company when the alarm is triggered. A representative for the alarm company will call you to request your PIN. If they can’t reach you or you provide them with the wrong PIN, they’ll notify the local law enforcement agency to check out your home. If you’re looking to save money, consider a simple DIY home security system instead of a professionally installed system. It takes a little more time to set up, but you’ll save money while reaping all the same home security benefits.

#4) Place Warning Signs Around Perimeter

You don’t have to spend a fortune to scare off burglars. In addition to a DIY alarm system, another low-cost home security solution is warnings signs. From “Beware of the dog” to “Smile, you’re on camera,” warnings signs invoke fear in burglars. If you purchased a security system, check to see if it came with warning signs as well. Strategically placing them around the perimeter of your home ensures that burglars see them when approaching your home, which may deter them from proceeding with their criminal activities.

#5) Use Outdoor Flood Lights

Install outdoor flood lights to illuminate your home’s perimeter and scare off burglars. Normally, burglars specifically choose homes to burglarize that have poor outdoor lighting. If a home’s exterior isn’t illuminated, it allows burglars to sneak through the shadows while they steal and vandalize the owner’s property. Outdoor flood lights, however, will illuminate your home’s exterior to scare off burglars. HowStuffWorks explains that some outdoor lights are activated by motion, making them particularly effective for home security purposes.

Returning home after a long day at work only to discover that your property has been burglarized is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. The good news is that you can scare off burglars, even when you aren’t home, using the five methods described here.