Often, people think they are doing the right thing by leaving their front door and porch lights on all day or night. But, in reality, these lights may be encouraging burglars to break in rather than deterring them.
Burglars are not picky about their target homes, explains SecurAmerica, a security firm that works with schools and residential communities. Generally, they choose their targets based on convenience and proximity.
Do Burglars Prefer Light Or Dark?
One of the simplest ways to keep your house safe is to make it hard for a prowler to sneak inside, says Eric M. Gruss, a Monterey County, California, police officer. If your home has a garage or first-floor windows, be sure to lock those doors as well.
Also, trim your hedges to avoid hiding a burglar in a high shrub or Burglar Alarms London. Or, install motion-detector lights on the exterior of your house to discourage prowlers from slipping in.
If you will be away from your home for an extended period of time, ask someone else to park in your driveway or keep a car parked nearby during that time. This is a good way to give yourself extra peace of mind, and it could help your neighbors look out for you.
Ultimately, you should be aware that most crime happens during daylight hours, not at night, Felson says. In his research, he finds that neighbors who are active participants in their community’s security can help reduce crime. That’s why he recommends talking to neighbors before going on vacation.