The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that there are over 2 million burglaries per year in the United States. Nearly two-thirds of these burglaries occur in residences. Approximately 30 percent of all burglaries happen through an open or unlocked window or door. A home burglary occurs every 13 seconds in America.

There are numerous things a homeowner can do to reduce his or her chance of being a victim of this unfortunate crime, including the following:

  • Keep your windows and doors locked, since burglars obviously prefer easy access.
  • Install heavy-duty exterior doors.
  • Safeguard doors with extra-long screws and high-quality door locks.
  • Utilize a motion-sensing switch for your outdoor lights.
  • Trim your shrubs and bushes so that windows and doors can easily be seen from the street.
  • Ask for a crime assessment inspection of your home from your local police department. They are typically available free of charge.
  • Keep your garage door closed, even when you are inside your residence.
  • Utilize a property identification marking system for your valuable possessions.
  • Store small valuables, such as rare coins and expensive jewelry (that you do not typically wear), in a safe deposit box at your bank.

Source: International Risk Management Institute, Inc. Copyright 2016

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