Risk Analysis of Your Home

 

THREAT

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BURGLARY

The most common outsider threat to our home is burglary. So, much in fact that the FBI showcases that they occur every 15.4 seconds in the US. Even though a burglary is, by definition, a property crime that happens when the occupants are away, it still may leave you feeling vulnerable.  Your sense of safety and security have been striped and you feel helpless.  Some home owners have a hard time staying in the residence after the event due to this loss of safety.

 

Most of the time, these events are planned attacks.

Most burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work.  Some sources say between 6am to 6pm, while other state between 10am and 3pm. The truth is that makes no difference as you are not there.  In most of these occurrences, 70% of the burglars utilized force to gain entry. 

 

That leaves a whopping 30% that could simply walk in due to unsecured doors, windows or garages!

 

Victims may think these events are random.  While some are, most are planned attacks.  The burglar does not want to get caught.  To increase their likelihood of success the attacker will:

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>>> Find an unoccupied dwelling

>>> Watch the home to find out the schedule of the occupant

>>> Find the best method to enter

>>> Search for areas that offer cover and a quick way into and out of the property

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Now that we know the Threat let's search for our vulnerabilities and continue the Risk Analysis of Your Home.

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VULNERABILITIES

 

Doors and Locks

Vulnerability

1. Burglars are aware that the garage and backdoors are most often left unsecure

2. Bad or older locks are easy to pick

3. Newer construction places less emphasis on door security often leaving gaps

Mitigation

1. Ensure you lock your doors!

2. Have a strong solid door

3. Ensure there is no space between the frame and the door that would allow a credit card or piece of plastic to be utilized to gain entry. Youtube how this is done…it is very easy. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

4. Purchase quality locks as most brands are easy to bypass!

5. Ensure all screws are 3inch as the little ones offer soooo much vulnerability

 

Sliding-Glass Patio Doors

Vulnerability

1. Sliding glass doors are utilize latches and not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms.

2. Older models can be lifted off the track.

Mitigation

1. Utilize a wooden dowel or cut a broom stick and place it into the track preventing or limiting movement.

2. Install anti-lift devices like a pin that extends through the sliding and fixed portion of the door.

3. Adhesive signage that states: dog, alarm, neighborhood watch, etc.,. That makes the burglar think twice.

 

Windows

Vulnerability

1. Often unsecured

2. If left open it is clear advertisement to enter

3. Like sliding glass doors, window operate on latches not locks

Mitigation

1. Keep it secured

2. Utilize a wooden dowel or cut a broom stick and place it into the track preventing or limiting movement.

3. Purchase outer window bars. (Ensure you meet local fire codes first!)

4. Adhesive signage that states: dog, alarm, neighborhood watch, etc.,. That makes the burglar think twice.

 

Lighting

Vulnerability

1. Poorly lit areas outside offer cover for a burglar.

2. Lack of lighting in the residence shows signs of vacancy.

Mitigation

1. Purchase a quality motion sensor flood light to key areas around the property i.e., entrance ways.  Should allow for 100ft of visibility.

2. Purchase a wall socket timer to ensure your home appears to be occupied when you are away for long periods

 

Alarm Systems

Vulnerability

1. Lack of an alarm system allows intruders free reign for extended periods

2. Old systems may have lost their system integrity.  

3. Old systems may not have a current contact list

Mitigation

1. Ensure you have a quality alarm system

2. Ensure your system undergoes annual or quarterly checks to ensure system integrity.

3. Update your contact list for response calls

4. If you own one, advertise it everywhere on your property: front yard, windows, doors, etc.,.

 

Ensure Your Items are Yours

 

Operation Identification

Most police agencies utilize this program.  It is recommended that you identify you large, expensive items by engraving them with your state license number.  By doing this it allows them to easily identify it should it show up in a pawn shop or other area for sale.  You should also take photos of your items to include the serial numbers, etc. to ensure easier recovery.  This also gives you a way to advertise on ecommerce platforms advisements should your item be found listed for sale.

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It is my hope that this will encourage you to conduct a detailed Risk Analysis of Your Home and that you can keep you family and personal property safe.