Today we continue our series with part two of five.

What do burglars look for in a home? In no particular order, these are the things that are trends and what you can do to mitigate your risk:

1. Crime Watch - You can join right now! You don’t need to worry since it will open a new window and then you can come back right here. You can pickup where we left off.

2. Nice Lawns, Cars, and Expensive “Toys” - Well manicured landscapes, high-end vehicles, and expensive “toys” for adults all scream disposable income and high-value items inside. Please keep up the lawn; however, store the flashy toys in the garage away from sight.

3. Expensive Items Through a Window - I love the open concept floor plans and natural lighting; however, there is a lot to be said for privacy alone - not just security. You can open blinds when you are at home. You can also keep them closed while angling them up which will still allow the sunlight in, but you will still have the peace of mind that comes with safety and security.

4. Back Entry Driveways & Alley Access - They prefer to enter through the back where they are less likely to be seen. Studies have also shown that people that live in front-entry drive homes have less crime because they see their neighbors and get to know one another better. The configuration naturally fights crime. It is one of the reasons we chose to move to Paloma Creek.

5. Teenagers - They have a lot of small electronics and accessories that are easy to sell, but please don’t toss the kids out because they are more likely to make your home a target. This is a great opportunity to teach them how to responsibly lockup their items when they aren’t in use before they move away from home. Between phones, laptops, tablets, games, and ear pods, I don’t know how people afford kids anymore. My mom complained because she had to pay for me to have my own home phone number. She got a deal! Amazon has some great safes that your teens can purchase (another life lesson in responsibility) and you can assist them while they install it.

6. Bushes Covering Windows - They are the perfect place to easily hide. Please do not block your windows. It makes surveillance up close and personal, extremely easy. I know many parents that have strategically placed beautiful hollies below all of their windows which makes it difficult to get in or out due to their prickly leaves that are caused by heterophylly. The unusual leaf formation is beautiful year round and can be pruned and shaped into anything you like.

7. Center Homes - Homes in the center of the block are naturally less visible than those on the end by design, so they are more likely to be targeted. Since we can’t all have high visibility corner lots, we need to make up for it in other areas.

8. Stranger In Strange Car - Burglars often sit in vehicles with tinted windows to mask their identity. If you notice a car parked near your home for a period of time with no explanation, don’t be shy about calling the police and voicing your concern. Chances are they will be more than happy to swing by and look into it for you. They could be casing the neighborhood.

9. Loose Items - Please do not leave burglars’ favorite items outside your home for them to break in with. We don’t want to weaponize the enemy. Their preferred items are things like large rocks, bricks, pavers, screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, tire irons, and hammers, but if they are determined they will use just about anything, including brute force.

10. No Deadbolts - Every door that goes into your home needs a deadbolt (even one to the garage). Not including the allowances for the strike plate, it should go into the wall a minimum of one inch. My entire family prefers key less. If you would like an example of the key less type setup, you can see what the interior garage, backdoor, and front door would look like with this system by Yale although I still recommend a minimum of two locks per door, they will replace everything that is currently pre-drilled in most Paloma Creek homes. These are not affiliate links, but I like the brand. I am also a huge fan of Schlage. They come highly recommended by law enforcement as well. Yes, you pay for the brand name, but you also get the superior quality that comes with it. If you just aren’t the internet shopping type, I used to purchase everything for my commercial properties from A-1. They are the best of the best at A-1 Locksmith and they can walk you through everything in person. I drive to Addison because that is the only location I have ever used; however, they have a new Frisco location that is closer to us. They sell safes too!

Try walking around your home inside and outside tomorrow, but I want you to be the burglar. What do you see that needs to be addressed? Safety and security are skills and habits that we can freely share and build upon together. They do not happen overnight. With some small changes, we can make a large impact.