HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM A BURGLARY?

Burglary is mostly a crime of opportunity. This post contains tips on preventing home burglaries, vandalism, and other property crimes by controlling access, providing visibility, and maintaining your property. It also contains tips on protecting your home and property when you are away. These tips can significantly enhance the security of your home and property.

Very few Saint Lucians use a security system to protect their property and loved ones, and many don’t do anything at all to deter burglars.

However, studies show security systems do work as they point to increased security system use as the cause of decreasing burglary rates on the island. Numerous police officers have confirmed that many convicted burglars have confessed they would skip a home obviously protected by security equipment. 

Be proactive, not reactive

We hate to see people suffer the emotional and financial losses that come with a burglary. That’s why we stick to our motto that safety is a lifestyle, not an afterthought or a reaction to something bad that already happened.

It’s not possible to guarantee that you won’t fall victim to a burglary, but there’s a lot you can do now to make it far less likely.

• Stay off social media—at least when it comes to your home. 60% of the burglary victims we talked to said they were active on social media daily or several times a week. Posting plans about going out on the town or flaunting beach shots from your vacation is a neon sign to burglars that no one’s at home. Don’t tag your posts with your location or share vacation glamour shots while you’re still out of town.
• Get insurance. One of the best ways to mitigate the fallout from a burglary is to get your valuables covered by renters or homeowners insurance. If you have irreplaceable items, consider a home safe that’s bolted down or too heavy for a thief to run off with.
• Tend to your yard. Believe it or not, landscaping can play a role in keeping out the riff-raff. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed so they don’t become hiding spots. If you go on vacation, make sure someone mows the lawn while you’re gone so it doesn’t look like your house is vacant.
  
• Install a home security system. You can get an alarm system with 24/7 professional monitoring for far less than the cost of the average burglary. Some DIY systems start out around $200 for equipment and have monitoring plans for as little as $10 a month. Plus, most burglars admit they’d skip a house with a security system to seek out an easier target.
• Upgrade your locks. The locks that come standard on house and apartment doors aren’t usually the most secure. It’s easy to trade out a basic lock for one that has high-security standards and has a reputation for keeping criminals out.
• Shore up weaknesses. Look for security vulnerabilities around your home. It could be anything from a sliding glass door to an unlit path from the car to the front door. Adding an extra lock or an outdoor light and motion detector. provides extra security and helps you sleep better at night.
• Talk to the landlord. If you’re a renter, you’re at high risk for burglary. Read your lease and talk to your landlord about any security concerns you have. Ask if you can upgrade the lock in your apartment, or add a compact all-in-one security system. 
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• Add a security camera. Sometimes all you need is an outdoor security camera to scare off a would-be intruder. Video doorbell cameras are another good way to keep tabs on your property and let the burglars know you’re watching.
• Don’t wait. Too many people put off home security until after they’ve already been burgled. It’s easy to think that burglary is something that happens to “other people,” but the truth is it could happen to any of us. Take action now to make sure your home, valuables, pets, and people are all protected. 

 All of the above prevention tips can help deter your property from being stolen or help with property recovery and prosecution. The most important part of prevention is reporting all suspicious activities to your local Police Station and becoming active in your Neighborhood Watch Program.  A continued and strong partnership between the community and law enforcement discourages thieves from coming to your area to commit crimes.

Visit or call Rayneau Construction & Industrial Products Ltd in Corinth Main Road at 758-450-7247/ Babonneau at 758-450-5759 / Monchy at 758-450-7248 / Vide Boutielle at 758-450-7368 for all your security products.