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A lmost without exception, the word "home" evokes images of sanctuary and

security. For the typical American family, it is a place where loving memories

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are created and families are raised.

Unfortunately, however, a home burglary occurs every 13 seconds. By the timeyou finish reading this guide, about 50 homes will have been broken into.

So, will one of them be yours?

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M ore than two million burglaries occur each year, a number that increased in

2012 and again in 2013.

According to the most recent statistics, the property crime rate was2,859 offenses per 100,000 homes.

2014 State of Burglary

BurglariesEach Year

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While three percent doesn'tsound like much, this datadoesn't take into accountthe 40 percent of propertycrimes that aren't reportedto law enforcement.

Property Crimes

There are two main reasons:

"Why would someone not report a crime?"

40%Unreported

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W ith personal property crime on the rise, the need to take precautions and

even invest in home security systems is even more important than ever. While abreak-in takes a financial toll, the psychological damage is much worse. Your

The theft is personal. They don't believe the police canhelp.

Estranged family members, ostensiblefriends, or ex-lovers might takesomething they think belongs to themor steal out of anger and spite.

Some people question the likelihoodof ever getting their property back.They feel like calling the police wouldbe a futile effort.

Both of these instances are more likely to occur when the theft is minor.

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home is your castle. When an intruder breaks in, he or she also steals yoursense of peace and safety. In this guide, you'll learn ways to prevent break-insfrom happening and different methods for turning your castle into a fortresswithout feeling like you live in a prison.

B efore we discuss the different ways you can protect yourself against break-

ins, we need to review the different terminology associated with burglary.

"What are the different types of burglary?"

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Attempted Forcible Entry

Unlawful Entry Without Force

Forcible Entry

Completed Burglary

A burglary attempt where force is usedto gain entry. This occurs when anintruder breaks in, but he or she iscaught or scared off by an alarm.

The burglary is completed with the useof force. This happens when theburglar breaks a window or kicks downthe door.

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O f these, unlawful entry without force is the easiest to prevent, but you can

take preventative measures against all four types. We'll break down thedifferent steps you can take to protect yourself against all four of these crimes.

The burglary is completed by someonewho has no legal right to be on theproperty. No force is used, meaning thethief could have found an open door orwindow.

Whether with force or without, theburglary was completed.

Despite the fact that there are more than

2,500,000

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burglaries annually and...

of break-ins occur in

residential homes...

66%

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of houses in America have a

security system.

These systems aren't only

often turning a potential

completed burglary into

an attempted forcibleentry...

ONLY 17%

LOUD,

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They also alert the

to the scene.

Criminals are deterred by homes with

POLICE

SECURITY

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SECURITYSYSTEMS...Avoiding your neighborhood entirelyif they think there's a

POLICEPRESENCE.

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I n addition to the DIY tips that we'll discuss in this guide, we'll also review

which security systems are right for your family and your house. That way, evenif criminals do break in, they'll be easily caught.

I f you're reading this from the comfort of your house, there are a few steps

you can take immediately to make your home look less appealing to passingthieves and to give yourself more control over the situation.

Talk to Your Children Photograph and Document Your

Here's what we recommend:

"What can you do right now?"

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Talk to Your Children

Don't Leave Keys Hidden Outsidethe House

Photograph and Document YourValuables

Lock Doors and Windows WhenYou Leave

Make sure your kids know not to openthe door for strangers or let them in.Often, a burglar will go door to door tocase a neighborhood, acting as acontractor or repairman looking forwork. Then the burglar will come backto the most vulnerable houses, enterthem, and steal whatever he or shecan.

Create an inventory of your valuables.Upload this list and email it to yourselfor otherwise store it in the cloud. It'suseless if you have it saved on a WordDoc and your laptop is stolen. If you'rerobbed, you can access the inventoryto determine what valuables werestolen and have pictures, serialnumbers, and brand names (fordetermining market value) to presentto the police and the insurancecompany.

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5 6Remember Your Trash and Mail Make it Look Like You're at Home

If you keep keys hidden under mats, ontop of the door sill, or under fake rocksin case you get locked out, then youmight as well leave your front dooropen to criminals. Instead, keep aspare set in your car or give a set to aneighbor or relative that you trust.

Windows are left unlocked significantlymore often than doors, especiallyduring the summer months. Given this,it really comes as no surprise thatmore burglaries occur in the summer.When you're home, make surewindows are only open between 4-6inches to keep people from reachingin.

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D on't make it easy for criminals to walk right into your home when you leave.

These small steps are a good start and will have a big impact in your personalsecurity and home protection. Of course, we will cover more advanced DIYtechniques further in this guide.

Your house looks unattended if youleave your trash cans out for a few daysor don't collect your mail andnewspaper. Also, remember to holdyour newspaper and mail delivery orhave a neighbor collect it when you'regone.

Criminals don't like occupied homes;72 percent of all break-ins occur whenthe house is vacant. If you're going onvacation or even leaving for workduring the day, make it look like you'restill home. Leave a few lights on thatlook natural. A kitchen light and anactivated radio or TV will set a normalscene, but turning on every light in thehouse is overkill.

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Homes without alarm systems are 300% more likely to be broken into.

Choosing a Security System

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U sing alarms increases the probability of the burglar being caught if the

neighbors hear the siren or if he's caught on camera.

While it's typical to go through a home security service, it's possibleto install an alarm system by yourself.

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Most of the sensors stick to the wall and are battery operated, like afire alarm.

Some DIY alarm kits cost as little as $10 and don't require drilling orinstalling complex wiring.

However, more advanced DIY alarm kits can cost up to $700.

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The cost tends to increase with the number of windows and doorsthat need protecting.

Consider your family's daily habits and security needs when youchoose from these options.

Front Door Locks

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If you're expecting contractors to come and work on your home, or if

you're having someone stop by and take care of the house while

you're away, consider a more advanced front door lock. Some of the

more basic options let you set a code that you can give out and then

change at a later time, while the advanced options connect to the

Internet and let you unlock the door remotely. They also notify you

by text and email when someone uses the code. This is significantly

safer than leaving a key under the welcome mat.

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Window and Door Sensors

Sensors are possibly the most common and the most practical

method of security. Whenever a door or window is opened, it

triggers the alarm. Not only does this protect you if you accidentally

leave something unlocked, but it responds immediately to attempt

forced entry or damage to the door and window.

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Video Surveillance

Consider buying a few small cameras that sit on shelves or get

mounted outside. Some models only pick up video, but others pick

up sound as well. The $200 models are motion activated and send

text notifications when they've been triggered.

Another option is to use your webcam on your computer. Some software

will take pictures when it senses motion and text it to you. Others will store

video footage online that can be accessed anywhere. Since criminals

usually head for gadgets and valuables, there's a good chance the

webcam will snap a clear image of the intruder's face. Video footage and

images are invaluable to the police when catching a criminal.

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Motion Sensors

The problem with outdoor sensors is the probability of false alarms.

A deer or raccoon could trigger the alarm, and your neighbors would

constantly hear unnecessary sirens. Instead, consider motion sensor

flood lights that kick on outside of the house. Light deters criminals,

and you'll be alerted to the window immediately when it kicks on.

Indoor home sensors also have challenges. You don't want an alarm going

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A t the end of the day, choosing which systems you want to invest in and

assemble yourself depends on your personal preferences and needs. You mightneed to try out a few different cheap options (lights, window alarms, webcams,etc.) and then invest in the expensive method that works best for you.

I f you don't feel comfortable investing in your own home security system

just yet, there are several DIY options to deter criminals from entering yourhome or keeping your belongings safe if they do.

off if you get up for a glass of water in the middle of the night. Fortunately,

most sensors are either easily disabled or advanced enough to prevent

false alarms by pets. The benefit of adding motion sensors indoors

(whether with sound or light) is that you'll have double the security on the

off-chance an intruder makes it past your door and window locks.

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Here's a breakdown of what you can do in each part of the house:

SPECIFIC SECURITY NEEDS BY ZONE

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1 Front of the House

Put Up a Home Security Sign Display Your House Number

Even if you don't have a system,adding a home security sign toyour front yard at least makesthem think that you're protected.

If you've delayed repainting youraddress or re-hanging yournumbers, make it a priority. Thisway, the police can easily findyou in an emergency.

Remember, criminals like to case neighborhoods and homes before theybreak in. They have a mental checklist of various pros and cons when itcomes to targeting a particular house. These are a few ways to makeintruders decide that your home isn't worth the risk.

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2 Back of the House

Close Your Garage Door Look Around Your Neighborhood

Get into the habit of closing yourgarage door when you're home.It's an easy access point, andsome burglars won't botherentering your home if they canjust break into your car. Also, ifyou have a nice car, you'll betelling criminals that you have alot of money and are worthbreaking into.

You don't need to have to lookcompletely break-in proof; yourhome should just be lessattractive (from a robber'sperspective) than yourneighbors' houses. Comparewhat other houses are doing soyou don't stand out as an easytarget.

The front and back doors are the most common locations for break-ins.

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Add a Second Decal

Trim Your Bushes

Tear Down That Fence

Manage Your Garden

Criminals that go through theback might not see your(possibly fake) home securitysign in the front yard. Don'tforget to put one in the back,too.

If you've installed a privacy fenceso you and your neighbor won'thave to see each other, you'relosing a crucial set of eyes. Ifyou're not home, your neighborcan keep an eye out forsuspicious activity.

Criminals prefer the back of the house because there's no passing trafficand it's more private than the front or side. Don't make the back of yourhouse an easy access point for criminals.

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Put Away Your Ladder Add Extra Security to Doors

Don't give criminals places tohide. Growing large hedges –especially near your doors andwindows – invites them tocrouch down out of sight.Consider planting a flowergarden instead.

Speaking of gardens, make sureall of your plants are neatlyattended to. An overgrown yardis a sign that you're not homeenough to take care of it. Ifyou're traveling for long periodsof time, ask someone to mowyour lawn to keep it neat.

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3 Second Floor

Most homeowners make themistake of only securing thebottom floor. An intruderdressed as a painter can use yourladder against you and come inthrough an upstairs window.

The back of the home tends tohave sliding glass doors orweaker doors that lead to ascreened in area. Both of thesestill need to be secure. Criminalswill use screwdrivers, pliers, orhammers to break in, but theycan be deterred with the samedeadbolts that you use on thefront door. This can also beachieved if you have secure doortracks for sliding-glass points ofentry.

In the previous section, we briefly mentioned burglars using ladders tobreak into the second floor with the unlocked windows. Here's why andhow you should keep your higher floors safe:

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Don't Neglect Windows

Keep Jewelry in a Safe

Lock Away Important Documents

Consider Installing a Safe Room

Remember to close and lock yourwindows when you aren't home.Also, if you're considering analarm system, consider armingthem with sensors too.

Whether you keep your home'sdocuments in your office or inyour bedroom, you need to lockthem away. These include taxforms, social security cards,passports, and bank information.You don't want to risk identitytheft, as well.

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4 Basement

While jewelry accounts for someof the most physically valuableitems in your home, these itemsoften are the most emotionallyvaluable, too. Don't lose a familyheirloom or jewelry from yoursignificant other because youdidn't lock it away.

Twenty-eight percent of break-ins occur when people are athome, and 33 percent ofresidential assaults are becauseof a burglary. Don't risk your lifefighting an intruder. A safe roomis bulletproof and can beequipped to contact the policewhen used. It gives you someplace that's safe to hide until theburglar is gone.

When you walk around your home, try to think like a criminal. Where wouldyou go that's easy to get into? Where is it dark and easy to hide? Where arethe weak links? The answers to these questions almost inevitably lie inyour basement.

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Consider Adding Security Bars

Make Sure it's Well Lit

Use Security Film

Make Sure You Can Hear Upstairs

Bars on the windows may be amajor turnoff for homeowners –no one wants to feel like they'relocked in or lower their propertyvalue – but they might be worthadding to the basement. It'spossible to create a gate thatadds fashion to your home andkeeps you safe.

Security film is a layer that holdsonto the glass in case it getsbroken. Rather than shatteringonto the floor, the glass will stayin place. This decreases theclean-up risk, as well.

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5 Garage

While you might not go into yourbasement often, make sure youcan light the entire space easily.That way, if you suspect anintruder, you won't have to godownstairs with a flashlight.

Many people set up homeentertainment systems in thebasement because there aren'tmany windows; however, it'simportant that you can still hearthe doorbell or someone yellingfrom upstairs. Burglars like toring the doorbell to test ifsomeone answers, and theymight try to break in if you can'thear them from the basement.

We mentioned the importance of keeping your garage door closed earlier,but a closed door never outright stopped a thief. Follow these tips tomaintain garage security.

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Use a Remote Key Chain

Frost Your Garage Windows

Lock the Door Inside

Add Zip Ties to the Safety Latch

Don't leave your garage dooropener in your car. Instead,invest in a garage remote keychain. If your car is parkedoutside or in the street, a burglarcan reach in and take it, thencome back when you're nothome.

Most people keep the door insidethe garage unlocked. This makesit easy for intruders to get insideonce they get the garage dooropen.

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All it takes is an intruderchecking to see if your car isthere to decide whether it'sworth the break-in. Lookingthrough clear windows into anempty garage is a blatant greenlight.

Criminals can break through amanual or automatic garagedoor in a matter of seconds withjust a coat hanger. You canprevent this by adding zip ties tothe emergency latch.

You can see videos explaining the ease of garage break-ins here

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E ven if your home is locked and your alarms are set, there are still signs that

give burglars the OK to attempt a robbery. Follow these unconventional ideas tokeep your home from looking too tempting.

Keep Your Phone Volume on Low Don't Post Travel Plans to SocialMedia

Miscellaneous Protection Tips

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3 4Keep Door Hinges on the Inside ofYour House

Close Off Unused Parts of theHouse During a Party

A blaring, unanswered phone tellsburglars that you're not home - or atleast not able to hear or answer it. Thismeans they can also get away withbreaking a window, as well.

This prevents intruders from poppingthe door off entirely.

This one isn't directly correlated to thehouse, but a quick local search of thevacation and airport hashtags letscriminals know who is away.

This keeps guests from wanderingthroughout your house during a get-together, which reduces the risk of a"friend of a friend" going through yourbank information or jewelry.

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D on't just rely on locked doors and windows to stay safe; get an alarm

system, too. Don't just keep your front porch bright; light your home inside, aswell. Even if you think intruders can't make it inside, keep your valuableshidden and secure just in case

You have 13 seconds until another home is broken into; now you have the toolsto make sure it's not yours.

"The key to successful home security is layers."

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Home Security Systems# 1 # 5# 3 # 7 # 9# 2 # 6# 4 # 8 # 1 0

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