If you’ve ever wondered whether security cameras and alarms are effective at deterring burglars, the answer is yes – and that comes from a very reliable source: burglars.
KGW-TV asked 86 inmates convicted of burglary what would make them more likely to rob a home, and which things would deter them …
Lock your doors and windows
You might think that’s a statement of the obvious, but unlocked doors and windows are actually the single most common way for a burglar to enter a home, reports CNET.
Many people do lock their homes when they leave for the day, but a surprising number will leave a door unlocked or a window open if they’re just heading out for a short time, or when they are in the home – and opportunist thieves will take advantage of this.
Garages are another common entry route. If your garage is unlocked, and so is a connecting door into your home, that’s another open invitation.
Security cameras and alarms
Asked if they would be less likely to break into a home with visible security cameras, most burglars surveyed said yes. However, if you’re relying on a smart doorbell camera, you might want to add signage which warns that cameras are fitted, as not all criminals will recognize these.
Audible alarms are also effective, with felons saying that they would leave the property immediately when an alarm sounds.
Motion-sensitive external lights are also a good deterrent, lighting up the exterior of your home and making it harder for a burglar to approach unseen.
Photo: Google Nest
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