Burglars Steal More than Your Possessions

What would go through your mind if you came home from work or a vacation and found that burglars had been there? Insurance can replace the objects they’ve taken or any damage they’ve done. But burglars take more than mere things. They steal your peace of mind and your sense of security…and those are much harder to replace.

Property Crime is a Problem in Our Area

Property crime showed up just last week on the website of Denver’s Channel 7. A story titled, “Thieves target unlocked sliding glass doors, unlocked gates,” highlighted a series of burglaries in the Stapleton neighborhood – some even when the homeowners were home.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uses three classifications in regard to property crime:

• Burglary (entering a building with the intent to commit a crime);
• Theft-Larceny (the illegal taking of physical objects); and
• Motor Vehicle Theft

According to FBI statistics covering the period from January 2017 through June 2018, there were:

• 10,884 incidents of property crime in Aurora (population 368,018; 29.67 per 1,000 residents)
• 1,860 incidents of property crime in Centennial (population 111,416; 16.69 per 1,000 residents)
• 25,202 incidents of property crime in Denver (population 706,616; 35.66 per 1,000 residents)

Based on these numbers, it’s clear that burglars and thieves are finding plenty to keep themselves busy in Aurora, Centennial, and Denver.

Practical, Effective Tips to Protect Your Home from Burglars

It’s just good sense to do what you can to prevent break-ins and theft in the first place. So my question is…what message is your home sending to burglars? I recently watched a webinar on neighborhood safety, and it inspired me to pass along these practical, effective burglary prevention tips from HomeAdvisor.

Protecting Your Home from Burglary and Property Crime from the Outside

• Trim walkway and entryway shrubs so burglars don’t have a place to hide.
• Keep expensive cars, bikes, and other recreational equipment safely inside a locked garage.
• Use curtains or blinds on basement and first floor windows.
• Invest in motion-detector lights for your driveway, walkway, entry, and patio/deck.
• Get to know your neighbors so you can alert each other if something looks “off.”
• Tuck those toys and tools (especially ladders) inside when not in use.
• Trim trees around two-story homes to prevent access from trees planted close to the foundation.
• Lock fences, gates, and garages when not in use.
• Ensure your house number can be see at night by first responders; check with your HOA to be aware of any restrictions on size or type.
• If you can’t park your locked car in a locked garage, park in a well-lit area and remove all temptations from the vehicle. This includes keys, garage door openers, purses/backpacks, GPS devices, etc.

Protecting Your Home from Burglary and Property Crime from the Inside

• Keep all windows and doors locked at all times – certainly when you leave, but also when you’re home.
• Moving into a new home? Change all the locks (or have your landlord do so, if you’re renting).
• Invest in a home safe or lockbox to store birth certificates, passports, and other important documents and items. Keep it locked when not in use. If possible, have it bolted to the floor to further deter burglars.
• Don’t label your keys, and don’t stash spares outside or on the body of your vehicle. Better to leave a spare with a family member, friend, or trusted neighbor.
• Consider a home security system. There are many affordable options on the market these days, with some offering the ability to monitor and control from your phone.

Additional Benefits of Crime Prevention

The most immediate benefit you’ll reap from taking these crime prevention steps is greater peace of mind and a greater sense of security. But let’s not overlook the potential for monetary benefits. Check with your homeowners’ insurance company about discounts for implementing security measures.

If it’s time to buy or sell a home, I’d love to help you! See what my clients are saying about me and then give me a call at 303-204-6494.