Protect your home with simple measures

Although Kerala has one of the lowest crime-rates among the States in India, our wealthy NRI homes sometimes fall prey to thieves and burglary, especially when the family is away. An important step in preventing burglary and increasing your home protection is making sure that your home is as secure as possible. Many homes are easy targets for burglaries without you even realizing it, especially new homes.

Simple everyday measures can be taken to increase your home security without even purchasing a security system. The following is a home protection checklist that hits on important security issues:

• Burglars prefer to target empty residences

Piled up newspapers is a sign that you are not at home, so make sure you stop your newspapers when you go on vacation and have a neighbor pick up your mail. Although it is a bit difficult, it's a good idea to leave your drapes/curtains slightly open and set your television, radio, and lights on timers so it looks like someone is home. If you can, leave a car in your driveway, even if it's your relative's.

• 90% of all intruders choose not to enter a residence that is well lit

Be sure that you have lights installed around your home, particularly around your front door, driveway and rear porch or patio. Most intruders don't get the idea to break into your home until you give it to them.

• Most burglars look for something worth stealing

Making valuables visible from outside the home, such as having bikes, tools and appliances visible from outside and your shades and curtains open to view home electronics and other valuable items. Be sure to put your home to bed at night by making sure all shades and curtains are closed and all points of entry are locked. It's also a good idea to get in the habit of locking first floor windows.

• Burglars observe your daily behaviors

Regular routines give burglars an estimated amount of time to complete their job, which allows them to be more careful without getting caught. Try not to be too predictable with your daily schedule, come home earlier or leave late for work on some days. Everyone likes to have a spare key hidden, but choose your spot carefully. Avoid common spots like under the doormat, above doorways or anywhere close to the door.

• Over 40% of home burglaries are termed by police as "no force" entries

Leaving your home with windows or doors unlocked or even open is an invitation for burglars to come in. You and your family have to practice and remind each other to always close and lock all doors and windows when leaving the house unattended for several hours.

• Don't let them know who you are

It may go without saying, but it is worth repeating: a lost key with no address is worthless to a thief but it's like a treasure map if your address or name is on key.

If you have installed a Home security device like a burglar alarm, remember to lock the door and arm your security system. Locks and security alarms cannot provide home protection unless they are used properly.

As in many developed countries, you can also enlist the help of neighbors and start a neighborhood night watch in your place in Kerala. A neighborhood watch is a support group in which all neighbors in your community help each other by watching each other's homes. Neighborhood night watches are especially great for communities where there is a high crime rate or many elderly people who live around the area. A burglar will not be able to get away as quickly if he has more than one person keeping an eye out. In fact, having a neighborhood watch may be enough to deter an intruder all together.

Remember that your home is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. Most people only think about making their home secure after a burglary has occurred.

To determine how secure your home is, think like a robber. Below are a few points to consider in order preventing break-in.

How do thieves enter your house?

• By picking the padlock/ grille using a screwdriver or any sharp object
• By opening the window grill using a jack
• By sawing/ cutting the padlock using a cutter
• By entering through the roof (altering the roof tiles)
• By entering through the ceiling after breaking it
• By entering through open windows, doors or gates
• By using duplicate/ master keys
• By posing as bogus officers
• By entering through an unoccupied neighbouring house or shop

How can you prevent house Break-Ins?

• Install a door viewer at your main door and observe other safety precautions such as having your door chained with a padlock
• Your exterior doors should be constructed of solid wood or metal for the most protection against break-ins
• Leave your lights on when you are out so as to give the impression that there is someone at home
• Have adequate lightings outside your house. Keep your front and back porch lights on (advise to be from 7:00pm to 7:00am)
• Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your house while you are out
• Ensure that all gates, doors and windows are locked before you go out or go to bed
• Do not hide keys outside your premises. House breakers know all these hiding places
• Equip your house with a security system
• Ensure that your garden is clean – cut grass and trim bushes to eliminate hiding places

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