Recently my husband and I had something terrible happen in our neighborhood, even more so for the people directly affected. Our neighbor just had her apartment broken into, and all her valuables taken. Thankfully someone noticed something was up, and got the license plate down and description of the car before they got away. It seems like these thieves are making their way around town because someone I just met had their apartment broken into as well. Same MO.
It got me to thinking how all of us need to be extra careful when we leave our homes. We never who could be watching and getting to know our schedules. My neighbor suspects the thieves knew she wasn’t at home because she had left for work that day and taken her car. Which is weird because she doesn’t have a parking spot in our shared lot. Our apartment was much easily accessible when hers is on the second floor, but someone is always home in our case. Then when I spoke to another neighbor about the incident he mentioned seeing the getaway car parked in our lot just a few weeks ago.
Lesson learned, if you see something suspicious it doesn’t hurt to report it or ask around. We all ignored the warning signs prior to this happening, and maybe if we had taken action our neighbor’s apartment may have not been broken into. Talk to your neighbors and ask them if they’ve seen anyone suspicious lurking around. The best advice I can give you how to prevent a break-in is to always BE AWARE. We all live in a building where many of us were home that day, an apartment still got broken into. Watch out for each other and if you suspect you see a break-in happening get help or call the police. Remember, your life is more important than any material things. Below are tips how to prevent a break-in from ever happening, so you don’t find ever find yourself in a vulnerable position with your home broken into.
Learn how to prevent a break-in by following these easy steps.
Hide your valuables. If you can easily see your new TV from across the street maybe it’s time to consider curtains. If someone does break in at least make it hard for them to find the good stuff. If burglars have to spend a lot of time searching around for something they might just leave your apartment trashed but empty handed.
Check if you can open your windows from outside. One time I locked myself out of our ground floor apartment so I went outside to see if I could get through the window. The windows leading into my living room were locked, but when I tried my bathroom window I got lucky. I had just enough space to slip in and get my feet on the toilet. I didn’t even scrape myself! I was shocked when I realized how easy it was for others to get in as well.
Consider installing security systems. I’m even thinking about trying to find an ADT sticker to put on my window. That should be enough, right? Even if a burglar thinks my apartment is rigged it might deter them from trying their luck.
This goes hand in hand with making sure your windows can’t open up from the outside. The summer months people always leave their windows open and install air conditioners. Make sure you can’t open the window from outside if you have an air conditioner installed.
Never be too trusting of strangers who have easy access to your apartment. If you live in an apartment complex get to know your superintendent if you haven’t already. They almost always have an extra key to your apartment in case you get locked outside or they need to go inside to fumigate. In my experience most superintendents are hard working and deserve a pay raise, but we have had our suspicions too.
Leave your radio on. I mean that’s up to you to decide if you want to use all that electricity, but I tend to leave my radio on if I’m just going down the street to the pharmacy.
Don’t announce to the world you’re leaving for vacation. Tell one or two people you trust and leave it at that. Wait until after you get home to post photos of your trip to the beach on Facebook. Burglars are always on the look out for homes where their occupants might be gone for a few days.
If you aren’t already, get friendly with your neighbors. If they see something suspicious they can alert you right away. Neighbors who look for each other always wins over any home security system.
Don’t open the door for your anybody. I can ring anyone in to the complex with the buzzer, but if I don’t recognize someone I’m not going to let them in. No matter how many times they tell me their friends with the guy in A2.
Stop leaving notes for your delivery guy when you’re not home. That’s basically announcing you’re not home.
That’s all for my tips on how to prevent a break-in and protect your home. I’m sure there are many more things you can do to protect your home and belongings, but these are just my two cents. Do you have any tips you can add to this list? Comment below your suggestions.
I would assume most burglars are opportunistic, but it seems like in our case we were being watched for weeks prior to the robbery in our complex. If a break-in does happen to you protect yourself first. Material things can be replaced, but the lives of your family can’t be.
Dmitry @TravelTechGadgets says
Great info. I especially agree with getting to know those in your building and the super. they know everyone in the building. Another great point is “Don’t announce to the world you’re leaving for vacation. ” I would also add not to overshare on any social media.
I did a post on my site regarding things to do before heading out on vacation, link to it below
Dmitry @TravelTechGadgets recently posted…The Future Of Human-Independent Travel Is Almost Here
cheryl says
Loved your article. great info