Imagine returning home to find your front door open, a ransacked home and valuables missing. One of the first questions you might ask is, how could this have happened?
While Fort Lauderdale remains a relatively safe city in which to live, the simple fact is crime happens. No one wants to be a victim of a home burglary. Fortunately there are steps you can take to help protect your Fort Lauderdale home from burglary.
Below are tips from your friendly neighborhood burglar. While we’ve taken a humorous approach to sharing tips on how to avoid home burglary, we realize crime is no laughing matter. We hope these tips will help to keep you and your loved-ones safe.
1. Great ladder
Some refer to me as a social climber, especially when I discover a ladder next to your home or in your backyard. I can easily lean the ladder against your home and reach a second-story window. My job is even easier when your upper story windows aren’t wired to a home security system.
To discourage my social ascension, store your ladder in a locked garage and call your security company to wire upper-story windows to your home alarm system.
Vertically yours,
A rising star
2. Loved your trash
Some people like window shopping, I prefer driving through neighborhoods on trash day (especially after big gift occasions) to see what types of empty boxes you’ve left on the curb. Your thoughtfulness made it easier for me to determine which home had my new laptop and flat-screen television.
To discourage my version of window-shopping, break down boxes and conceal them in trash or recycling bins.
Sincerely,
Curbside Cruiser
3. Dear Procrastinator
Thank you for not getting around to trimming trees and hedges around your home. You helped provide an ideal place for me to hide while I worked to break into your home.
I’m shy and like to work in private. Next time, trim back bushes and trees near windows and doors. Make sure your home’s entry points are easily visible from the street and consider installing motion-sensor lighting.
Yours truly,
The Tree Lover
4. Su casa es mi casa!
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I found your back door was made of wood. I thought everyone in Fort Lauderdale had steel doors. I had no trouble kicking in the door and making myself at home. Imagine how silly I felt when I noticed you had unlocked windows.
Steel exterior doors with deadbolts and locked windows are a strong deterrent. To make my job even more difficult, consider installing impact-resistant windows. I don’t have the energy to break through those.
Your friend,
Door Buster
5. Mirror, Mirror
The mirror you have in the entry hall is beautiful! It helped me see from the window that your alarm system wasn’t armed.
To deter a Peeping Tom, position your hallway mirror so that it does not reflect your alarm system in a window.
Your admirer,
Mr. Peeper
6. Telltale Signs
You really have a green thumb! I passed by your home a few times and noticed your lawn was getting rather tall, newspapers were piling up on the front steps, and your shades were always closed. To me, that’s an invitation.
In the future, hire someone you trust to mow regularly, pick up mail and newspapers, open and close various window shades, and turn different lights on and off. One more thing: Lock any car you leave in the driveway, or I can use your garage door opener to get in quickly.
Regards,
Your Trip Advisor
7. Carrying Case
Thank you for putting your valuables into a portable safe that I could carry right out your back door. The jewelry and cash came in handy.
Next time, invest in a wall safe, which I rarely attempt to open. Or, consider renting a lock box at your bank.
With appreciation,
Mr. Safe and Not-So-Sound
8. Status Update
You’re so good at keeping up with your social network status updates. How else do you think I found out you would be away for a week enjoying a skiing vacation? While you were away, I enjoyed taking my time visiting your home.
Social networks can be a good way of keeping in touch with friends and family. Think about posting holiday information after the fact.
Sincerely,
Cyber BFF
9. Tag, you’re it!
Where are you? When you use popular geo-tracking apps, such as FourSquare, I might know if you’re not home. Web sites such as www.pleaserobme.com help me keep track of your whereabouts.
If you prefer that I not visit your home, be careful about geo-tagging. But, otherwise, thank you for the loot!
All the best,
Just Tagging Along
10. Thanks for the appointment
Thanks for inviting me into your home to view the laptop you wanted to sell. I do apologize for the scare I gave you when I took it (and your wallet).
Did you know that some large U.S. cities are averaging one so-called “robbery by appointment” per day? If you want to sell high-ticket items to strangers, I suggest you arrange to meet at the parking lot of your local police station. I definitely won’t show up, and you’ll still have your valuables.
Regards,
A Tough Sell
You’ve taken a great first step by learning how to protect your home from unwanted guests. Now, all you have to do is implement some or all of the suggestions, so you can avoid home burglary. Your safety is important to us.
