5 Steps to Minimize Burglary Risk at Your Apartment

An open window, a badly hidden key, a mediocre lock or any seemingly minor error on your part could lead to a major burglary in your apartment. Statistics show that there are close to 4,000 burglary cases everyday in the country. Besides causing sizable economic loss, a burglary can also render your house vulnerable to future theft or larceny. While there is no way to prevent a burglary altogether, you can minimize the risk by following a few simple steps:

1. Get High Quality Locks and Alarm Systems

When it comes to buying locks and alarm systems for your apartment, don't compromise on the quality, even if it means spending a few extra dollars. Use double key deadbolts and always lock your front door, even if you are going away for a little while. At the same time, invest in a decent burglary alarm system. Even the most basic of these systems, which can be bought for as little as $20-25, will provide additional protection for your apartment. If you are building a new house, ask your architect about the latest safety measures. 

2. Keep Your House Safe when You are Going Out

Thieves usually strike when they have reason to believe that an apartment has been lying vacant for quite some time. If you are going out of town, make sure that you keep your lights on an automatic timer so that they light up in the evening for some time. You can also put your television and radio sets on timers. Additionally, alert the concerned services to hold your mail and newspapers while you are gone. A pile of unread newspapers is a definite sign of a vacant house. By following these simple steps, you can minimize the risk of a burglary when you are away. 

3. Safeguard Your Windows

More often than not, thieves enter an apartment through the windows instead of the doors. According to recommendations by the NYPD, you must install double-pane glass in your windows because it is harder to break than single-pane glass. Make sure that the window isn't too close to the main door as a thief could enter through the window and exit through the door in no time. To deter burglars, place a thorny plant next to a window; nobody fancies jumping onto a cactus plant. 

4. Place Lights Strategically Around Your House

A well-lit house is more difficult to break into simply because there aren't enough places for a thief to hide. Place a flurry of lights, preferably motion detector lights, around your house. 

5. Keep Your Vacations to Yourself

While you might be tempted to tell the world about your upcoming vacation, it is always a good idea to keep it low-key. If you start advertising your holiday, there is a fair chance that a thief might get a tip-off. Having said as much, do inform your neighbors or a friend about your vacation and ask them to swing by the house once or twice to make sure everything is alright.