Survey Finding Homeowners Make Break-ins too Easy Prompts Homeowners

Survey Finding Homeowners Make Break-ins too Easy Prompts Homeowners

A Consumer Reports National Research Center survey finds that all too often people make it easy for burglars to target their house or car."About half of all break-ins aren't break-ins but walk-ins," Bob Portenier, consultant, lecturer, and former burglar told Consumer Reports.Of those responding to the survey, 19% said they do not always lock their doors, 26% stated that their windows are not always locked, and 43% admitted to not always turning on their residential alarm systems when they are away.Officials from the Riverside Police Department in Southern California agree, noting it’s no time to be complacent about home and auto security.

"Families get in a hurry in the morning—kids going to school, running late for work, doctors' appointments, what have you—and forget to take that one or two minutes to check the doors and locks, usually on the back side. You have a pet, you let it out to do its business—and then forget the security French door or sliding glass door," said Portenier.“Deadbolt locks are helpful, as long as they are locked,” said Riverside Police Service Representative Nancy Castillo, who meets with neighborhood watch groups, seniors, and business organizations.

In addition to owning a house security system, there are many things you can do to make your home as safe as possible. Many of the best ways to improve your home security are surprisingly cheap and easy to do,Shrewsbury firm removes crime camera after mistaking it for competitor spy cam, Castillo told Home Security Store.“A security sign posted out on your lawn is a deterrent; but so is a large dog dish or a man’s boots sitting on a front porch. No one knows what kind of dog or how large a man goes along with those items,” said Castillo.