My House Was Robbed This Week - Safety Measures?

Question

I'm looking for additional ways to ensure that the theives don't come back and can't get in again.

I'd like to get an alarm system but the minimum requirement is 3-years and we're selling the house in the spring.

We've changed the locks and made sure all of the windows and sliding doors have sticks in them.

Really our peace of mind and security was stolen above all else, and we're trying to get that back.

I'd love advice.

Answer 1

The advice I would like to give you if you are mostly away from home for a long periods of time such as a week. I would buy some timers for the lights, and have them set to turn on at a certain time The timers are very cheap, (They are only about $5 or $6 each) You can have one in the bedroom, and in the kitchen. OR you could have one in the living room. You can have the timer set for an example to turn on the light in the living room at 7PM, and go off about midnight, and have another light in the bedroom go on at 5PM, and go off at 2AM, of which ever you prefer. The timers do come in handy, because if you work most of the day, you can have them turn on the light in the kitchen for an example an hour before you get home. You can also leave a light on all the time if you feel you need to.

Another thing you can do if you are away from home a long periods of time such as a week, you can have the Post Office hold you mail, and have your newspaper on hold.

Talk to your neighbors, and have them watch the house from time to time, and if they see something suspicious, they should call the police. Also try to get a lock for your screen door with a key.

Hope this helps, and hope you don't get robbed again.

Answer 2

You may want to cut back any large shrubs that are blocking your windows, so robbers will no have a place to hide from view also papers in the driveway is a sure sign no one is home. Put on motion detecting lights around house these lights will turn on when someone approaches and light up the area. Put a alarm sign on property, these can be bought in Home Depot or Lowe's. Even though you don't have an alarm the burglar does not know that. Hope this has helped you some what.

Answer 3

Add additional deadbolts and those wondow alarms to all exterior doors and windows, annoying but effective. Alert your neighbors so they can help watch. You can get an electronic dog barker that barks at movement (You just turn it on when you leave or at night). Add motion detector lights all around your house Might bug you the first few nights when a cat sets them off but you'l get used to it and burglars hate being in the spotlight) Getting signs and stickers from Alarm companies (You can get them online) make a big statement. Buy a big dog dish with "Butch" or something else intimidating and leave it in plain view in your backyard. Make sure your cars have alarms (even cheap ones) and that they are parked in the garage (might take a little cleaning). Last but not least be careful of your trash, especially with Christmas coming up. Don't throw away boxes for electronics or other expensive stuff. I had an old felonous friend who would drive around in December scoping houses by the Christmas trash they threw away.

Answer 4

Did they steal alot of thing or anything very expensive? I'm sure you told the police. Did they say you should be careful? Cause maybe if you're concerned they will keep a watch out. It worth a shot!

Do you get a long w/ your neighbors? You could ask them to keep an eye out when you go out. Like when you even go to the store or anythinng like that. Tell them to call the police if you they see anything out of the ordinary.

Can you buy a certain timer? I've seen on tv where people have dogs barking to make it sound like they have large dogs. Like instead of the alarm, the barking will start and scare the people away.

Also keep lights on and maybe the tv. Make it look like someone is home. Good luck.

Answer 5

There are many things you can do to help prevent someone from breaking into your home. Installing security lighting helps if your concerns are at night. Additionally, if you have shrubs or trees near your house make sure to trim them back so that they don't become hiding places. Take a look at your locks and think about updating if need be. Last, if you don't decide to get the alarm atleast get the alarm sign. Talking to your neighbors about watching out for one another can help.

Answer 6

The single best deterrent for thieves is a DOG.
Even if it's a small dog, barking at the intruders is not something they want to happen!

Always lock all doors & windows, and put in some motion detector lights.
Good luck---my peace of mind would be sorely tested also!

Answer 7

You can put a stop stick under your doorknobs. It's like taking a wooden chair and wedging it under the doorknob so nobody can break in. That's the old fashioned way. I bought stop sticks at Menards (my local homecenter - like Lowes). They are about 40 inches tall, metal, fairly heavy, and the height is adjustable to fit your door. Mine were white. The top is u-shaped to fit under the doorknob, and the bottom has a rubber, non-slip foot/ base. When you leave the house, you can put them behind all your doors except the door that you leave out of. When you sleep at night, you can secure all your doors.

Answer 8

You can do all the above but......what thieves are really worried about are armed homeowners! Do all the things these good folk suggest , then get a big picture of a gun and a sign that states this property is protected by SIG ARMS or Smith and Western, place it in front and back windows.. You cant tell me they wont think twice before breaking in.

Answer 9

Certainly a lot of information is available. One of the finest informative sources I've seen is a discovery channel show called "It takes a thief". Just google "it takes a thief show" and you will get the link. The show stars reformed burglers who "break in" to homes by request to find weaknesses in home security and then repair those weaknesses. Very, Very illuminating and it will help you to keep your security high until you sell your home. We all deserve to feel safe in our homes and this will help you tighten things up.

Answer 10

electric timers, (to turn radio/tv/lights on and off), sensor lighting, (cheap these days) and easy to install, deadlocks, (for doors), and secondary window locks, (keyed).
# you may also inquire, a price/quote, for a live security service.
best of luck.