Crime rates decreased when the pandemic hit, but they eventually rose again. Multiple crimes happen every minute in the United States, and although most of these crimes are non-violent, they are still a cause for concern.
The most common form of crime in the country is property crime. Property crimes are defined as crimes that involve the taking of property, but there is no force or threat of force used against the victim. Larceny or theft is the most common type of property crime, followed by burglary.
These crimes can have a significant impact on the victim. Not only can they lose their possessions, but they can also suffer from emotional trauma. This is why it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your property. Here are five ways you can protect yourself from such crimes.
Be aware of your surroundings
The first thing you should do is ensure that you live in a good neighborhood. Be aware of the people who live around you and their activities. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the authorities.
You should also be aware of your surroundings when you are out in public. Pay close attention to the people around you and keep your belongings close to you. For example, if you are carrying a purse or backpack, keep it in front of you.
Always make sure that you can see your belongings, and don’t be afraid to switch your backpack towards your front, covering your chest. This way, you can see your bag no matter what.
Secure all entry points in your house
One of the best ways to protect your home is to make it difficult for burglars to get in. Start by ensuring that all doors and windows are locked. Also, ensure that these locks are strong and cannot be easily picked. Aside from your doors, make sure that other entryways are also secured.
Survey your home, and check for any entrances that might exist. Most people miss the outside access to the basement, and often burglars can squeeze through this entrance and into your home. Consider installing a steel window cover to close off this entrance. Ensure that people can’t open the lid from the outside and that it’s robust enough to take a blow.
By securing all entry points to your home, you make it much harder for criminals to break in.
Install a security system
One of the best ways to protect yourself from burglars is to install a home security system. These systems can be costly, but they are worth the investment. Home security systems typically include door and window sensors and motion detectors.
Some systems will also include cameras that can monitor the inside and outside of your home. If you opt for a system with cameras, make sure that they are placed in strategic locations to cover as much ground as possible.
In addition to deterring burglars, security systems can also help quickly alert the authorities if a break-in occurs.
Keep valuables hidden and out of sight
Another way to protect your home is to keep all valuables hidden and out of sight. Burglars are typically looking for easy targets, and if they can see that you have valuable items in your home, they are more likely to target your home.
Keep all valuables hidden away in a safe or lockbox. If you have to keep them out in the open, make sure they are well hidden. For example, you might keep a safe behind a piece of furniture or in a closet.
You should also avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your home. If you must keep some money at home, make sure it is hidden away in a safe place.
Learn Self-Defense
Lastly, one of the best ways to protect yourself from burglars is to learn self-defense. This way, if a burglar does break into your home, you will be able to defend yourself. There are many different self-defense techniques that you can learn, so find one that works best for you and practice it regularly.
However, remember only to get a gun if you need it. If you don’t feel comfortable using a gun, don’t get one.
Be vigilant
The best way to protect yourself against burglars and thieves is to be vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of any suspicious activity. If you see something, say something.
In addition to being vigilant, you should also take measures to protect your home against burglars. By following the tips above, you can make it much more difficult for criminals to target your home.
