According to the FBI a burglar enters a US home every 11 seconds. So the numbers are on the rise thanks in large part to our down economy. So, what’s a home owner to do? Here are a few tips on how to theft proof your home.

Burglaries are up 15% this past year. They’ll be in and out of your house in a matter of seconds and they’ll grab whatever they can and then be out of the door. They’re looking for people that aren’t paying attention, for homes that aren’t properly secured.

80% of all Americans at some time will become a victim of some type of theft.

Robert Siciliano is a security expert and offers these tips;

  • Be sure to have automatic outdoor lights installed around your home. It’s best to keep them on at all times, but if your neighbors don’t appreciate the excessive light, or you’d like to cut costs on your energy bills, be sure to at least set up some motion sensor lights around your home.
  • Leave a TV on when you leave the home. Even if you’re only going to be gone for a few minutes. The sound from the TV gives any potential thieves the impression that somebody is still in the home.
  • If you’re not at home or your going to bed, be sure to close and lock your windows.
  • Make sure your doors are sturdy! Solid metal, fireproof doors, with no windows work great! If your front door has windows a burglar can easily break in a window and unlock the door from the inside.
  • In addition to your front door’s doorknob lock, be sure to install a deadbolt and peephole.
  • A monitored alarm system can help secure your home and link it to law enforcement. It will activate if a door has unexpectidly been opened or a window. If you have a home security system, be sure to use it!
  • Don’t announce vacations on social media sites.