Home Security

It's something most of us don't like to think could happen, but the fact is, it does. While Minneapolis and St Paul rank relatively low in the national averages of crime statistics, it still doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Because this is a real estate blog, I've included a few ways below to protect your home and real estate from crime.

Doors
Solid core or metal doors are harder to break into. Using a high quality dead bold with a knob-in-lock set helps to reinforce your doors. A solid strike plate with 4 or more 3" screws helps reinforce the jamb. For sliding glass doors, use a secondary blocking devise at the base of the slide to make it more difficult to force open. Alarm decals and anti-lift mechanisms on sliders also help prevent burglars from gaining access. 

Windows
Windows left open need a secondary locking device that prevents them from being opened from the outside more than 6" - although I've heard of robbers getting in spaces just slightly larger than that. (Sadly, some send children in through small spaces to unlock a door for the parties gain entry).  

Lighting
Use timers on lighting inside to establish a nighttime lighting pattern. Burglars might be less inclined to entry when they think someone is home. Exterior lighting should broadcast at least 100 feet from the source so you are able to identify persons fleeing a scene. Many security systems also allow you turn lights on and off remotely. Other systems can alert you via your smartphone as to when someone has gained entry to your property. Motion detector lights around your property are also helpful as is being consistent about keeping your porch light on every night. 

Another way to help deter thieves is to be a good neighbor. Reporting suspicious behavior, no matter how benign it may seem, helps police prevent future crimes. The best way to report any and all suspicious behavior is by dialing 911, even if it doesn't seem like there is imminent danger. You can remain anonymous. When you leave town, alert a trusted neighbor you're leaving and provide them with contact information should something happen to your property. Often, the police must speak with you before they can enter the site of a burglary. 

Common sense plays a big roll in preventing crime to your real estate. Locking doors, mowing your lawn, moving cars and taking in mail all show homeowner activity on your property. Thieves are typically not very intelligent and out smarting them is rather easy, therefore, being alert and aware of the condition of your property is an exceptional way to deter crime. 

These are only a few ideas and lots more reading can be done online about home security and crime prevention. I encourage all of my clients to look at local crime statistics in the areas they are interested in living in. Realtors are prohibited from providing this information, although, we are allowed to provide non-opinion based resources that have crime statistic data to our clients. Please feel free to contact me for more information on this and other real estate topics. 

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