Residential security

by Juan A. Garcia Jr.

One of the most overlooked and neglected security practices today is residential security. Many individuals truly believe that just shutting windows, closing curtains, and locking doors is all that it takes to secure their safety. Unfortunately too many people are learning that these rudimentary procedures are non-effective against criminal predators looking for easily accessible homes. It is important to harden your home and make it an unattractive target for criminals.

Roughly one out of every three home burglaries / invasions turn physically violent with some escalating into murders. As the real estate market continues to grow in Baja California the opportunities for home invasions there will increase. Unfortunately many incidents will never be reported, and that in itself is a big mistake. Only when Mexican officials are faced with a negative wave of publicity that American expatriates are being targeted will security efforts improve. The same sorts of situations are also becoming more common in other Latin American countries that are attracting retirees from the USA.

It does not matter if you live on the 17^th floor of a fancy and exclusive condominium complex you are still a potential target. The reality is that some complex employees will act as scouts for easy targets. If you’re an American you are labeled as wealthy by the fact that you have a residence in Latin America, especially if it’s a beach front condominium. The point here is that even in a guarded complex you must apply sound home security procedures. Overall, though, living in a complex is much safer than living in a single family home --- but there is still the chance for a residential crime to be committed.

Imagine sitting at home with your loved one when all of the sudden your lives are shattered by the violent intrusion of criminals pointing weapons at your heads for intimidation purposes. Many people never recover from that invasion of privacy and abuse. They choose to sell their house and leave out of fear and disgust at being violated.

Like all security matters there are steps that can be taken reduce the chances of being targeted by criminals. Here are some proactive steps that every homeowner should implement to strengthen his or her residential security posture.

·        When you move into a home inquire who else might have keys to all doors and entry ways. The best course of action is to change all your locks with at least a one-inch deadbolt double-cylinder locks made out of case-hardened steel which uses a metal strike plate.

·        If you residence has a ground level sliding glass door utilize a metal bar that mounts half way up the door. This prevents the sliding glass door from being opened if the lock is breached, plus it makes it harder for the criminal to maintain silence while executing the attack.

·        Make sure you place window safety locks on all windows which prevent them from being opened more than 4-6 inches. Again if the windows are forced to open it will alert the victim of the crime being committed. You can also drill small holes that will hold pins and bolts. If you live in a single family home pay and get welded window fixtures placed outside.

·        Have a home defense plan in case you are alerted of an invasion. Set up a safe room. If possible your safe room should be re-enforced door with dead-bolt lock. Also insure you have a flashlight, an extra set of house keys, and cellular phone available. Practice your home defense plan.

·        Never place an extra key in an outside hiding place.

·        If you have a garage door do not keep the opener in your vehicle.

·        Make sure you maintain proper lighting throughout the outside of your home. Use motion sensor or photoelectric lights for the outside patios and entry ways. If away on a trip use timers to turn on lights to give the appearance of being home.

·        Do not disclose personal information about schedules to anyone but trusted family members and friends. Minimize entry into your home and do not keep large amounts of cash and jewelry in the residence. If you have such valuables do not let it be known.

·        Maintain your lawn shrubbery so that you have a clear field of vision outside.

·        Get an alarm system of reputable quality. Be careful because if the company is mixed in with the criminal element you’ve just given a free look into the inside of your home.

·        If possible get a dog. It does not have to be a big one, but one that barks. If you can afford to get a larger dog and put him/her through some training this is even better. Dogs make great warning systems and are deterrence. Many lives have been saved by dogs being the critical line of defense in violent situations.

·        Use a two piece key ring that separates the car keys from the home keys. This is important when dropping a car off to be detailed, getting valet parking, or maintenance done. If you use a home key box make sure it has a locking device and is in an inconspicuous location.

·        If you can get a PO Box mailbox system and use it.

Residential security is and should be an important part of our daily lives. Many of us have a sense of security at home. We feel that bad things could happen while traveling in a car, walking down a street, withdrawing money from an ATM machine, but nothing is ever going to happen to us while we are in the safe confines of our castles. This feeling leads to complacency about residential security.

Some of the worst crimes committed in history have occurred while burglaries and home invasions have gone down. It is up to you to make sure you hardened your residential security posture. An invasion of our homes whether we are present or not is one of the most terrifying events that will ever happen to us. Be prepared for the unexpected!