Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!

<h1>Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!</h1>Author: <a title="Martin Underwood" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/martin-underwood/17036.htm">Martin Underwood</a> There is no doubt that the long lazy days of summer perk us all up and put a smile on our faces. No doubt either that the burglar is also perked up by summer because it is the season that many homeowners make things so easy for him.

The summer warmth means that it is time to open up the windows and let the breeze blow through the house. After all you are at home so what risk is there in opening up a window or two? Unfortunately many a homeowner has suddenly made the decision to take advantage of the weather to go out back and attend to a spell of gardening, forgetting that the windows at the front of the house are open.

Along comes Mr. Opportunist burglar. It does not take him long to size up the situation and see his opportunity. He may not even need to climb in through the window, he sees a couple of your items that are close, reaches in and takes them. The thief is not particularly looking for a rich haul, just something he can sell on to a fence to get him his fix for the day.

If he does climb into your home and rummage through your stuff, you will be unlikely to hear him; you are preoccupied with tending to your gladioli and hollyhocks.

Worse than leaving windows open and working in the back yard is making a trip to the store and leaving open windows. You are not safe by leaving upstairs windows open. Some burglars are very agile and it is no problem for them to climb on top of your garage or find some way to get in the window.

Burglars have also been known to climb in the open window of one room while the family sat in front of the TV in another room, no doubt with the sound turned up a little too loud.

Consider fitting window alarm screens. That way you can enjoy air blowing through your home and a good degree of protection. (You should not leave your home with the windows open even with alarm screens.)

Summer is vacation time, the great get-away. And that means more opportunity for the burglar. Before you leave for the big trip arrange with a neighbor that you trust to keep your lawns cut and your garden tidy. Ask you neighbor to pick up your mail and any flyers left in your porch, perhaps even park his or her car in your drive for part of the day. The idea is to make your home appear occupied.

Timer switches are not expensive and can be set to make a good job of switching on and off lights, TV sets and radios. Exterior lights should also be controlled by a timer. Activate your alarm system before you head off and have your home phone divert to your cell phone.

The longer summer days, in some neighborhoods, mean an increase of gangs and groups of teenagers hanging around street corners. Most of these mean no harm but sometimes can get a little rowdy. For others the longer days mean increased vandalism and petty crime. Not much you can do on your own, but by being an active member of your neighborhood watch you help prevent things getting out of hand.

Enjoy the summer, it is over much too soon, just take simple precautions to prevent the burglar from enjoying summer too much.

About the Author: Martin Underwood contributes articles about the steps that you can take to beat the burglar and protect your home to <a href="http://www.surveillanceforsecurity.com"> Surveillance For Security </a> The site that presents reviews and information about the best in home security, personal security and vehicle security. <a href="http://www.surveillanceforsecurity.com/remote-security-surveillance-cameras.html"> Remote Security Cameras </a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/summertime-and-the-thieving-is-easy-170520.html" title="Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!">Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!</a>

There is no doubt that the long lazy days of summer perk us all up and put a smile on our faces. No doubt either that the burglar is also perked up by summer because it is the season that many homeowners make things so easy for him.

The summer warmth means that it is time to open up the windows and let the breeze blow through the house. After all you are at home so what risk is there in opening up a window or two? Unfortunately many a homeowner has suddenly made the decision to take advantage of the weather to go out back and attend to a spell of gardening, forgetting that the windows at the front of the house are open.

Along comes Mr. Opportunist burglar. It does not take him long to size up the situation and see his opportunity. He may not even need to climb in through the window, he sees a couple of your items that are close, reaches in and takes them. The thief is not particularly looking for a rich haul, just something he can sell on to a fence to get him his fix for the day.

If he does climb into your home and rummage through your stuff, you will be unlikely to hear him; you are preoccupied with tending to your gladioli and hollyhocks.

Worse than leaving windows open and working in the back yard is making a trip to the store and leaving open windows. You are not safe by leaving upstairs windows open. Some burglars are very agile and it is no problem for them to climb on top of your garage or find some way to get in the window.

Burglars have also been known to climb in the open window of one room while the family sat in front of the TV in another room, no doubt with the sound turned up a little too loud.

Consider fitting window alarm screens. That way you can enjoy air blowing through your home and a good degree of protection. (You should not leave your home with the windows open even with alarm screens.)

Summer is vacation time, the great get-away. And that means more opportunity for the burglar. Before you leave for the big trip arrange with a neighbor that you trust to keep your lawns cut and your garden tidy. Ask you neighbor to pick up your mail and any flyers left in your porch, perhaps even park his or her car in your drive for part of the day. The idea is to make your home appear occupied.

Timer switches are not expensive and can be set to make a good job of switching on and off lights, TV sets and radios. Exterior lights should also be controlled by a timer. Activate your alarm system before you head off and have your home phone divert to your cell phone.

The longer summer days, in some neighborhoods, mean an increase of gangs and groups of teenagers hanging around street corners. Most of these mean no harm but sometimes can get a little rowdy. For others the longer days mean increased vandalism and petty crime. Not much you can do on your own, but by being an active member of your neighborhood watch you help prevent things getting out of hand.

Enjoy the summer, it is over much too soon, just take simple precautions to prevent the burglar from enjoying summer too much.

Martin Underwood contributes articles about the steps that you can take to beat the burglar and protect your home to Surveillance For Security The site that presents reviews and information about the best in home security, personal security and vehicle security. Remote Security Cameras

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/summertime-and-the-thieving-is-easy-170520.html

Article Tags: Home Security, Burglary, Crime Prevention, Housebreaker

Latest Home Security Articles
More from Martin Underwood

Safety First Is The Best All The Way Until The End

By: Oswald Melman | 09/07/2009
When you had your first child and your family was born, you probably thought all about how being a new mother or new father would change you.

Home Wireless Security Systems

By: Elijah James | 09/07/2009
Nowadays, the security of the home has become a very critical issue in the modern day life style. Luckily, there are a number of solutions which can solve some of the home security concerns.

Home Security- Motion Detector

By: Ava | 09/07/2009
Motion detector is a helpful product to protect your home from burglary. It can sense intruders within your home. This article will talk about the technology of motion detector and what it can be used for.

A Simple Guide to Locksmith Tools for Lock Picking

By: Julius Neilson | 08/07/2009
As with any other trade, locksmithing has its own set of unique tools. Looking at them piece by piece should be puzzling, if you do not have a background on locksmith service at all. Special tools are used for special purposes just like a carpenter’s hammer is used only for pounding nails into place. Locksmiths have a keen eye for detail as well as skilled and deft hands to pick on the tiny little parts and mechanisms of a lock.

Car Keys and Ignition Replacement

By: Julius Neilson | 08/07/2009
The evolution of technology has not only caused an upgrade of car mechanisms and features but has also improved the safety and security controls of a vehicle. If you have a new generation car, chances are it uses an extra ordinary electronic code same as that of the automobile’s engine management system.

Taking a Look at the Major Components of a Home Security System

By: George Sutherland | 08/07/2009
There are many different parts to a home security system, but there are three basic components that are almost always a necessity. When deciding which type of security system to install, here are some of the basics that you should be looking at. These three components alone can range from minimalistic to advanced.

Home Security at a Condominium Complex

By: Carly Kosiele | 08/07/2009
You will find that many people who live in condominiums don't take their home security as seriously as they should. However, if you live in a condo, you are as likely to become the victim of a burglary as those who live in suburbs or rural areas. You need to start thinking about the different things you can do to improve your home security.

Sturm Ruger Firearms – General Info and History of Company

By: Jason Rafeld | 08/07/2009
Ruger is also a huge player in the .22 rimfire rifle market, with their enormously popular Ruger 10/22 carbine and 10/22 rifle. This gun is owned by the vast majority of hunters and outdoorsmen, as well as gun enthusiasts. It is on more gun racks, and in more gun safes that any other .22 rifle.

Home Invasion Protection - Keeping Your Family Safe

By: Martin Underwood | 04/06/2009 | Home Security
Home invasion can be described as entering, either by force or by deception, an occupied property with the intention of committing a crime. Whereas the average burglar will select homes to break in to that look unoccupied, home invaders look for homes in which the residents appear to be in. This is the reason that invasions (aka hot burglaries,) mostly happen in the evening, at night or at the weekend.So why do these criminals target occupied homes? There are many reasons but often it is . . .

Get Your Stolen Property Back With Home Security Marking

By: Martin Underwood | 23/05/2009 | Home Security
Every police department recovers a large amount of stolen property, they would love to reunite that property with its rightful owners but unfortunately they often have no way to identify exactly who it is the items belong to. However there are simple steps that you can take that, should you be unfortunate enough to have property stolen from you, will help the police in getting your stuff back to you as soon as possible.

Shed Security, Keeping the Thief Out of Your Shed

By: Martin Underwood | 07/07/2008 | Home Security
What is in your garden shed? There is all your gardening equipment of course, from your rather costly lawn mower, garden cart, brand new chainsaw, your well used heavy duty garden hose, down to your more lowly hand held gardening tools. Yes, when you add it up there is a lot in your garden shed, plenty in there to interest a burglar. . .

Home Security Alarm Monitoring for Your Peace of Mind

By: Martin Underwood | 05/05/2008 | Home Security
While there are many benefits to home security alarm monitoring, there are some downsides as well. The ongoing cost of having such security can be quite substantial. The monitoring fee charged varies from company to company, but it typically ranges from around $10 at the low end to $50 per month. You may also consider being locked into a contract to be another downside. Again, the length of a security alarm monitoring contract varies, 36 months being fairly typical.

Changing Locks on Your New Home

By: Martin Underwood | 12/04/2008 | Home Security
If other people have owned, or rented, your home before you, this means that they must have had keys to your home. This means that changing the locks on your new abode is a top priority. But the folks that you bought your new home from are a real nice family and you reason that they would not sneak back with a spare set of keys and burgle you. Most probably not, but the thing is that you just don't know if they have handed out copies of the keys to your home. How do you know . . .

Illuminated House Numbers Can Help the Police and Aid Your Home Security

By: Martin Underwood | 14/03/2008 | Home Security
What happens then when the police are responding to a report of an intruder in your home, perhaps it was your monitored home security system that alerted them of the break-in. The officers do their best to reach your address in the quickest time possible tearing through the streets with sirens wailing. They reach your street but then are delayed because they can't immediately locate your house. Your house may be numbered but . . .

Increasing the Burglar's Fear and Reducing your Own

By: Martin Underwood | 20/01/2008 | Home Security
If we are away from our home for the day, perhaps at work, we might even spend the day worrying what we might find when we arrive back home. If a house on your block got broken into what is there to stop your house being burgled is the reasoning you may make. This reasoning is actually quite healthy, if you fear being burgled you may take steps to prevent it from happening. However, fearing burglary too much is . . .